An SR-22 is a filing made by an insurance company on your behalf with the Ohio BMV (Bureau of Motor Vehicles) or court. SR-22 insurance isn’t a type of insurance; instead, it provides proof that you have the required insurance to meet Ohio state law.
SR-22 insurance filings are required in Ohio after certain major violations, if you have been caught driving without insurance or for several other reasons.
If you need an SR-22, you must maintain your insurance coverage and ensure that an insurance company files the form on your behalf. Failure to do so can result in loss of driving privileges and other penalties.
- Understanding SR-22 insurance in Ohio
- How long do you need an SR-22 in Ohio?
- Reasons for requiring SR-22 insurance in Ohio
- How much is SR-22 insurance in Ohio?
- Average cost of SR-22 insurance in Ohio for different violations
- Tips to lower SR-22 insurance costs in Ohio
- Frequently asked questions: Ohio SR-22 insurance
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
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.
Frequently asked questions: Ohio SR-22 insurance
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.
