- 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 specific type of insurance. Instead, an SR-22 is a form your insurance company files with the state showing you have at least the minimum required car insurance to be on the road in Washington, D.C. SR-22 insurance refers to auto insurance coverage where an SR-22 has been filed by the company on your behalf.
Most Washington, D.C. drivers don't need SR-22 insurance. Drivers who need an SR-22 form have been convicted of significant violations, such as reckless driving, DUIs and multiple infractions in a short amount of time. You will be informed if you are required to file an SR-22 and for how long.
"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.?
While filing an SR-22 form is typically inexpensive, the associated fines and increased insurance rates are costly. On average, SR-22 insurance in Washington, D.C. is $2,216 but varies significantly based on the driver and infraction.
Keep in mind that insurance rates vary from company to company, so shop around to find the cheapest SR-22 insurance available.
Average SR-22 insurance cost in Washington, D.C. by violation
Your insurance rates don't increase because of the SR-22. The SR-22 is required because of a violation, and it's the violation that increases your rates.
For instance, you may require an SR-22 for a DUI or driving without insurance. The car insurance rate increase will be based on the infraction, not the SR-22.
This table shows the average costs for violations requiring an SR-22. The rates vary depending on the 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 cheapest car insurance for drivers after a single DUI at $1,701. Finding affordable SR-22 insurance after a DUI can be tough, but shopping around helps. Some insurance companies see a first DUI as a one-time mistake and may offer lower rates than others.
Take a look at the table below to see how average insurance rates after one DUI vary by company. While insurance rates increase after a DUI, the increase isn't as severe as with multiple infractions.
| 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 rate of $1,658 per year. Reckless driving tickets can be given for different reasons, like speeding, running red lights, texting while driving or tailgating. No matter the cause, reckless driving in Washington, D.C. leads to fines, an SR-22 requirement and higher car insurance rates.
Check the table below to compare average insurance rates for reckless driving from 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
The cheapest company for car insurance after being ticketed for driving without insurance is Geico at an average yearly rate of $1,646.
In Washington, D.C., drivers must have at least the minimum required auto insurance. If you don't, you can face fines, higher insurance rates and an SR-22.
Below are the car insurance rates by company for drivers with a lapse 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.?
Typically, Washington, D.C. drivers must maintain an SR-22 for three years. However, if you fail to maintain insurance during this time, the consequences can be severe. Not only will you be in violation of the law, but you may also face additional fines and 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.
Reasons you may need an SR-22 in Washington, D.C. include:
- DUI
- Reckless driving
- Multiple infractions in a short amount of time
- Failure to maintain auto insurance
- Refusing a breathalyzer
- At-fault accidents involving severe injuries or death
Tips to lower SR-22 insurance costs in Washington, D.C.
Although your insurance will increase if you need an SR-22, there are still ways to find affordable coverage.
Ways to lower auto insurance costs with an SR-22 include:
- Take advantage of all available discounts. Most insurers allow you to bundle discounts to maximize savings.
- Raise your deductible. Increase the amount you pay before insurance kicks in to lower rates.
- Take a defensive driving course. Some insurers offer a discount for taking a course, and some states remove points from your license, which can lower your insurance rates.
- Sign up for a usage-based program. If you can demonstrate good driving habits while they are being tracked, you could earn a discount.
- Shop around for SR-22 insurance. Compare rates from multiple companies to find the cheapest SR-22 insurance in Washington, D.C.
Methodology
Insurance.com commissioned car insurance rates from Quadrant Information Services in late 2023 for a full coverage car insurance policy with coverage of 100/300/100 in liability and $500 deductibles. Rates are based on a 40-year-old driver with good credit driving a 2023 Honda Accord LX, with violations requiring an SR-22: One DUI, two DUIs, reckless driving and 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. Yours new insurer must refile the SR-22 for you. Also, make sure your new policy is active with the SR-22 before canceling your old one.
Compare Washington, D.C. SR-22 rates with other states
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