SR-22 insurance in Washington, D.C., is not an insurance policy. Rather, it’s a certificate proving financial responsibility that some drivers must submit to the state. It’s necessary for individuals who are found guilty of specific driving offenses, including DUI, driving without insurance and reckless driving.
Your insurer files an SR-22 form with the Washington, D.C., DMV to verify that your policy meets the state’s minimum liability coverage requirements. This form is typically required when you need to reinstate driving privileges after they were revoked or suspended due to violations. You must maintain continuous coverage throughout the specific period for compliance with the court or DMV.
This guide provides an overview of what SR-22 insurance covers in Washington, D.C., and how it can influence your annual premiums.
Who needs an SR-22 in Washington, D.C.?
In Washington, D.C., if your driver’s license gets suspended or revoked because of certain violations, you might need SR-22. It is a form that proves you have car insurance.
Here are some reasons why a driver might need an SR-22:
- DUI or DWI (driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated) conviction
- Reckless driving
- Driving without insurance
- Multiple traffic offenses within a short period
- If you’re involved in an accident and don’t have car insurance, the DMV may suspend your license and require you to file an SR-22
- Nonpayment of fines or penalties if you’re sued after an accident
In Washington, D.C., an SR-22 is generally needed for 3-5 years, but this duration can differ based on the specific violation. Throughout this period, it’s crucial to maintain at least the minimum car insurance required by Washington, D.C. law.
Learn more about how to find out if you still need an SR-22
How do I get an SR-22 in Washington, D.C.?
Getting insurance in Washington, D.C., involves purchasing a car insurance policy and having the insurance company file an SR-22 form with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)on your behalf.
Getting the right car insurance:
- Contact your current insurance provider: Many insurers can handle SR-22 filings, but remember that your rates may change. It’s important to confirm whether they offer an SR-22 and if it will affect your premiums.
- Shop for quotes: It’s important to compare quotes from different insurers that offer SR-22 coverage. Disclose your need for an SR-22 so you get accurate estimates.
- Meet state minimum liability limits: Make sure that your coverage meets Washington, D.C.’s required minimums, which is 25/50/10.
Filing the SR-22:
- Inform your insurance company about your SR-22 requirement. They will take care of the paperwork and file the form with the DMV for you.
- Pay the fees. There will be a filing fee for the SR-22 from your insurer and the increased premiums due to your high-risk status.
- Maintain continuous coverage. Make sure there is no lapse in the insurance coverage to avoid license suspension by the DMV.
Remember, getting SR-22 insurance may result in higher premiums due to your driving record. Compare car insurance quotes every six months and ask about discounts to get the cheapest car insurance possible.
Discover your options for getting SR-22 insurance without a valid license
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How much is SR-22 insurance in Washington, D.C.?
The cost of car insurance in Washington, D.C., is $2,369 per year for full coverage with an SR-22, which is $276 higher than the national average of $2,093 annually. However, having a DUI on your driving record can significantly increase your premium to an average of $3,582 per year for full coverage.
In addition to the increased premium, there’s usually a small fee associated with filing the SR-22 form. To get your license reinstated, you must acquire car insurance and submit the SR-22 form.
How much is SR-22 insurance per month in Washington, D.C.?
Washington, D.C., drivers with a DUI can expect to pay an average of $299 a month for full coverage insurance with an SR-22.
Not all insurance companies offer car insurance for high-risk drivers, so you might need to shop around to secure coverage. When you do find an insurer, expect to pay higher premiums.
However, if you drive carefully and avoid speeding, DUIs and other violations, you can improve your driving record, which could lead to lower insurance premiums in the future.
Affordable SR-22 insurance companies by state
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Geico provides the most affordable SR-22 car insurance for drivers in Washington, D.C., with an average annual premium of $1,427. Progressive and Erie Insurance also offer competitive SR-22 insurance rates in Washington, D.C., according to CarInsurance.com data.
After a DUI or other traffic violation in Washington, D.C., getting SR-22 insurance is a requirement. While the SR-22 form doesn’t impact insurance costs, the violations that necessitate it typically result in higher premiums. However, high-risk drivers can still find affordable auto insurance rates in Washington, D.C.
| Company | Full coverage rates without SR-22 | Full coverage rates after filling SR-22 |
|---|---|---|
| Geico | 1,408 | 1,427 |
| Progressive | 1,488 | 1,696 |
| Erie Insurance | 1,581 | 1,862 |
| State Farm | 2,426 | 2,818 |
| Allstate | 3,769 | 4,188 |
| USAA* | 1,230 | 1,263 |
Find out which providers offer the cheapest SR-22 car insurance
How long do I need SR-22 insurance in Washington, D.C.?
In Washington, D.C., you are required to have SR-22 coverage for a period of 3-5 years. This confirms to the Washington, D.C., DMV that you have the state-mandated minimum insurance coverage.
SR-22 insurance varies by state and the reason you need it. Usually, it’s required for three years but in some cases, it might be longer. For example, if someone has repeat violations, the requirement could extend out to five years, says Dr. James Brau, Joel C. Peterson professor of finance at Brigham Young University.
What happens if I cancel my SR-22 insurance?
Canceling your SR-22 insurance before the mandated period ends can lead to several serious consequences
- Driver’s license suspension: Your insurance company is required to inform the state if your SR-22 is canceled. This will likely lead to your driver’s license being suspended.
- Fines and penalties: Non-compliance with SR-22 requirements may incur additional fines or penalties, adding to the financial consequences of policy cancellation.
- extended probationary period: If your SR-22 was a condition of probation for a driving offense, canceling it could reset the probation clock.
- Insurance premium increase: A lapse in coverage and violations can lead to significant spikes in insurance premiums.
Failing to maintain continuous SR-22 coverage for the mandated period can result in legal consequences and the suspension of your driving privileges.
How to get an SR-22 removed in Washington, D.C.
The most common way to get your SR-22 removed is to wait until the required filing period is over. In Washington, D.C., the standard SR-22 filing period is 3-5 years from its filing date.
Brau explains that you should maintain continuous insurance coverage without any lapses. If you cancel your policy or let it expire, the SR-22 will no longer be valid. Wait out the required period. During this time, drive responsibly and maintain your insurance coverage.
“Check with your state’s DMV and confirm the exact duration and any additional requirements for removal. Some states may require you to submit a formal request or provide proof of good driving behavior,” he says.
“Once the required period has passed, ask your insurer to file an SR-26 form with the DMV. This form notifies them that you no longer need an SR-22. After your insurer submits the SR-26, check with the DMV to ensure the SR-22 is officially removed from your record.”
How does an SR-22 affect car insurance rates in Washington, D.C.?
An SR-22 requirement can significantly impact your car insurance rates in Washington, D.C. Insurance companies often view drivers with an SR-22 as high-risk, which can lead to higher premiums.
The specific rate increase can vary depending on several factors, including the insurance company’s policies, driving record, the reason for needing the SR-22, and other personal factors.
It’s important to shop around and compare quotes from different insurance companies to find the most affordable coverage when dealing with an SR-22 requirement. Over time, insurance rates may gradually decrease as the driver maintains a clean driving record and complies with the SR-22 requirements.
Select your age, gender and type of violation to see average annual SR-22 insurance rates by company.
Note: These rates are for a full coverage policy with limits of 100/300/100 with a $500 deductible.
Non-owner SR-22 insurance for Washington, D.C., drivers
If you find yourself in a situation where you need an SR-22 in Washington, D.C., but don’t own a car, there is a solution. Non-owner SR-22 insurance can help you reinstate your Washington, D.C., driver’s license and meet the requirements.
Non-owner car insurance offers liability coverage for individuals who don’t own a vehicle. An added benefit is that some insurers can file the SR-22 form with the DMV for you, which may be required in certain situations.
Frequently asked questions: SR-22 insurance in Washington, D.C.
How do I check my SR-22 status online in Washington, D.C.?
You can visit the official Washington, D.C., DMV website and use their online services to check your SR-22 status. Besides, you can contact the Washington, D.C., DMV directly via phone and inquire about your SR-22 status. They should be able to provide you with the necessary information.
Do I need an SR-1P or SR-22 in Washington, D.C.?
The SR-22 and SR-1P are forms your insurance company files with the Washington, D.C., DMV to show you have the minimum required liability coverage. SR-1P is for two-wheelers, such as motorcycles, mopeds and scooters – if you’ve been caught riding without insurance or had your license suspended, you’ll need an SR-1P.
What happens to your SR-22 insurance in Washington, D.C., if you move?
Your SR-22 insurance in Washington, D.C., doesn’t disappear when you move. You’ll need to find a new insurance company licensed in your new state to file an SR-22 on your behalf. They’ll likely need to file forms with the Washington, D.C., DMV and your new state’s DMV to transfer the requirement. Don’t cancel your Washington, D.C., insurance until you have the new SR-22 in place to avoid a lapse in coverage.
Your new state’s SR-22 requirements might differ from Washington, D.C.’s. You’ll need to consult with your new insurer and the DMV in the state to understand what’s needed.
Does Geico offer SR-22 in Washington, D.C.?
Yes, Geico offers SR-22 in Washington, D.C. It is one of the major car insurance companies that file SR-22 with the state on your behalf, along with providing the necessary insurance coverage to meet the state’s requirements.
Resources & Methodology
Sources
SR-22 Adviser. “SR-22 Requirements by State.” Accessed November 2024.
Methodology
CarInsurance.com commissioned Quadrant Information Services to get SR-22 car insurance rates in Washington, D.C. The rates are based on the sample profile of a 40-year-old driver with a clean driving record and good insurance score. We have compared 50,73,544 from 138 national and regional car insurance companies across 548 cities and 1,468 ZIP codes to evaluate the premiums.
Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
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Guide to car insurance (with rates) in cities of Washington, D.C.