SR-22 Insurance Cost: What You'll Actually Pay
The SR-22 filing fee is cheap ($15-50). What's expensive is the insurance premium increase that comes with being classified as a high-risk driver.
The Real Cost Isn't the Filing Fee
Most people focus on the $15-50 SR-22 filing fee, but the real financial impact is the 50-300% increase in your insurance premiums that lasts 3-5 years.
Complete Cost Breakdown
All the costs you'll encounter when getting SR-22 insurance
SR-22 Filing Fee
One-timeAdministrative fee charged by your insurer to file the certificate with the state.
$15-50
Premium Increase
Monthly/AnnualYour auto insurance premium will increase because you're now classified as "high-risk."
50-300%
Reinstatement Fee
One-timeState fee to reactivate your suspended license. Varies significantly by state and offense.
$20-475
Court Fines
One-timeSeparate from SR-22 costs, but often required before you can get SR-22 filed.
$500-5,000+
SR-22 Costs by State
Filing fees, premium increases, and reinstatement fees vary significantly
| State | Filing Fee | Premium Increase | Duration | Reinstatement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | $15-50 | 50-90% | 2 years | $100 |
| Arizona | $15-50 | 40-200% | 3 years | $20-50 |
| Georgia | $15-25 | 100%+ | 3 years | Varies |
| Colorado | $15-50 | 34-83% | 3 years | $95 + $25 DUI fee |
| Ohio | $15-50 | 50-100% | 1 year* | $475 OVI |
| Tennessee | $15-50 | 50-150% | Matches suspension | $65-75 |
| North Carolina | N/A (DL-123) | 100%+ | 3 years | $65 |
| South Carolina | $15-25 | 75-150% | 3 years | $100 |
Premium increases shown are typical ranges and vary by driver history, age, and insurer.
Real Cost Examples
What SR-22 actually costs over the full requirement period
Best Case Scenario
Clean record, competitive insurer
Worst Case Scenario
Prior violations, non-standard insurer
Why Your Premiums Increase
Understanding the factors that determine your rate increase
High-Risk Classification
The SR-22 requirement signals to insurers that you're a higher risk. This classification remains on your record for 3-5 years.
- DUI/DWI convictions have the highest impact
- Multiple violations compound the increase
- BAC level at arrest affects some insurers
Factors That Affect Your Rate
Your actual premium increase depends on several factors beyond just needing SR-22.
- Your age and driving history
- The specific offense requiring SR-22
- Your location and credit score (where allowed)
- Which insurer you choose
How to Reduce Your SR-22 Costs
Strategies to minimize the financial impact
Shop Multiple Insurers
Rates vary dramatically between companies. Some specialize in high-risk drivers and offer much lower rates than standard insurers.
Maintain Minimum Coverage
While experts recommend higher limits, you can save by sticking to state minimums during the SR-22 period if budget is tight.
Never Let It Lapse
A coverage lapse can restart your SR-22 clock and trigger additional fees. Set up automatic payments to avoid this costly mistake.
Don't Let Your SR-22 Lapse
If your SR-22 coverage lapses—even for one day—your insurer must notify the state via an SR-26 form. This triggers immediate license suspension and can:
- •Restart your entire SR-22 requirement period
- •Require additional reinstatement fees
- •Result in an SR-22A requirement (6-month prepayment)
- •Lead to additional criminal charges if caught driving
Related Guides
Sources & Methodology
Cost data compiled from state DMV publications, insurance carrier rate filings, and industry research. Premium increases are typical ranges and vary by individual circumstances.
- State-specific data verified against Texas DPS, Arizona MVD, Georgia DDS, Colorado DMV, Ohio BMV, Tennessee DOSHS, and NCDMV publications.
Last updated: January 8, 2026
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