Understanding SR-22 insurance in Ohio
An SR-22 is required to reinstate your license after it’s been suspended. In some cases, you might need an SR-22 even though you don’t own a car, or if you need to register a car while still under suspension. There are several forms of SR-22 filings available in Ohio:
- Operator
- Owner
- Owner-operator
If you need to reinstate your license but don’t own a car, you will need to purchase non-owner car insurance to get the SR-22 filed.
How long do you need an SR-22 in Ohio?
The average length of an SR-22 requirement is three years. If you need the SR-22 for a longer period of time, you’ll be informed by the BMV or the court.
If you fail to maintain an insurance policy throughout the duration of your SR-22 period, the insurance company will inform the Ohio BMV of the lapse in coverage. A lapse will result in an extension of the SR-22 insurance duration.
Further serious moving violations during the SR-22 period may also result in an extension of the SR-22 requirement.
Reasons for requiring SR-22 insurance in Ohio
An SR-22 is required in Ohio for several reasons. They include:
- DUI
- Driving without insurance
- Being involved in an at-fault accident while uninsured
- Too many points on your license
- Reckless driving
You will be informed by the BMV or the court handling your conviction of any SR-22 insurance requirements.
How much is SR-22 insurance in Ohio?
The cost of insurance with an SR-22 will vary depending on the violation that resulted in the need for an SR-22. The insurance company will charge you a filing fee that is usually between $25 and $50. On top of that, your insurance rates will go up. Here are a few examples:
- The average cost of DUI first offense and SR-22 insurance in Ohio is $2,388 per year
- The average cost of DUI second offense and SR-22 insurance in Ohio is $4,050 per year
- The average cost of insurance with an SR-22 in Ohio after a reckless driving conviction is $2,397 per year
- The average cost of driving without insurance and SR-22 in Ohio is $1,698 per year
The main factors affecting SR-22 insurance cost in Ohio are the violation itself and what else is on your driving record. The cost of multiple traffic violations and SR-22 insurance, or at-fault accidents on your record will skyrocket.
How much you pay for insurance with an SR-22 will also depend on:
- The type of car you drive
- Where you live
- How you use your car
- Your coverage limits
"As with any insurance policy, you need to assess the level of coverage you’re comfortable with relative to a cost you can afford," says Rick Kautzer, director of product management at Dairyland Insurance, a non-standard insurer.
Average cost of SR-22 insurance in Ohio by violation
Below are average car insurance rates for three different violations that require an SR-22.
| Violation | Average annual premium |
|---|---|
| DUI first offense | $2,388 |
| DUI second offense | $4,050 |
| Reckless driving | $2,397 |
| Driving without insurance | $1,698 |
Average cost of SR-22 insurance in Ohio for different violations
SR-22 insurance cost by company for DUI, first offense
Below are average car insurance rates by company for a first offense DUI that requires an SR-22.
| Company | Avg. annual premium | Avg. monthly premium |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $1,236 | $103 |
| Mercury | $1,535 | $128 |
| Progressive | $1,561 | $130 |
| Geico | $1,565 | $130 |
| American Family | $1,591 | $133 |
| Travelers | $1,803 | $150 |
| Nationwide | $1,918 | $160 |
| Erie | $1,933 | $161 |
| Auto-Owners | $2,042 | $170 |
| Farmers | $2,086 | $174 |
| USAA | $2,660 | $222 |
| Auto Club Entreprises | $3,372 | $281 |
| Allstate | $3,741 | $312 |
| Automobile Club of MI | $7,591 | $633 |
SR-22 insurance cost by company for DUI, second offense
Below are average car insurance rates by company for a second offense DUI that requires an SR-22.
| Company | Avg. annual premium | Avg. monthly premium |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $1,236 | $103 |
| Geico | $2,085 | $174 |
| Mercury | $2,210 | $184 |
| Erie | $2,547 | $212 |
| American Family | $2,556 | $213 |
| Travelers | $2,617 | $218 |
| Progressive | $2,640 | $220 |
| Nationwide | $2,872 | $239 |
| Farmers | $3,062 | $255 |
| USAA | $3,269 | $272 |
| Auto-Owners | $4,397 | $366 |
| Allstate | $5,156 | $430 |
| Auto Club Entreprises | $6,091 | $508 |
| Automobile Club of MI | $19,915 | $1,660 |
SR-22 insurance cost by company for reckless driving
Below are average car insurance rates by company for reckless driving with an SR-22.
| Company | Avg. annual premium | Avg. monthly premium |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $1,236 | $103 |
| Erie | $1,320 | $110 |
| Geico | $1,565 | $130 |
| USAA | $1,796 | $150 |
| Travelers | $1,803 | $150 |
| Nationwide | $1,918 | $160 |
| Progressive | $1,954 | $163 |
| Mercury | $2,009 | $167 |
| American Family | $2,035 | $170 |
| Auto-Owners | $2,042 | $170 |
| Farmers | $2,378 | $198 |
| Auto Club Entreprises | $3,372 | $281 |
| Allstate | $3,741 | $312 |
| Automobile Club of MI | $7,591 | $633 |
SR-22 insurance cost by company for driving without insurance
Below are average car insurance rates by company for driving without insurance with an SR-22.
| Company | Avg. annual premium | Avg. monthly premium |
|---|---|---|
| Geico | $902 | $75 |
| Nationwide | $984 | $82 |
| Auto-Owners | $1,061 | $88 |
| State Farm | $1,131 | $94 |
| Erie | $1,193 | $99 |
| American Family | $1,196 | $100 |
| Travelers | $1,552 | $129 |
| Mercury | $1,603 | $134 |
| USAA | $1,613 | $134 |
| Progressive | $1,974 | $164 |
| Auto Club Entreprises | $1,994 | $166 |
| Farmers | $2,172 | $181 |
| Allstate | $3,118 | $260 |
| Automobile Club of MI | $3,798 | $317 |
Tips to lower SR-22 insurance costs in Ohio
Because the need for an SR-22 follows a major violation, car insurance after an SR-22 is expensive. The good news is that many of the methods for getting cheaper car insurance still apply after an SR-22. They include:
- Raising your deductible
- Working to improve your driving record (and avoid any further tickets or accidents)
- Discounts, including for bundling your auto and home insurance
- Usage-based programs that monitor your driving habits in return for a discount
- Shopping around
Shopping around is the quickest and easiest way to get cheaper Ohio car insurance, even with an SR-22.
Auto insurance FAQs
What happens if I fail to maintain SR-22 insurance in Ohio?
If your insurance lapses, the insurance company will report it to the BMV. Your license will be suspended or even revoked permanently.
Can I switch insurance providers while I have an SR-22 filing?
Yes. Switching insurance providers with an SR-22 filing is permitted. Just make sure there is no lapse in coverage and that the new insurance company files the SR-22 form.
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