- Understanding SR-22 insurance in Washington, D.C.
- How much does SR-22 insurance cost in Washington, D.C.?
- Average SR-22 insurance cost in Washington, D.C. by violation
- Non-owners SR-22 insurance in Washington, D.C.
- How long do you need an SR-22 in Washington, D.C.?
- Reasons for requiring SR-22 insurance in Washington, D.C.
- Tips to lower SR-22 insurance costs in Washington, D.C.
- Methodology
- SR-22 insurance in Washington, D.C.: FAQ
- Compare Washington, D.C. SR-22 rates with other states
Understanding SR-22 insurance in Washington, D.C.
SR-22 insurance isn't a separate type of insurance. It's a form your insurance company files with the state to show that you carry the minimum car insurance required to drive in Washington, D.C. When people say SR-22 insurance, they're generally talking about car insurance that includes an SR-22 filing by the insurance company on your behalf.
Most drivers in Washington, D.C. don't need SR-22 insurance. The drivers who do need it usually have serious violations, such as DUIs, reckless driving, or several offenses within a short period. If you're required to file an SR-22, the state will tell you 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 Washington, D.C.?
Filing an SR-22 form doesn't cost much, but the fines and increased insurance rates can be expensive. On average, SR-22 insurance in Washington, D.C. costs $2,216 per year, but the actual rate depends on the driver and the specific violation.
Insurance companies charge different rates, so it's smart to shop around and find the cheapest SR-22 insurance available.
Average SR-22 insurance cost in Washington, D.C. by violation
The SR-22 itself isn't the reason your insurance rates will go up. The SR-22 is required because of a violation, and it's that violation that determines the impact on your rates.
For example, an SR-22 may be required for a DUI or driving without insurance. The rate increase will be based on the infraction, not the SR-22 itself.
This table shows the average rates for violations requiring an SR-22. As you can see, rates vary significantly based on violation.
| Violation | Average annual premium |
|---|---|
| Driving without insurance | $2,390 |
| DUI/DWI first offense | $3,276 |
| DUI/DWI second offense | $4,082 |
| Reckless driving | $3,199 |
| SR22 Filing Only | $2,216 |
| SR22 with 1 DUI | $3,487 |
SR-22 insurance cost by company for a first DUI
Progressive offers the lowest car insurance rate for drivers after a single DUI at $1,701 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.
| Company | Average annual premium | Average monthly premium |
|---|---|---|
| Progressive | $1,701 | $142 |
| Erie Insurance | $2,392 | $199 |
| State Farm | $2,608 | $217 |
| GEICO | $3,409 | $284 |
| Allstate | $4,778 | $398 |
| Chubb | $6,388 | $532 |
| USAA | $2,216 | $185 |
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 annual rate of $1,658. Drivers can get reckless driving tickets for many reasons, such as excessive speeding, running red lights, texting while driving, or tailgating. No matter the reason, reckless driving in Washington, D.C. results in fines, an SR-22 requirement, and increased car insurance rates.
Check the table below to see how average insurance rates for reckless driving compare across different companies.
| Company | Average annual premium | Average monthly premium |
|---|---|---|
| Erie Insurance | $1,658 | $138 |
| Progressive | $2,079 | $173 |
| State Farm | $2,608 | $217 |
| GEICO | $3,409 | $284 |
| Allstate | $4,778 | $398 |
| Chubb | $6,723 | $560 |
| USAA | $1,627 | $136 |
SR-22 insurance cost by company for driving without insurance
GEICO offers the cheapest car insurance after a ticket for driving without insurance at $1,646 per year.
Washington, D.C. requires that drivers carry at least a minimum amount of auto insurance. Failing to do so leads to fines, increased insurance rates, and an SR-22. Because failing to maintain minimum car insurance shows a lack of responsibility, insurers raise rates significantly.
The table below shows average rates by company for drivers who have had a lapseWhen your auto insurance coverage ends because you missed a payment or did not renew it on time. A lapse in auto insurance coverage may result in paying higher premiums for a new policy. in coverage.
| Company | Average annual premium | Average monthly premium |
|---|---|---|
| GEICO | $1,646 | $137 |
| Erie Insurance | $1,658 | $138 |
| Progressive | $1,959 | $163 |
| State Farm | $2,608 | $217 |
| Chubb | $2,990 | $249 |
| Allstate | $4,353 | $363 |
| USAA | $1,521 | $127 |
Non-owners SR-22 insurance in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. may require you to file an SR-22 form even if you don't own a vehicle as a prerequisite for reinstating your license. Drivers who sometimes borrow or rent a car can buy non-owner SR-22 insurance, which provides state minimum auto insurance coverage. A non-owner car insurance policy meets the legal requirements, and an SR-22 can be filed based on that policy.
It's important to note that non-owner car insurance only acts as secondary liability coverage when driving someone else's car. If you buy a car, you will need the proper insurance to drive it in Washington, D.C.
How long do you need an SR-22 in Washington, D.C.?
In Washington, D.C., drivers typically need to keep an SR-22 for three years. If you don't keep your insurance active during this period, you'll be breaking the law and could face serious fines and other penalties.
Reasons for requiring SR-22 insurance in Washington, D.C.
"Most Washington, D.C. 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 Washington, D.C. 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 Washington, D.C.
Although your insurance rates will go up if you need an SR-22, you can still find affordable coverage by shopping around.
You can lower your auto insurance costs with an SR-22 by:
- Using all available discounts. Most insurance companies let you bundle discounts to help you save more.
- Raising your deductible. Increase the amount you pay before insurance kicks in to lower rates.
- Taking a defensive driving course. Some insurers offer a discount for completing the course, and some states remove points from your license, which can help lower your insurance rates.
- Signing up for a usage-based program. If you show good driving habits while being monitored, you could earn a discount.
- Shopping around for SR-22 insurance. Compare quotes from several companies to find the cheapest SR-22 insurance in Washington, D.C.
Methodology
170+ insurance companies analyzed 34,000+ ZIP codes examined 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 Washington, D.C.: FAQ
What happens if I fail to maintain SR-22 insurance in Washington, D.C.?
The consequences may be severe if you don't retain insurance and fail to maintain your SR-22 filing. Possible consequences include:
- Revoked driver's license
- Fines
- Increased auto insurance
- Restarting your SR-22 time period
- Having your car impounded
- Jail time
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. Your new insurer must file the SR-22 on your behalf. Make sure your new policy, along with the SR-22, is active before you cancel your old one.
Compare Washington, D.C. SR-22 rates with other states
Helpful auto insurance tools and calculators
You might also be interested in- Washington-Dc car insurance laws and requirements: What is changing in 2026
- Washington, D.C. DWI and insurance: How much does a DWI raise your insurance?
- Speeding ticket calculator in Washington, D.C.
- Non-owner car insurance in Washington, D.C. : Best and cheapest companies
- Washington D.C. gap insurance: Everything you need to know
- Low-income car insurance in Washington, D.C.
- Washington D.C. car insurance guide
- Washington, D.C. car insurance coverage calculator
- Cheapest car insurance for high-risk drivers in Washington, D.C.
- Renters insurance in Washington, D.C.: Cost, best companies and how to save
