SR-22 Insurance (May 2026)
Verified May 2026: $3,000/yr national average + $15–$50 filing fee. Progressive is the most common cheapest mainstream SR-22 carrier. Most states require it for 3 years from license reinstatement.
An SR-22 isn't insurance — it's a filing
The SR-22 is a state DMV certificate proving your insurance meets the state minimum. The actual cost is the higher premium your DUI/accident history triggers — typically $1,800–$5,600/yr for liability-only coverage. Pick a specialty high-risk carrier (Progressive, The General) to minimize the premium impact.
Quick Answer
- National average: ~$3,000/yr ($250/mo) for liability-only coverage post-DUI.
- Filing fee: $15–$50 one-time, charged each policy term while SR-22 is required.
- Cheapest mainstream carrier: Progressive — specialty high-risk pricing typically 30–50% above clean-record baseline (vs 50–100% at non-specialists).
- Cheapest states: Idaho ($2,100/yr), Maine ($2,200), New Hampshire ($2,300), Iowa ($2,400).
- Most expensive states: California ($5,500+), New York ($5,200+), Michigan ($4,800), Florida ($3,800 + possible FR-44).
- Duration: 3 years in most states, 1 year in some (ID, PA), 5 years in others (CA for DUI).
- Watch-out: a coverage lapse during the SR-22 period restarts the clock and triggers another license suspension.
Top SR-22 Carriers Compared
| Feature | Progressive | GEICO | State Farm | Allstate | The General |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Files SR-22? | Yes (specialty) | Yes (specialty) | Yes (limited markets) | Yes (most states) | Specialized SR-22 product |
| Best for | High-risk pricing leader | Cheapest baseline + accident forgiveness | Bundle existing customers | Wide availability + long-time SR-22 carrier | Drivers refused by mainstream carriers |
| SR-22 filing fee | $15–$25 | $15–$25 | $15–$25 | $25 typical | $25 typical |
| Premium impact (post-DUI) | +30–50% (cheapest with SR-22) | +50–60% | +45–60% | +40–55% | Already a high-risk-only book |
| Online filing | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
SR-22 Cost by State (Verified May 2026)
| State | Avg annual | Avg monthly | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Idaho | ~$2,100 | ~$175 | Among cheapest SR-22 states (low-injury-claim history) |
| Maine | ~$2,200 | ~$185 | Low population density + low claim costs |
| New Hampshire | ~$2,300 | ~$190 | Only state without mandatory auto insurance — SR-22 filed for financial responsibility |
| Iowa | ~$2,400 | ~$200 | Cheap baseline carries through to SR-22 pricing |
| National average | ~$3,000 | ~$250 | Liability-only baseline post-DUI |
| Texas | ~$3,400 | ~$285 | Plus SR-22-equivalent filings (Texas calls it SR-22) |
| Florida | ~$3,800 | ~$315 | FR-44 may be required instead of SR-22 (higher liability minimums) |
| Michigan | ~$4,800 | ~$400 | No-fault state with already-high baseline |
| California | $5,500+ | ~$460 | Highest SR-22 cost; CA bans credit-based pricing but high claim costs drive overall rates |
| New York | $5,200+ | ~$435 | Expensive baseline + dense urban claim risk |
Florida and Virginia may require FR-44 (higher liability minimums) instead of SR-22 for DUI offenses, materially raising the premium.
Which carrier should you pick for SR-22?
Match your situation to the right specialty:
- First-time SR-22 (DUI), otherwise clean record→ ProgressiveBest specialty pricing post-DUI. Files online same-day. 30–50% premium increase vs 50–100% at non-specialists.
- You were already with GEICO before the violation→ Get a Progressive quote anywayGEICO's 73% post-DUI surcharge is highest among major carriers. Switching to Progressive often saves $1,000+/yr.
- Multiple violations, refused by mainstream carriers→ The GeneralBuilt specifically for drivers refused by Progressive/GEICO. Same-day filing if court deadline approaching.
- You bundle auto + home + renters→ State Farm or existing carrier (renew)Bundle savings often offset specialty pricing gap. Quote both bundle math AND Progressive standalone before deciding.
- You're in Florida or Virginia after a DUI→ Quote FR-44, not SR-22FL and VA require FR-44 (higher liability minimums) for DUI. Premium is 50–100% above standard SR-22.
- You're moving to a new state during the SR-22 period→ Confirm both states' requirements before movingNew state typically honors the original state's filing duration. Don't let the SR-22 lapse during the move.
- Court deadline is in 48 hours→ Progressive or The General (online same-day)Both file SR-22 electronically within hours. Keep the email confirmation as proof for court.
Get a Progressive SR-22 Quote
Progressive specializes in high-risk auto insurance with online same-day SR-22 filing. Most common cheapest mainstream SR-22 carrier verified May 2026.
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After the SR-22 Period Ends
When your required SR-22 period (typically 3 years from license reinstatement) ends, the filing comes off and your premium often drops 20–40% — even though the underlying violation stays on your driving record longer.
Your end-of-SR-22 checklist:
- Confirm with your state DMV that the SR-22 requirement is satisfied (printable letter from most state DMV websites).
- Ask your current insurer to remove the SR-22 filing — premiums typically drop 20–40% the next renewal.
- Re-quote with mainstream carriers (State Farm, USAA, GEICO without surcharge) — many now accept you at standard rates.
- Check the underlying violation: a DUI typically stays on your driving record 5–10 years; some carriers run separate surcharge periods longer than the SR-22 requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How we verified this
SR-22 cost data verified May 2026 against Quote.com, MoneyGeek, WalletHub, Insurance.com, and Money Atlas 2026 SR-22 reports. Filing fee ranges confirmed against state DMV resources. Progressive's specialty pricing model and GEICO's 73% post-DUI surcharge cross-referenced with our own VERIFIED-RATES-DB and Insurify 2026 carrier analysis.