If you’ve gotten into an accident or received a speeding ticket, what happens next depends on your driving record and what type of accident you’ve been involved in. Generally, if this is your first accident or speeding ticket, you’ll likely see an increase in insurance premiums.
However, if this isn’t your first accident, you’ve received multiple tickets or you’ve gotten a DWI/DUI, you may be required to get SR-22 insurance.
An SR-22 is not a car insurance policy. It is a document, known as a certificate of financial responsibility, that your insurer must file with your state’s department of motor vehicles. The SR-22 is a guarantee that you carry sufficient insurance to meet state requirements. Not all carriers will insure someone who requires an SR-22.
But what happens if you don’t own a vehicle or drive regularly? You must purchase a non-owner SR-22 insurance policy. Learn more about this type of policy, who needs to carry it, what it costs, the cheapest non-owner SR-22 companies and more.
- An SR-22 is the form your insurer files to verify that you carry sufficient auto insurance to meet state law.
- Non-owner insurance is the type of policy you may need if you don’t own a car and must file an SR-22.
- A non-owner SR-22 insurance policy has coverage limitations — namely, bodily injury and property damage liability.
- On average, a non-owner SR-22 insurance policy will cost you $382 annually — about $50 more than the average annual premium of $331 for the state minimum coverage.
- Not all insurance companies offer non-owner policies.
What is non-owner SR-22 insurance?
Non-owner SR-22 insurance is car insurance coverage for high-risk drivers who don’t own a car. If you’ve been involved in a DUI/DWI, reckless driving or multiple car accidents, a car insurance company will deem you a high-risk driver.
When you get behind the wheel, you will still need an insurance policy that covers bodily injury liability and property damage liability. Car insurance companies offer non-owner policies for certain situations when auto insurance is required but the driver doesn’t own a vehicle to insure.
Typically, the need for a non-owner policy arises because:
- The state mandates a person to obtain an auto insurance policy, but that individual doesn’t have a car.
- Someone who doesn’t own a car wants insurance coverage when they occasionally drive non-owned vehicles like rental cars or a family member’s vehicle.
Additionally, if you’ve been involved in a serious moving violation, you may be legally required to carry an SR-22 form.
Mark Friedlander, director of corporate communications for the Insurance Information Institute, or III, an industry research and advocacy organization, says not being able to provide proof that you have non-owner auto insurance and an SR-22 filed with the state’s DMV could be considered a misdemeanor in most jurisdictions (varying by state).
If you’re pulled over by law enforcement and can’t provide proof, Friedlander says, you could be looking at the following:
- Suspension or revocation of your driver’s license
- Court costs, attorney’s fees and fines initiated by your state, county or city.
- Potential jail time if you have been caught multiple times without proof of insurance.
Who needs non-owner SR-22 insurance?
High-risk drivers, or those with significant moving violations on their driving record, must often file an SR-22. For drivers who don’t own a vehicle, or who need insurance coverage to operate a vehicle, such as a car rental, a non-owner SR-22 insurance policy is often required.
According to Andrew Head, certified financial planner and associate professor of finance at Western Kentucky University, some of the reasons your state may require SR-22 insurance without a vehicle include:
- Accumulating too many DMV points
- Categorized as a habitual traffic offender
- Conviction for driving without insurance
- Driving uninsured and being involved in a motor vehicle accident
- Failing to carry liability insurance on your vehicle
- Involvement in a serious moving violation (such as reckless driving) convictions
- Needing to apply for a hardship or probationary permit (while license is suspended)
- Receiving a DUI, DWI or other major alcohol offense convictions
- Reinstating your license after a suspension or revocation
Three states – Georgia, Missouri and Texas – separately issue an SR-22A certificate, which differs from an SR-22.
“An SR-22A certificate is primarily for low-level driving offenders, such as those who fail to carry their state’s minimum liability coverage,” Friedlander says. “Your insurer issues an SR-22A certificate and files it with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles, just like an SR-22.”
Being required to file an SR-22A could adversely impact your auto insurance rates depending on why you need the certificate, although your premium likely won’t jump as high as it would if you need an SR-22.
How does non-owner SR-22 insurance work?
When you’ve received a DUI/DWI, reckless driving or multiple moving violations, you will be required to file an SR-22 form, which verifies your financial responsibility. A non-owner policy is the type of insurance you may need if you don’t own a car. Hence, you have insurance and state-mandated forms to comply with the laws for such a situation.
States can mandate non-owners to obtain car insurance and carry an SR-22 to verify financial responsibility. That’s because state agencies know these individuals can be negligent and harm others and their property while driving, even if they don’t own the car they’re operating.
“Be aware that not owning a vehicle may make it more difficult to obtain an SR-22 certificate,” Friedlander says. “You will need to furnish proof of insurance to earn the certificate. If you don’t own a vehicle, you should apply for a non-owner auto insurance policy before filing for an SR-22 certificate.”
What does non-owner SR-22 insurance cover?
Typically, this policy covers liability up to the limits purchased and is secondary to the auto insurance policy of the vehicle’s owner. For example, if you borrow and drive a friend’s car, their policy will be primary.
A non-owner SR-22 insurance policy will typically include the following:
Depending which state you live in and the car insurance company you’re using, you may also be able to include on the policy other types of car insurance coverage, including:
What is not covered under a non-owner SR-22 insurance policy?
Keep in mind that a non-owner SR-22 insurance policy isn’t a primary car insurance policy. This means it won’t offer the physical damage coverages of collision or comprehensive policies and you may be liable for an accident. For example, if you’re involved in a fender bender when driving a friend’s vehicle, any damages incurred won’t be covered by your non-owner policy.
How much does non-owner SR-22 insurance cost?
An SR-22 certificate requirement can increase your average annual auto insurance premiums by a minimum of 50% to a maximum of 400% above your current rate, based on the severity of the infraction and the risk assessment by your insurer, according to the Insurance Information Institute.
According to CarInsurance.com data, a non-owner SR-22 car insurance policy ranges from $175 to $660 on average annually, based on the state you live in. The average cost for a non-owner SR-22 insurance policy is $382.
However, if you are filing an SR-22 for a traffic conviction other than a DUI — for instance, a license suspension or driving uninsured — it may be less. An SR-22 filing will also change your status from a preferred customer to a non-standard risk customer.
Average annual car insurance cost with an SR-22
The state with the most affordable non-owner SR-22 insurance is Iowa at an average annual rate of $175. The most expensive state in the U.S. for a non-owner SR-22 policy is Florida at $660 per year, followed by Rhode Island at $600 per year and Utah at $543 per year.
Find out how your state ranks for a non-owner SR-22 policy in the table below.
| State | Average annual non-owner state minimum rate | Average annual non-owner SR-22 rate | % Difference | $ Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $260 | $316 | 22% | $56 |
| Alabama | $380 | $481 | 26% | $101 |
| Arkansas | $266 | $389 | 46% | $123 |
| Arizona | $396 | $487 | 23% | $91 |
| California | $299 | $335 | 12% | $36 |
| Colorado | $282 | $374 | 33% | $92 |
| Connecticut | $395 | $497 | 26% | $102 |
| Washington, D.C. | $310 | $354 | 14% | $44 |
| Delaware | $344 | $374 | 9% | $30 |
| Florida | $545 | $660 | 21% | $115 |
| Georgia | $312 | $359 | 15% | $47 |
| Hawaii | $395 | $465 | 18% | $70 |
| Iowa | $153 | $175 | 15% | $22 |
| Idaho | $187 | $224 | 20% | $37 |
| Illinois | $279 | $285 | 2% | $6 |
| Indiana | $259 | $305 | 18% | $46 |
| Kansas | $274 | $325 | 19% | $51 |
| Kentucky | $375 | $404 | 8% | $29 |
| Louisiana | $330 | $379 | 15% | $49 |
| Massachusetts | $445 | $492 | 10% | $47 |
| Maryland | $438 | $457 | 4% | $19 |
| Maine | $238 | $261 | 10% | $23 |
| Michigan | $513 | $522 | 2% | $9 |
| Minnesota | $302 | $308 | 2% | $6 |
| Missouri | $358 | $369 | 3% | $11 |
| Mississippi | $321 | $342 | 7% | $21 |
| Montana | $299 | $331 | 11% | $32 |
| North Carolina | $470 | $503 | 7% | $33 |
| North Dakota | $209 | $242 | 16% | $33 |
| Nebraska | $186 | $235 | 26% | $49 |
| New Hampshire | $318 | $393 | 24% | $75 |
| New Jersey | $459 | $515 | 12% | $56 |
| New Mexico | $293 | $329 | 12% | $36 |
| Nevada | $346 | $407 | 18% | $61 |
| New York | $421 | $441 | 5% | $20 |
| Ohio | $214 | $261 | 22% | $47 |
| Oklahoma | $242 | $289 | 19% | $47 |
| Oregon | $441 | $521 | 18% | $80 |
| Pennsylvania | $263 | $324 | 23% | $61 |
| Rhode Island | $518 | $600 | 16% | $82 |
| South Carolina | $368 | $414 | 12% | $46 |
| South Dakota | $170 | $206 | 21% | $36 |
| Tennessee | $363 | $457 | 26% | $94 |
| Texas | $447 | $482 | 8% | $35 |
| Utah | $444 | $543 | 22% | $99 |
| Virginia | $290 | $379 | 31% | $89 |
| Vermont | $296 | $361 | 22% | $65 |
| Washington | $349 | $400 | 15% | $51 |
| Wisconsin | $230 | $260 | 13% | $30 |
| West Virginia | $367 | $408 | 11% | $41 |
| Wyoming | $215 | $245 | 14% | $30 |
How much does non-owner SR-22 insurance cost with a DUI?
If you have an SR-22 with a DUI, you’ll pay significantly higher rates. Non-owner SR-22 car insurance with a DUI averages $646 annually. Drivers in North Carolina, Hawaii, Michigan and Florida are penalized with the highest rates, while drivers in Iowa, South Dakota and North Dakota don’t see a huge increase in their rates.
See the difference between annual rates with an SR-22 and one DUI vs. a standard non-owner policy in the table below.
| State | Average non-owner annual rate | Average annual non-owner SR-22 with 1 DUI | % Difference | $ Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $260 | $407 | 57% | $147 |
| Alabama | $380 | $638 | 68% | $258 |
| Arkansas | $266 | $466 | 75% | $200 |
| Arizona | $396 | $856 | 116% | $460 |
| California | $299 | $791 | 165% | $492 |
| Colorado | $282 | $659 | 134% | $377 |
| Connecticut | $395 | $908 | 130% | $513 |
| Washington, D.C. | $310 | $459 | 48% | $149 |
| Delaware | $344 | $598 | 74% | $254 |
| Florida | $545 | $1,100 | 102% | $555 |
| Georgia | $312 | $502 | 61% | $190 |
| Hawaii | $395 | $1,397 | 254% | $1,002 |
| Iowa | $153 | $226 | 48% | $73 |
| Idaho | $187 | $325 | 74% | $138 |
| Illinois | $279 | $460 | 65% | $181 |
| Indiana | $259 | $443 | 71% | $184 |
| Kansas | $274 | $481 | 76% | $207 |
| Kentucky | $375 | $779 | 108% | $404 |
| Louisiana | $330 | $616 | 87% | $286 |
| Massachusetts | $445 | $897 | 102% | $452 |
| Maryland | $438 | $751 | 71% | $313 |
| Maine | $238 | $406 | 70% | $168 |
| Michigan | $513 | $1,205 | 135% | $692 |
| Minnesota | $302 | $460 | 52% | $158 |
| Missouri | $358 | $500 | 40% | $142 |
| Mississippi | $321 | $620 | 93% | $299 |
| Montana | $299 | $538 | 80% | $239 |
| North Carolina | $470 | $2,063 | 339% | $1,593 |
| North Dakota | $209 | $315 | 51% | $106 |
| Nebraska | $186 | $456 | 145% | $270 |
| New Hampshire | $318 | $567 | 78% | $249 |
| New Jersey | $459 | $622 | 36% | $163 |
| New Mexico | $293 | $561 | 91% | $268 |
| Nevada | $346 | $643 | 86% | $297 |
| New York | $421 | $535 | 27% | $114 |
| Ohio | $214 | $459 | 115% | $245 |
| Oklahoma | $242 | $523 | 116% | $281 |
| Oregon | $441 | $850 | 93% | $409 |
| Pennsylvania | $263 | $705 | 168% | $442 |
| Rhode Island | $518 | $948 | 83% | $430 |
| South Carolina | $368 | $534 | 45% | $166 |
| South Dakota | $170 | $296 | 74% | $126 |
| Tennessee | $363 | $831 | 129% | $468 |
| Texas | $447 | $568 | 27% | $121 |
| Utah | $444 | $713 | 61% | $269 |
| Virginia | $290 | $717 | 147% | $427 |
| Vermont | $296 | $579 | 96% | $283 |
| Washington | $349 | $633 | 81% | $284 |
| Wisconsin | $230 | $386 | 68% | $156 |
| West Virginia | $367 | $514 | 40% | $147 |
| Wyoming | $215 | $460 | 114% | $245 |
How to get non-owner SR-22 insurance
Purchasing a non-owner SR-22 insurance policy is similar to buying a standard car insurance policy. It’s best to understand what you need and to find the best option for your budget. A good way to find cheap SR-22 non-owner insurance quotes is to compare car insurance quotes from multiple companies.
“Prices vary from company to company, so it pays to shop around,” Friedlander says. “Get at least three price quotes from national and regional carriers. You can obtain multiple quotes via online comparison tools, on the phone directly from insurers, or through a local insurance agent representing a single company or multiple insurers.”
If you are buying a new auto insurance policy, ask if the company files SR-22 forms before you spend time getting a quote. Even though you’ll pay more for coverage attached to an SR-22, you can still save by comparison shopping.
Which companies sell non-owner SR-22 insurance?
While many major insurance companies offer non-owner SR-22 policies, your current insurer might not. Since this policy is for high-risk drivers, it may be challenging to find a policy. Contacting several insurers for their options and quotes can help you find the best option for your needs and budget.
When looking for your non-owner SR-22 insurance policy, you can also ask agents to look into available cost-saving options.
“When shopping for coverage, non-owner car insurance policyholders with an SR-22 filing should look for discounts in addition to comparing the base price of the policy. Some common discounts you may be eligible for are bundling (such as bundling auto and home or renters insurance coverage with the same insurer), paying your bill in full and electronic communications,” Friedlander says. “You also may be eligible to sign up for a usage-based telematics program where insurers provide discounts based on tracking your driving habits via a mobile app.”
The following companies sell non-owner policies, both with and without an SR-22:
- Allstate
- American Family
- American National
- Arbella Insurance
- Auto Club Enterprises (AAA)
- Auto-Owners
- CSAA Insurance (AAA)
- Erie Insurance
- Farmers
- Frankenmuth Insurance
- Geico
- Iowa Farm Bureau
- Kemper
- Mercury Insurance
- National General
- Nationwide
- North Carolina Farm Bureau
- Progressive
- Safety Insurance
- Sentry Insurance
- Shelter Insurance
- Southern Farm Bureau
- State Farm
- Travelers
- USAA
- Vermont Mutual
- Western National Insurance
- Westfield Insurance
Non-owner SR-22 insurance costs by company
While rates can vary based on the state you live in, the annual average rates for a non-owner policy range from $111 to $1,100. Please note that these rates are for an SR-22 filing only – rates for an SR-22 with a DUI are significantly higher.
Learn more about other insurers’ rates in the table below.
| Company | Average annual cost | Average monthly cost |
|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $706 | $59 |
| American Family | $254 | $21 |
| American National | $203 | $17 |
| Arbella Insurance | $481 | $40 |
| Auto Club Enterprises (AAA) | $199 | $17 |
| Auto-Owners | $111 | $9 |
| CSAA Insurance (AAA) | $909 | $76 |
| Erie Insurance | $265 | $22 |
| Farmers | $628 | $52 |
| Frankenmuth Insurance | $660 | $55 |
| Geico | $346 | $29 |
| Iowa Farm Bureau | $250 | $21 |
| Kemper | $219 | $18 |
| Mercury Insurance | $506 | $42 |
| National General | $1,100 | $92 |
| Nationwide | $503 | $42 |
| North Carolina Farm Bureau | $345 | $29 |
| Progressive | $593 | $49 |
| Safety Insurance | $192 | $16 |
| Sentry Insurance | $451 | $38 |
| Shelter Insurance | $310 | $26 |
| Southern Farm Bureau | $249 | $21 |
| State Farm | $351 | $29 |
| Travelers | $345 | $29 |
| Vermont Mutual | $159 | $13 |
| Western National Insurance | $167 | $14 |
| Westfield Insurance | $201 | $17 |
| USAA* | $193 | $16 |
Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
What can I do to avoid needing SR-22 non-owner insurance?
The simplest way to avoid the need of an SR-22 is this: Maintain adequate auto insurance coverage and drive responsibly. But if you are required to get SR-22 insurance, use it as an opportunity for a second chance at responsible driving.
“Recognize first that the requirement of an SR-22 is no trivial thing; the state requires this ‘super verification’ of coverage because you have been deemed very high risk. This most often involved driving in a way that puts other people’s lives in jeopardy,” Head says.
“Simply choosing to drive at all always poses a risk to others – doing so without insurance can mean adding possibly ruinous financial hardship to an innocent person already reeling from an injury. Think of an SR-22 as a second chance instead of a punishment. The state is allowing you to drive, despite a past mistake.”
In other words, to avoid being in a situation requiring SR-22 insurance, take your responsibility as a driver very seriously.
How do you cancel a non-owner SR-22 insurance policy?
“We recommend you contact your state’s department of motor vehicles to confirm the process in your state,” Friedlander says. “In many states, you can get an SR-22 removed from your driving record after three years by notifying your auto insurer, which will cancel the SR-22 filing with your state. However, if you cancel early, penalties can include getting your driver’s license suspended.”
If you purchase a car, you must immediately alert your car insurance carrier to cancel your non-owner policy and get a standard auto policy. The process for canceling the SR-22 certificate itself varies by state.
“You simply replace your non-owners auto insurance policy with a regular auto insurance policy that has your SR-22 certificate attached,” says Rick Estrella, director of operations for Estrella Insurance.
What happens if I don’t keep my non-owner SR-22 insurance active?
If you don’t keep your non-owner SR-22 insurance active, it can lead to serious consequences, including:
- License suspension: The SR-22 form is required to prove financial responsibility, and if your insurance lapses or is canceled, your insurer will notify the state. This typically results in an automatic suspension of your driver’s license.
- Fines and penalties: You may be required to pay fines or additional fees to reinstate your driving privileges after the suspension.
- Extended SR-22 requirement: The state may extend the period you’re required to carry SR-22 insurance, increasing the time you need to maintain continuous coverage.
- Pricier insurance: Failing to keep your SR-22 insurance active may signal to insurers that you are a high-risk driver, leading to even higher insurance premiums in the future.
To avoid these penalties, it’s essential to maintain continuous coverage for the entire SR-22 requirement period.
FAQs: Getting non-owner SR-22 insurance without a car
Does non-owner SR-22 insurance cover any car I drive?
Your non-owner auto insurance policy will cover any vehicle you drive, including a rental car. But the vehicle must not be titled in your name and you should not have regular access to it. Your non-owner policy should stipulate that you only drive an unspecified vehicle occasionally.
What should I do if I plan to move to a different state while having a non-owner SR-22?
If you plan to move to a different state while carrying a non-owner SR-22, here’s what you should do:
- Notify your insurance company: Inform your current insurer about your move. They will help you maintain SR-22 compliance in your new state and ensure your policy reflects your new location.
- Check state requirements: Different states have varying SR-22 requirements. Verify whether your new state requires SR-22 filings or has equivalent financial responsibility laws. You may need to file a new SR-22 form there, even if your current state no longer requires it.
- Maintain continuous coverage: Keep your non-owner SR-22 insurance active throughout the move. Any lapse in coverage could result in license suspension or other penalties, even after relocating.
By taking these steps, you’ll ensure you’re legally compliant and avoid any interruptions in your driving privileges.
I need an SR-22, but I don’t own a car. How can I get a non-owner policy?
To purchase a non-owners policy, you must meet certain conditions. An insurance company will generally require that:
- You have a valid driver’s license.
- You do not own a vehicle.
- Some insurers also require that no one in your household owns a vehicle and that you do not have regular access to a vehicle.
Next, you would shop for a non-owner policy the same way you would if shopping for standard car insurance coverage. However, not all carriers offer non-owner coverage. Then, the insurance company will have an SR-22 filed on your behalf. Auto insurance companies can only file an SR-22 after you have obtained the state-mandated coverages as part of your non-owner car insurance policy.
Once the SR-22 is filed, you must maintain the related insurance coverage for the state-mandated period. The period varies, but most commonly, it’s three years.
Resources & Methodology
Methodology
CarInsurance.com commissioned Quadrant Information Services in 2024 to field rates for non-owner state minimum coverage from the Auto Problems Report for 40-year-old male and female drivers with an SR-22. The hypothetical driver has 10,000 annual mileage 12-mile commute.
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