Cheapest SR-22 Car Insurance In Washington For 2024
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SR-22 insurance is a document that proves you have the required car insurance coverage mandated by your state, often required after certain driving violations. In Washington, you can include SR-22s in your car insurance, but it will come with an extra expense.
Based on my experience in the insurance sector, I’ve seen these cost increases vary from minor to substantial. Furthermore, I’ve observed situations where insurance companies refuse to provide coverage for individuals requiring SR-22s.
It can be quite time-consuming to navigate through the eligibility criteria and pricing of different insurers to find the best fit. I’ve simplified this process for you. In this article, I’ve compiled a list of the top insurance companies in Washington that offer SR-22 insurance, along with the average prices for each.
Our Methodology
To pinpoint the most favorable rates for drivers requiring an SR-22 in Washington, we tailored our quotes to individuals with serious violations like DUI or reckless driving. Let's consider a specific scenario: We have a 35-year-old male driver with a DUI violation seeking SR-22 insurance for his 2015 Honda Accord LX in Washington. After comparing quotes, we find the following coverage options:
● Bodily Injury: $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident
● Property Damage: $50,000 per accident
● Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist: $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident
● Comprehensive: $500 Deductible
● Collision: $500 Deductible
Please bear in mind that these rates are indicative and may vary based on individual factors such as location, driving record, and previous insurance history.
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Cheapest SR-22 Insurance Companies In Washington
The following are the top three SR-22 insurance companies in Washington that offer the cheapest liability-only coverage:
- State Farm – $462 Annually
- Chubb – $563 Annually
- Capital Insurance Group – $596 Annually
Cheapest SR-22 Insurance Policies With A DUI (Liability Only)
| Company | Annual Premium |
| State Farm | $462 |
| Chubb | $563 |
| Capital Insurance Group | $596 |
| GEICO | $645 |
| Travelers | $730 |
| Farmers | $731 |
| Progressive | $742 |
| American Family | $775 |
| Allstate | $921 |
| National General | $1,481 |
Cheapest SR-22 Insurance With Full Coverage
Here are the three most budget-friendly SR-22 insurance policies in Washington for those requiring more than just liability coverage:
- State Farm- $962 Annually
- American Family – $1,158 Annually
- Capital Insurance Group- $1,278 Annually
Cheapest SR-22 Insurance Policies With A DUI (Full Coverage)
| Company | Annual Premium |
| State Farm | $962 |
| American Family | $1,158 |
| Capital Insurance Group | $1,278 |
| Chubb | $1,294 |
| Allstate | $1,302 |
| GEICO | $1,335 |
| Progressive | $1,356 |
| Farmers | $1,363 |
| National General | $1,453 |
| Travelers | $1,484 |
| Nationwide | $2,430 |
What Is SR-22 Insurance?
Despite its name, SR-22 insurance isn’t an insurance policy itself. Instead, it’s a certificate filed by your insurance provider to demonstrate that you meet the state’s required insurance limits. States often mandate an SR-22 following serious violations like license suspension, DUI, or reckless driving.
Due to this, insurance companies charge higher premiums for those needing SR-22s, considering them high-risk drivers. Failing to provide an SR-22 to the state can result in revoked driving privileges.
What Is SR-22a Insurance
SR-22a insurance, also called a “Certificate of Financial Responsibility (CFR),” is like SR-22 but used in some states like Georgia, Texas, and Missouri. It shows that a driver has the minimum required liability insurance. Usually, it’s for drivers with repeated violations of financial laws or serious citations.
Cheapest Non-Owner SR-22 Insurance Companies In Washington
If you’re required to get an SR-22 but don’t own a car, a non-owner policy is the ideal choice. Below are the most affordable non-owner SR-22 policies available in Washington.
- State Farm – $473 Annually
- GEICO – $492 Annually
- Travelers- $654 Annually
| Company | Annual Premium |
| State Farm | $473 |
| GEICO | $492 |
| Travelers | $654 |
| Farmers | $1,003 |
| Nationwide | $1,037 |
| Progressive | $1,283 |
Average Cost Of SR-22 Insurance In Washington
| Violation | Annual Premium (Liability Only) | Annual Premium (Full Coverage) |
| DUI | $881 | $1,666 |
| At-Fault Accident | $857 | $1,550 |
| Minor Violation | $738 | $1,358 |
How SR-22 Affects Car Insurance Rates
On average, drivers can expect their car insurance to increase by around $993 per year with an SR-22. This rise is usually because of past violations on your driving record, not directly because of the SR-22 itself. For instance, if you got a DUI and needed an SR-22, the higher cost would likely be due to the DUI.
Additionally, there’s a fee of $15 to $25 to file an SR-22, on top of the increased premium. Once you no longer need the SR-22, you can remove it from your policy, which may help lower your premium.
How To File An SR-22
You might receive a directive from a court, state authority, or the DMV instructing you to obtain an SR-22. Once you receive this formal notice, your initial action is to reach out to your insurance provider. If you don’t already have car insurance, you’ll need to secure a policy.
Some insurance companies may disqualify drivers needing SR-22s and may refuse to issue policies for them. Before securing a new policy or requesting an SR-22 from your current insurer, it’s crucial to verify that the company offers them. Otherwise, you risk facing penalties from the state.
Another option is to purchase a non-owner policy with the attached SR-22. This way, you may maintain your current auto policy without any issues. This approach also applies if you don’t own a car but require the SR-22 to retain your license.
Once you’ve obtained a policy from a company that accepts SR-22s, your next step is to request its addition to your policy. Your insurer may require further details, such as the reason for needing the SR-22, or a copy of the formal directive. Once you provide this information, the insurance company will file the SR-22 with the state.
How Long Do I Need To Have SR-22 Insurance?
The time you need to have an SR-22 depends on the state. In Washington, you must file it for at least three years, but it could be up to five years depending on why you need it. Even if you move out of the state that asked for it, you still have to keep the SR-22.
Other Effects Of SR-22 Insurance
Apart from influencing your insurance costs, SR-22s can impact your ability to drive. If you don’t get an SR-22 within the specified timeframe or maintain it for the required duration, the state may suspend your driver’s license or car registration.
This could lead to financial penalties and reinstatement fees. Additionally, not all insurance firms may be willing to provide coverage for drivers requiring SR-22s, thereby limiting your options.
SR-22 Insurance State Requirements
It’s not surprising that each state has its own rules for SR-22s. Some states, like Delaware, Kentucky, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, and Oklahoma, don’t need SR-22s at all. Others, like Florida and Virginia, may ask for more proof of insurance coverage beyond the minimum required by law, such as FR-22 for DUIs.
Arkansas and Indiana have different forms too. For instance, Arkansas uses SR-21 after certain accidents to show insurance coverage at the time, and Indiana uses SR-50 to confirm insurance dates after a DUI.
How Much Does Credit Score Affect SR-22 Insurance Costs
Your credit score can significantly impact the cost of SR-22 insurance. Insurance companies often use credit scores to assess the risk level of policyholders. If you have a lower credit score, insurers may view you as a higher risk, leading to higher insurance premiums. This is because individuals with lower credit scores are statistically more likely to file insurance claims.
For drivers requiring SR-22 insurance, the effect of credit score on premiums can be even more pronounced. Since SR-22 insurance is typically required after serious driving violations like DUIs or reckless driving, insurers already consider these individuals high-risk. When combined with a lower credit score, the insurance premiums can increase further.
Drivers with poor credit typically pay 72% higher insurance premiums compared to those with good credit scores. Moreover, having an SR-22 can bump up car insurance rates by an average of 18% or more.
Alternatives To SR-22
If your state mandates an SR-22, it’s necessary to comply with the filing requirement. Some states may not demand an SR-22 but might ask for alternative forms like SR-21, SR-50, or FR-22. To clarify your specific requirements, consulting a local independent agent could be the most helpful approach.
How To Get Cheaper Car Insurance In Washington After A DUI
If you’re looking to lower your car insurance rates in Washington after a DUI, there are several steps you can take. First, shop around and compare quotes from different insurance companies to find the best rates available. Some insurers may offer more affordable premiums for drivers with DUIs than others.
Additionally, consider taking a defensive driving course, as completing one may qualify you for a discount on your insurance. Another option is to bundle your car insurance with other policies, such as homeowners or renters insurance, to potentially save money on premiums.
Finally, focus on maintaining a clean driving record going forward, as avoiding further violations can help reduce your insurance costs over time.
FAQs
Do you need SR-22 insurance if you don’t have a car?
If you don’t own a car but need to drive, you might still need SR-22 insurance. Non-owner SR-22 policies are available for individuals who don’t own a car but still need to meet state requirements for insurance.
How do you get rid of SR-22?
The duration of SR-22 requirement varies by state and circumstance. Generally, to get rid of SR-22, you must maintain continuous coverage for the required period without any lapses or violations. Once the required period ends, contact your insurance company to remove the SR-22 filing.
How much does SR-22 cost?
The cost of SR-22 insurance varies depending on factors like your driving record, the state you live in, and the insurance company. On average, expect to pay an additional fee of $15 to $25 for the SR-22 filing, along with higher insurance premiums.
