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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

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.

ViolationAverage 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.

CompanyAvg. annual premiumAvg. 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.

CompanyAvg. annual premiumAvg. 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.

CompanyAvg. annual premiumAvg. 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.

CompanyAvg. annual premiumAvg. 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.

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