- Understanding SR-22 insurance in Washington
- How much does SR-22 insurance cost in Washington?
- Average SR-22 insurance cost in Washington by violation
- Non-owners SR-22 insurance in Washington
- How long do you need an SR-22 in Washington?
- Reasons for requiring SR-22 insurance in Washington
- Tips to lower SR-22 insurance costs in Washington
- Methodology
- SR-22 insurance in Washington: FAQ
- Compare Washington SR-22 rates with other states
Understanding SR-22 insurance in Washington
SR-22 insurance isn't a type of insurance. It's a form your insurance company files with the state to prove you have the minimum car insurance required to drive in Washington. SR-22 insurance generally refers to auto insurance coverage that requires an SR-22 filed by your insurance company for you.
Most drivers in Washington don't need SR-22 insurance. Drivers who do need an SR-22 have been convicted of serious violations like reckless driving, DUIs, or multiple offenses in a short time. If you are required to file an SR-22, you will be informed of 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?
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 is $1,862 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 by violation
Your insurance rates don't go up because of the SR-22. The state requires the SR-22 due to a violation, and that violation is what causes your rates to increase.
For example, you may need an SR-22 if you get a DUI or drive without insurance. The increase in your car insurance rate will depend on the violation, not the SR-22 itself.
This table shows the average costs for violations that require an SR-22. The rates vary based on the type of violation.
| Violation | Average annual premium |
|---|---|
| Driving without insurance | $2,021 |
| DUI/DWI first offense | $2,901 |
| DUI/DWI second offense | $3,753 |
| Reckless driving | $3,002 |
| SR22 Filing Only | $1,862 |
| SR22 with 1 DUI | $3,115 |
SR-22 insurance cost by company for a first DUI
After a single DUI, the cheapest company on average is State Farm with average rates of $1,948. Affordable SR-22 coverage with a DUI is a little harder to find, but shopping around can help. Some insurance companies are willing to view the first DUI as a one-time mistake, offering more affordable 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 |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $1,948 | $162 |
| GEICO | $2,039 | $170 |
| American Family | $2,164 | $180 |
| Allstate | $2,284 | $190 |
| Travelers | $2,287 | $191 |
| Farmers | $3,024 | $252 |
| Progressive | $3,165 | $264 |
| Nationwide | $3,558 | $297 |
| USAA | $1,765 | $147 |
SR-22 insurance cost by company for reckless driving
The cheapest company for SR-22 insurance after a reckless driving conviction is State Farm, with an average rate of $1,948 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 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 |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $1,948 | $162 |
| GEICO | $2,039 | $170 |
| Allstate | $2,284 | $190 |
| Travelers | $2,287 | $191 |
| American Family | $2,845 | $237 |
| Farmers | $3,216 | $268 |
| Nationwide | $3,558 | $297 |
| Progressive | $4,076 | $340 |
| USAA | $1,114 | $93 |
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 $1,605.
In Washington, drivers must carry at least the minimum required auto insurance. If you don't, you could face fines, higher insurance rates, and the need to file an SR-22.
The table below shows car insurance rates by company for drivers who had a lapse in coverage.
| Company | Average annual premium | Average monthly premium |
|---|---|---|
| GEICO | $1,605 | $134 |
| Farmers | $1,751 | $146 |
| Allstate | $1,925 | $160 |
| State Farm | $1,948 | $162 |
| Travelers | $1,979 | $165 |
| American Family | $2,164 | $180 |
| Nationwide | $2,475 | $206 |
| Progressive | $3,575 | $298 |
| USAA | $1,002 | $84 |
Non-owners SR-22 insurance in Washington
Washington might require you to file an SR-22 form even if you don't own a car as a prerequisite to get your license back. If you borrow or rent a car occasionally, you can get non-owner SR-22 insurance, which meets legal requirements, and the SR-22 can be filed with that policy.
It is important to note that non-owner car insurance only provides extra liability coverage when you drive someone else's car. If you buy a car, you will require the right insurance to legally drive it in Washington.
How long do you need an SR-22 in Washington?
Typically, Washington 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
"Most Washington 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 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
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.
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: FAQ
What happens if I fail to maintain SR-22 insurance in Washington?
If you don't keep your insurance active and maintain your SR-22 filing, you could face serious consequences. You might face:
- Losing your driver's license
- Paying fines
- Increased car insurance rates
- Restarting your SR-22 period
- Jail time
- Getting your car's registration revoked
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.
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