By Roberto Gomes, Prime Capital Report | Updated October 2026
The SR-22 form itself is cheap: insurers typically charge a one-time filing fee of about $15 to $50. What costs money is the violation behind it. MoneyGeek’s October 2026 study puts the cheapest SR-22 minimum coverage at $114 a month (Erie, sold in 12 states), with Geico ($136), Travelers ($150) and State Farm ($160) the cheapest widely available options. WalletHub’s June 2026 analysis of 26 insurers names Wawanesa, Grange and Geico as cheapest, at roughly $780 to $800 a year.
Below we explain what an SR-22 is, who needs one and for how long, and compare published 2026 SR-22 rates by company, violation and state, including non-owner SR-22 policies and the stricter FR-44 used in Florida and Virginia. Every rate is linked to the study that published it.
Key takeaways
- It’s a certificate, not a policy. Your insurer files the SR-22 with the state to prove you carry required liability coverage. Filing fees: typically $15–$50 (ValuePenguin) or $15–$25 (WalletHub).
- Cheapest SR-22 insurers: Erie $114/month, Geico $136, Travelers $150, State Farm $160 for minimum coverage (MoneyGeek, Oct 2026).
- Non-owner SR-22: as low as $28/month at USAA and $33 at State Farm and Kemper (MoneyGeek).
- The violation drives the price: MoneyGeek’s SR-22 averages range from $64/month after a minor accident to $184 after a DUI and $188 after a hit-and-run.
- How long: most states require about three years, with a range of one to five; Texas requires two years and Florida’s FR-44 three years.
What is SR-22 insurance?
An SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility. It’s not a separate type of insurance. Your car insurance company files it with your state’s motor vehicle agency to confirm that you carry at least the state’s required liability coverage, and it tells the state if that coverage ends. The Texas Department of Public Safety describes it as “a certificate filed by your car insurance carrier with the Department demonstrating you have continued automobile insurance coverage” (Texas DPS).
Typical reasons a state orders an SR-22 include:
- A DUI or DWI conviction
- Driving without insurance, or repeated no-insurance convictions
- Driving with a suspended or invalid license
- Drug offenses involving a vehicle
- Serious violations such as reckless driving, racing or hit-and-run
- An unpaid court judgment after a crash
Texas DPS lists DWI, drug offenses, driving while license invalid and multiple no-insurance convictions as examples. Virginia DMV lists uninsured-vehicle suspensions, unsatisfied judgments and falsifying insurance certification, among others (Virginia DMV).
How much does SR-22 insurance cost?
There are two separate costs: the filing fee, and the higher premium that comes with the violation.
- Filing fee: typically about $15 to $50 according to ValuePenguin (June 2026); $15 to $25 according to WalletHub (June 2026); “typically under $30” according to MoneyGeek.
- Premium increase: WalletHub says an SR-22 requirement raises a driver’s premium by up to 79%. For a DUI, NerdWallet’s October 2026 data shows full coverage rising 88%, from $2,361 to $4,437 a year (NerdWallet).
- State reinstatement fees are extra. Texas charges a $100 reinstatement fee; Florida’s FLHSMV lists a reinstatement fee of $150 to $500 after a DUI, according to the state agencies.
SR-22 cost by violation
| Violation behind the SR-22 | Average monthly premium | Average annual premium |
|---|---|---|
| At-fault accident, $1,000–$1,999 property damage (non-owner) | $64 | $772 |
| Two speeding tickets (11–15 mph over) | $156 | $1,873 |
| Racing | $179 | $2,151 |
| DUI (BAC .08 or higher) | $184 | $2,212 |
| Hit-and-run | $188 | $2,257 |
Source: MoneyGeek, “Cheapest SR-22 Insurance Rates & Companies” (updated Oct. 1, 2026; Quadrant Information Services data; 40-year-old man, 2010 Toyota Camry, adjusted for each violation).
As MoneyGeek puts it, the violation on your record drives the rate increase far more than the SR-22 filing itself.
What an SR-22 costs over the whole requirement
Because the requirement lasts years, it helps to think in totals rather than monthly bills. Two published figures give a sense of scale:
- LendingTree’s June 2026 state study estimates a DUI raises premiums by an average of $1,585 a year, or $4,755 over three years, the typical SR-22 period (LendingTree).
- At MoneyGeek’s average SR-22 premium after a DUI ($2,212 a year), three years of coverage comes to about $6,636 before filing and reinstatement fees (our calculation from MoneyGeek’s figure).
Choosing the cheapest insurer matters more over three years than over one. MoneyGeek estimates shopping can save SR-22 drivers up to $694 a year, which compounds across the whole filing period.
Cheapest SR-22 insurance companies
| Company | SR-22 minimum coverage (monthly) | SR-22 full coverage (monthly) | vs. national SR-22 average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Erie | $114 | $224 | 36% cheaper |
| Geico | $136 | $295 | 18% cheaper |
| Travelers | $150 | $297 | 15% cheaper |
| State Farm | $160 | $309 | 11% cheaper |
| Progressive | $169 | $345 | 3% cheaper |
Source: MoneyGeek (updated Oct. 1, 2026). Erie sells in 12 states and D.C.
WalletHub’s June 2026 study of 26 major insurers produced a different order:
| Company | Average SR-22 premium (annual) |
|---|---|
| Wawanesa | $777 |
| Grange | $802 |
| Geico | $804 |
| Mercury | $889 |
| USAA* | $942 |
| Kemper | $973 |
| Progressive | $1,013 |
| Travelers | $1,163 |
| Auto-Owners | $1,180 |
Source: WalletHub, “Cheapest SR-22 Insurance Companies by State in 2026” (June 8, 2026). *USAA is for military families. WalletHub notes Grange operates in 13 states and Mercury in eight of the states that use SR-22 forms.
Geico is the one name near the top of both lists and sold nationwide, so it belongs on every SR-22 shopping list. MoneyGeek rates Travelers the best SR-22 company overall (95 out of 100) for its mix of price and agent support, and Progressive (94) for its online dashboard that shows filing status and renewal dates. It also notes that Progressive, Travelers, State Farm and Geico all file SR-22s nationally.
Cheapest for a DUI with an SR-22
If your SR-22 follows a DUI, the order changes again. MoneyGeek’s DUI study found American Family cheapest for DUI drivers who also need an SR-22, at $198 a month, followed by Geico ($227), Travelers ($228) and Progressive ($231). State Farm, cheapest for a DUI without a filing in that study, ranked sixth at $262 (MoneyGeek, May 2026). Our quote comparison guide explains how to keep these quotes like-for-like.
Cheapest SR-22 insurance by state
MoneyGeek found Travelers cheapest for SR-22 drivers in 16 states, State Farm in 13 and Progressive in 12. A selection of its state results:
| State | Cheapest SR-22 insurer | Avg. monthly | Avg. annual | vs. state SR-22 average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | Travelers | $97 | $1,162 | 39% cheaper |
| California | Farmers | $130 | $1,554 | 45% cheaper |
| Colorado | Progressive | $87 | $1,041 | 37% cheaper |
| Florida | Travelers | $137 | $1,648 | 33% cheaper |
| Georgia | Progressive | $180 | $2,156 | 31% cheaper |
| Illinois | Travelers | $87 | $1,046 | 40% cheaper |
| Louisiana | Progressive | $170 | $2,040 | 54% cheaper |
| Michigan | Progressive | $138 | $1,653 | 60% cheaper |
| Nevada | Travelers | $158 | $1,902 | 38% cheaper |
| Ohio | Geico | $79 | $951 | 26% cheaper |
| Tennessee | Travelers | $67 | $807 | 42% cheaper |
| Texas | State Farm | $100 | $1,203 | 34% cheaper |
| Virginia | Travelers | $69 | $826 | 69% cheaper |
| Washington | Progressive | $101 | $1,216 | 17% cheaper |
Source: MoneyGeek (updated Oct. 1, 2026). Full list on MoneyGeek’s page.
WalletHub’s state table names different winners in several states, often regional insurers: Country Financial in Alabama and Georgia, Southern Farm Bureau in Louisiana ($709 a year), PEMCO in Washington ($428), Wawanesa in California ($777) and State Farm in Texas ($626). The gap between studies is a reminder to quote both national and regional insurers.
Not every state uses the SR-22 form. WalletHub lists Delaware, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and West Virginia as states that don’t require an SR-22. ValuePenguin, by contrast, says an SR-22 or FR-44 is required in 42 states and Washington, D.C. Some states use their own proof-of-insurance process instead, so always confirm with your state’s DMV what form your court or DMV order calls for.
For state-specific detail, see our guides to the cheapest car insurance in Texas and the best car insurance in Louisiana.
Non-owner SR-22 insurance
If you don’t own a car but need an SR-22 to get your license back, a non-owner policy covers you when you drive borrowed vehicles. It’s much cheaper than a standard policy:
| Company | Non-owner SR-22, minimum coverage (monthly) | Higher-limit option (monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| USAA* | $28 | $39 |
| State Farm | $33 | $46 |
| Kemper | $33 | $42 |
| Travelers | $40 | $50 |
Source: MoneyGeek (updated Oct. 1, 2026; MoneyGeek labels the second column “full coverage”). *Military families only.
MoneyGeek describes non-owner SR-22 policies as a fit for drivers who lost their license after a DUI or serious violation, sold their car or never owned one, but still need the filing to reinstate their license.
FR-44: the stricter version in Florida and Virginia
Florida and Virginia require an FR-44 instead of an SR-22 after a DUI. It works the same way but demands higher liability limits:
| State | When required | Required liability limits | How long |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | DUI conviction after Oct. 1, 2007 | $100,000/$300,000 bodily injury and $50,000 property damage, or $350,000 combined single limit | 3 years from reinstatement |
| Virginia | DUI, maiming while under the influence, driving on a license forfeited for those convictions | Double the state’s SR-22 minimum limits | Check your DMV order |
Sources: Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, DUI FAQs; Virginia DMV, Financial Responsibility Certifications.
Higher limits mean higher premiums. MoneyGeek notes that the FR-44 is more expensive than a standard SR-22 for this reason. FLHSMV also lists a reinstatement fee of $150 to $500.
How long do you need an SR-22?
MoneyGeek says most states require three years, with a range of one to five years depending on the state and violation. WalletHub gives the same one-to-five-year range. Examples from state agencies:
- Texas: two years from the date of your most recent conviction or judgment, without a lapse (Texas DPS).
- Florida: FR-44 for three years from the date your driving privilege is reinstated (FLHSMV).
Two rules trip people up:
- A lapse can restart the clock. MoneyGeek says your insurer notifies the state immediately when a policy lapses, which can suspend your license and restart the SR-22 period in most states. Texas DPS says that if SR-22 coverage lapses, your license would be re-suspended.
- The filing may not come off automatically. MoneyGeek warns that insurers don’t always tell the state when the requirement ends. Call your insurer on or just after your eligibility date and ask for the filing to be removed.
How to get an SR-22, step by step
- Read your court or DMV order to confirm the form (SR-22 or FR-44), the minimum limits and the start date.
- Ask your current insurer if it files SR-22s in your state. Texas DPS notes that SR-22s are not offered at all insurance companies, and some insurers cancel policies after a serious violation.
- Get at least three quotes, including Geico, Travelers, Progressive and State Farm, plus Erie or a regional insurer where available.
- Buy the policy and pay the filing fee. The insurer files the certificate with the state; many do it electronically.
- Pay any state reinstatement fee and confirm the state has received the filing before you drive.
- Set up autopay so the policy never lapses.
- When switching insurers, make sure the new SR-22 is filed before canceling the old policy. MoneyGeek warns that even a one-day gap can trigger the same consequences as a lapse.
How to lower the cost of SR-22 insurance
- Shop at every renewal. MoneyGeek notes surcharges shrink as the violation ages, and the cheapest insurer the day after a violation may not be cheapest two years later.
- Match coverage to the car. For cars owned outright and worth under $10,000, MoneyGeek says minimum coverage is often the better financial call; lenders require full coverage on financed or leased cars.
- Consider a non-owner policy if you don’t have a car.
- Use telematics carefully. Programs like Progressive Snapshot and State Farm Drive Safe & Save can earn discounts, but MoneyGeek warns they can also raise your rate if your driving data is poor.
- Ask about discounts you still qualify for: bundling, paying in full, autopay and multi-car discounts.
Our methodology
We did not collect our own quotes. Rates come from MoneyGeek’s SR-22 study (Quadrant Information Services data and state insurance departments; 40-year-old man with a 2010 Toyota Camry adjusted for each violation; updated October 1, 2026), WalletHub’s SR-22 analysis of 26 insurers (June 8, 2026), MoneyGeek’s DUI study (May 2026), ValuePenguin (June 2026) and NerdWallet (October 2026). Legal requirements come from Texas DPS, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and Virginia DMV. Rules change; confirm with your state before you buy.
Related guides
- How to Compare Car Insurance Quotes in 2026 (Step-by-Step)
- Cheapest Car Insurance in Texas for 2026
- Best Car Insurance in Louisiana (2026)
- Best Car Insurance in Chicago (2026)
Frequently asked questions
How much does an SR-22 cost?
The filing fee is typically about $15 to $50, according to ValuePenguin. The real cost is the higher premium from the violation behind it. MoneyGeek’s SR-22 averages range from $64 a month after a minor accident to $184 after a DUI, and the cheapest SR-22 minimum coverage starts at $114 a month with Erie.
Who has the cheapest SR-22 insurance?
MoneyGeek found Erie cheapest at $114 a month for minimum coverage, followed by Geico ($136), Travelers ($150) and State Farm ($160). WalletHub found Wawanesa ($777 a year), Grange ($802) and Geico ($804) cheapest. Geico ranks near the top in both studies and is sold nationwide.
How long do I need an SR-22?
Most states require about three years, with a range of one to five years. Texas requires two years from the most recent conviction, and Florida requires an FR-44 for three years from reinstatement after a DUI.
Can I get an SR-22 if I don’t own a car?
Yes. A non-owner SR-22 policy covers you when you drive cars you don’t own. MoneyGeek found rates from $28 a month at USAA and $33 at State Farm and Kemper.
What happens if my SR-22 insurance lapses?
Your insurer notifies the state, and your license can be suspended again. In many states the SR-22 period restarts. Texas DPS says a lapse leads to re-suspension and possible extra reinstatement fees.
What is the difference between an SR-22 and an FR-44?
Both are certificates your insurer files to prove coverage. The FR-44 is used in Florida and Virginia after a DUI and requires higher limits: 100/300/50 in Florida, and double the SR-22 minimums in Virginia.
Does every state require an SR-22?
No. WalletHub lists 12 states, including New York, Pennsylvania and North Carolina, that don’t use the SR-22 form. Some of them use their own proof-of-insurance process, so check what your DMV or court order requires.
Do I have to tell my insurer the SR-22 period is over?
Yes, it’s a good idea. MoneyGeek warns that insurers don’t always notify the state when the requirement ends, so ask your insurer to remove the filing once you are eligible.
Sources
- MoneyGeek, “Cheapest SR-22 Insurance Rates & Companies (2026),” updated Oct. 1, 2026: https://www.moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/cheapest-sr-22-insurance/
- WalletHub, “Cheapest SR-22 Insurance Companies by State in 2026,” June 8, 2026: https://wallethub.com/edu/cheap-sr22-insurance/94276
- MoneyGeek, “Best Cheap Car Insurance After a DUI,” updated May 20, 2026: https://www.moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/cheapest-car-insurance-after-a-dui/
- ValuePenguin, “How Does a DUI Affect Your Auto Insurance Rates in 2026?,” updated June 30, 2026: https://www.valuepenguin.com/how-does-dui-affect-your-auto-insurance-rates
- NerdWallet, “Average Car Insurance Cost in 2026,” rates refreshed October 2026: https://www.nerdwallet.com/insurance/auto/average-car-insurance-cost
- LendingTree, “Auto Insurance Rates Spike After a DUI, Especially in These States,” June 22, 2026: https://www.lendingtree.com/insurance/dui-rates-study/
- Texas Department of Public Safety, “Section 9: SR-22 (Proof of Financial Responsibility)”: https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license/faq/section-9-sr-22-proof-financial-responsibility
- Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, “DUI Frequently Asked Questions”: https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/education-courses/dui-and-iid/dui-faqs/
- Virginia DMV, “Financial Responsibility Certifications”: https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/businesses/insurance/certifications
Related guides
More guides from Prime Capital Report
Written by
Roberto Gomes, Founder and Editor
Roberto researches insurance and personal finance in the United States and Canada from insurers' policy documents, regulator data and public rate filings. He is not a licensed agent or adviser. How we research.