Understanding SR-22 insurance in Ohio

SR-22 insurance isn't a type of insurance. It's a form your insurance company files with the state to prove you have the minimum car insurance required to drive in Ohio. SR-22 insurance generally refers to auto insurance coverage that requires an SR-22 filed by your insurance company for you.

Most drivers in Ohio don't need SR-22 insurance. Drivers who do need an SR-22 have been convicted of serious violations like reckless driving, DUIs, or multiple offenses in a short time. If you are required to file an SR-22, you will be informed of how long you need to keep it.

"Certain things trigger the requirement for an SR-22 filing, such as a DUI, having a lot of points on your license, getting into an accident without insurance, or having your license suspended or revoked. But in every case, the driver is notified by the DMV that they are required to have this form. You would have to check the box that you are required to have an SR 22 filing. The insurance company typically charges a fee to file or maintain that filing, which varies by insurance company," says Dorothy Cato with Skyway Insurance Services LLC in Monroe, North Carolina.

How much does SR-22 insurance cost in Ohio?

Filing an SR-22 form is inexpensive, but the fines and higher insurance rates will be pricey. On average, SR-22 insurance in Ohio costs $1,703, but rates depend on the driver and the violation.

Insurance rates vary from company to company, so it's best to shop around to find the cheapest SR-22 insurance available.

Average SR-22 insurance cost in Ohio by violation

Your insurance rates don't increase because of the SR-22. The SR-22 is required because of a violation, and it's the violation that increases your rates.

For instance, you may require an SR-22 for a DUI or driving without insurance. The car insurance rate increase will be based on the infraction, not the SR-22.

This table shows the average costs for violations requiring an SR-22. The rates vary depending on the violation.

ViolationAverage annual premium
Driving without insurance$2,068
DUI/DWI first offense$2,514
DUI/DWI second offense$3,806
Reckless driving$2,556
SR22 Filing Only$1,703
SR22 with 1 DUI$2,962

SR-22 insurance cost by company for a first DUI

Erie Insurance offers the lowest car insurance rate for drivers after a single DUI at $1,814 yearly. Finding affordable SR-22 insurance after a DUI can be challenging, but comparing quotes can help. Some insurance companies view a first DUI as a one-time mistake and may offer lower rates than others.

The table below shows how average insurance rates vary by company after one DUI. Insurance rates do increase after a DUI, but the rise isn't as steep as it is for multiple violations.

CompanyAverage annual premiumAverage monthly premium
Erie Insurance$1,814$151
Progressive$2,032$169
Travelers$2,128$177
Auto-Owners$2,222$185
Allstate$2,661$222
GEICO$3,326$277
Farmers$3,643$304
USAA$1,498$125

SR-22 insurance cost by company for reckless driving

The cheapest company for SR-22 insurance after a reckless driving conviction is Erie Insurance, with an average rate of $1,231 per year. Reckless driving tickets can be given for different reasons, like speeding, running red lights, texting while driving or tailgating. No matter the cause, reckless driving in Ohio leads to fines, an SR-22 requirement and higher car insurance rates.

Check the table below to compare average insurance rates for reckless driving from different companies.

CompanyAverage annual premiumAverage monthly premium
Erie Insurance$1,231$103
Travelers$2,128$177
Auto-Owners$2,222$185
Allstate$2,661$222
Progressive$2,849$237
GEICO$3,326$277
Farmers$3,808$317
USAA$1,353$113

SR-22 insurance cost by company for driving without insurance

The cheapest company for car insurance after being ticketed for driving without insurance is Erie Insurance at an average yearly rate of $1,231.

In Ohio, drivers must have at least the minimum required auto insurance. If you don't, you can face fines, higher insurance rates and an SR-22.

Below are the car insurance rates by company for drivers with a lapse in coverage.

CompanyAverage annual premiumAverage monthly premium
Erie Insurance$1,231$103
GEICO$1,596$133
Travelers$1,856$155
Farmers$2,277$190
Allstate$2,407$201
Progressive$2,590$216

Non-owners SR-22 insurance in Ohio

Ohio might require you to file an SR-22 form even if you don't own a car, usually if it's needed to get your license back. If you occasionally borrow or rent a car, you can buy non-owner SR-22 insurance, which meets the legal requirements, and your insurance company can file the SR-22 with that policy.

It's important to remember that non-owner car insurance only gives you extra liability coverage when you drive someone else's car. If you buy a car, you'll need to get the proper insurance to drive it legally in Ohio.

How long do you need an SR-22 in Ohio?

Typically, Ohio drivers must maintain an SR-22 for three years. However, if you fail to maintain insurance during this time, the consequences can be severe. Not only will you be in violation of the law, but you may also face additional fines and penalties.

Reasons for requiring SR-22 insurance in Ohio

"Most Ohio drivers don't need to file an SR-22. However, drivers who exhibit careless behaviors may be required to file an SR-22, which is typically required when the driver has to prove that they have the minimum liability insuranceLiability insurance covers sums that an insured becomes legally obligated to pay because of bodily injuries or property damage, or financial losses caused to other people. required by the state," says Cato.

You may need an SR-22 in Ohio for reasons such as:

  • Getting a DUI
  • Reckless driving
  • Receiving several traffic violations in a short period
  • Failing to keep auto insurance
  • Refusing to take a breathalyzer test
  • Causing an at-fault accident that results in serious injuries or death

Tips to lower SR-22 insurance costs in Ohio

Although your insurance will increase if you need an SR-22, there are still ways to find affordable coverage.

Ways to lower auto insurance costs with an SR-22 include:

  • Take advantage of all available discounts. Most insurers allow you to bundle discounts to maximize savings.
  • Raise your deductible. Increase the amount you pay before insurance kicks in to lower rates.
  • Take a defensive driving course. Some insurers offer a discount for taking a course, and some states remove points from your license, which can lower your insurance rates.
  • Sign up for a usage-based program. If you can demonstrate good driving habits while they are being tracked, you could earn a discount.
  • Shop around for SR-22 insurance. Compare rates from multiple companies to find the cheapest SR-22 insurance in Ohio.

Methodology

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170+

insurance companies analyzed

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34,000+

ZIP codes examined

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53M+

insurance quotes analyzed

National and state average rates are based on three coverage levels: state minimum, 50/100/50 liability-only, and full coverage with 100/300/100 liability and $500 deductibles.

All base rate averages are based on our full coverage data set. This data set is based on:

  • Bodily injury liability of $100,000 per person and $300,000 per incident
  • Property damage liability of $100,000 per incident
  • Comprehensive and collision deductibles of $500
  • 40-year-old driver
  • Honda Accord LX
  • Good credit
  • A clean driving record
  • 12-mile commute, 10,000 annual mileage

Our data is then adjusted to reflect the rate increase from this base rate for the following infractions requiring an SR-22

  • One DUI
  • Two DUIs
  • Reckless driving
  • Driving without insurance

SR-22 insurance in Ohio: FAQ

What happens if I fail to maintain SR-22 insurance in Ohio?

If you don't keep your insurance active and maintain your SR-22 filing, you could face serious consequences. You might face:

  • Losing your driver's license
  • Paying fines
  • Increased car insurance rates
  • Restarting your SR-22 period
  • Jail time
  • Getting your car's registration revoked

Can I switch insurance providers while I have an SR-22 filing?

Yes, you can switch auto insurance companies if you have an SR-22. Yours new insurer must refile the SR-22 for you. Also, make sure your new policy is active with the SR-22 before canceling your old one.

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