Understanding SR-22 insurance in Oregon
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 Oregon:
- Operator
- Owner
- Owner-operator
If you need to reinstate your license but don’t own a car, you need to purchase non-owner car insurance to get the SR-22 filed.
How long do you need an SR-22 in Oregon?
The average length of an SR-22 requirement is three years. If you need the SR-22 for a longer period, you’ll be informed by the DMV or the court.
If you fail to maintain an insurance policy throughout your SR-22 period, the insurance company will inform the Oregon DMV 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 Oregon
An SR-22 is required in Oregon for several reasons. They include:
- Driving under the influence of intoxicants (DUII)
- 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 DMV or the court handling your conviction of any SR-22 insurance requirements.
How much is SR-22 insurance in Oregon?
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 usually charge you a filing fee of between $25 and $50. On top of that, your insurance rates will go up. Here are a few examples:
- The average cost of DUII first offense and SR-22 insurance in Oregon is $2,283 per year
- The average cost of DUII second offense and SR-22 insurance in Oregon is $3,074 per year
- The average cost of insurance with an SR-22 in Oregon after a reckless driving conviction is $2,430 per year
- The average cost of driving without insurance and SR-22 in Oregon is $1,843 per year
The main factors affecting SR-22 insurance cost in Oregon are the violation and what else is on your driving record. The cost of insurance for 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
Minimum coverage limits are the cheapest but may not provide enough coverage. "Minimum coverage limits are just that; the absolute minimum you’re required to carry, but perhaps insufficient to adequately protect you in the event of an accident. You should carefully review the amount of coverage you’re being quoted and determine whether it offers the protection you need," says Rick Kautzer, director of product management at Dairyland Insurance, an insurer offering SR-22 filings.
Average cost of SR-22 insurance in Oregon by violation
Below are average car insurance rates for three violations requiring an SR-22.
| Violation | Average annual premium |
|---|---|
| DUII first offense | $2,283 |
| DUII second offense | $3,074 |
| Reckless driving | $2,430 |
| Driving without insurance | $1,843 |
Average SR-22 insurance cost in Oregon for different violations
See the tables below to compare rates from top companies for an SR-22 with various violations.
SR-22 insurance cost by company for DUII, first offense
Below are average car insurance rates by company for a first offense DUII that requires an SR-22.
| Company | Avg. annual premium | Avg. monthly premium |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $1,350 | $112 |
| Progressive | $1,821 | $152 |
| USAA* | $1,880 | $157 |
| Auto-Owners | $1,993 | $166 |
| American Family | $2,172 | $181 |
| Travelers | $2,240 | $187 |
| Geico | $2,288 | $191 |
| Allstate | $2,521 | $210 |
| Farmers | $2,531 | $211 |
| Nationwide | $2,643 | $220 |
| Kemper | $3,671 | $306 |
*USAA offers car insurance only to military members, veterans and their families.
SR-22 insurance cost by company for DUII, second offense
Below are average car insurance rates by company for a second offense DUII that requires an SR-22.
| Company | Avg. annual premium | Avg. monthly premium |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $1,350 | $112 |
| USAA* | $2,374 | $198 |
| American Family | $2,531 | $211 |
| Auto-Owners | $2,767 | $231 |
| Geico | $2,919 | $243 |
| Progressive | $3,163 | $264 |
| Travelers | $3,303 | $275 |
| Allstate | $3,480 | $290 |
| Farmers | $3,704 | $309 |
| Nationwide | $3,712 | $309 |
| Kemper | $4,516 | $376 |
*USAA offers car insurance only to military members, veterans and their families.
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 | $1,350 | $112 |
| USAA* | $1,768 | $147 |
| Auto-Owners | $1,993 | $166 |
| Travelers | $2,240 | $187 |
| Progressive | $2,323 | $194 |
| Allstate | $2,521 | $210 |
| Geico | $2,523 | $210 |
| Nationwide | $2,643 | $220 |
| American Family | $2,758 | $230 |
| Farmers | $2,935 | $245 |
| Kemper | $3,671 | $306 |
*USAA offers car insurance only to military members, veterans and their families.
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 | $1,179 | $98 |
| State Farm | $1,350 | $112 |
| USAA* | $1,449 | $121 |
| Nationwide | $1,590 | $132 |
| Auto-Owners | $1,638 | $137 |
| Allstate | $1,889 | $157 |
| Travelers | $1,910 | $159 |
| Progressive | $2,125 | $177 |
| American Family | $2,172 | $181 |
| Kemper | $2,342 | $195 |
| Farmers | $2,626 | $219 |
*USAA offers car insurance only to military members, veterans and their families.
Tips to lower SR-22 insurance costs in Oregon
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 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 Oregon car insurance, even with an SR-22.
Auto insurance FAQs
What happens if I fail to maintain SR-22 insurance in Oregon?
If your insurance lapses, the insurance company will report it to the DMV. 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.
