If you are found guilty of a DUI or another infraction in Ohio that results in a license suspension, you will need to file an SR-22 to reinstate it. An SR-22 acts as proof that you carry Ohio's minimum car insurance limits.
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What car insurance companies have the cheapest SR-22 insurance?
Progressive has the cheapest rate for full-coverage insurance if you need to file an SR-22 in Ohio. The company charges an average rate of $136 a month to these drivers. The table below shows what the largest car insurers in Ohio charge on average after a license suspension.
| Company | Average monthly rate |
|---|---|
| Progressive | $136 |
| Grange | $140 |
| Nationwide | $294 |
| Allstate | $299 |
| Erie | $302 |
| GEICO | $324 |
| State Farm | $612 |
| Average rates are based on non-binding estimates provided by Quadrant Information Services. Your rates may vary. | |
It should be noted that "SR-22 insurance" isn't a type of car insurance. After filing an SR-22 form, however, you can expect your rates to increase. Car insurance companies consider drivers with a DUI to be high risk, and raise rates to compensate for the added risk. For contrast, the average full-coverage car insurance rate in Ohio is $149 a month.
Also, a DUI usually stays on your insurance record for three years in Ohio. This can cause you to pay a lot more for car insurance in that time.
Cheapest car insurance after an SR-22 by city
Of Ohio's 10 biggest cities, Parma has the cheapest average car insurance rate of $266 a month after an SR-22 filing. Cleveland has the highest average of $322 a month.
These average rates are for full coverage. If you get less coverage, you may pay a lower amount.
| City | Average monthly rate |
|---|---|
| Akron | $295 |
| Canton | $272 |
| Cincinnati | $312 |
| Cleveland | $322 |
| Columbus | $311 |
| Dayton | $286 |
| Hamilton | $286 |
| Lorain | $268 |
| Parma | $266 |
| Toledo | $317 |
| Average rates are based on non-binding estimates provided by Quadrant Information Services. Your rates may vary. | |
What is an SR-22 form?
An SR-22 is a form that confirms you carry at least the minimum amount of car insurance Ohio law requires. The form is also known as a Financial Responsibility Insurance Certificate or an SR-22 bond.
You usually need to file an SR-22 after a DUI conviction to get your drivers license reinstated. Other reasons for needing an SR-22 include repeated driving infractions in a short period of time or driving without enough car insurance.
How do I get an SR-22 in Ohio?
Most auto insurance companies licensed to do business in Ohio are able to issue an SR-22. However, some companies are hesitant to do so because they don't want to take on a high-risk policy right off the bat. If your current provider won't submit an SR-22 for you, shop around and find an auto insurance company that will.
Once you have the SR-22 completed, your insurer will file it with the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).
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Can I get SR-22 insurance in Ohio without a car?
If you are required to file an SR-22 but don't own a car, you can buy a non-owner car insurance policy. Non-owner policies usually cost less than standard car insurance, but they also offer less coverage.
Say you're borrowing someone else's car and have an accident. The owner's car insurance will cover damages and injuries up to their policy limits. Once those limits are hit, your non-owner car insurance policy will pay for the rest, up to your policy limits.
Talk to your insurance agent to make sure you understand what non-owner car insurance does and does not cover.
How long do I need to carry an SR-22 in Ohio?
Ohio requires drivers with an SR-22 to carry it for three to five consecutive years after suspension of their drivers license. How long you actually need it depends on various factors.
If you need to file an SR-22 due to a 12-point suspension, you're required to carry it for three years. This is the same amount of time mandated if you need an SR-22 due to your first non-compliance suspension. You may receive this penalty if you fail to show proof of insurance at a traffic stop or accident. If it's your second non-compliance event in a five-year period, you'll need to carry the SR-22 for five years.
You will also need a five-year SR-22 if you have a judgment suspension. Judgment suspensions occur if you fail to pay a lawsuit judgment from an accident you caused within 30 days.
Ohio's SR-22 car insurance requirements
Ohio state law requires drivers to carry 25/50/25 car insurance coverage at a minimum. This means at least:
- Bodily injury coverage per person: $25,000
- Bodily injury coverage per accident: $50,000
- Property damage: $25,000
While these limits may seem like a lot, they can be hit quickly if you have an accident that results in a long legal case or hospital stay. To avoid paying a huge sum out of pocket, we recommend raising your limits to:
- Bodily injury coverage per person: $100,000
- Bodily injury coverage per accident: $300,000
- Property damage: $100,000
Methodology
We compared rates from top auto insurance companies in Ohio. These rates are based on the profile of a 35-year-old male who drives a 2012 Honda Accord. Full-coverage policies include $500 deductibles for both comprehensive and collision coverages. Your rates may vary based on your personal factors.
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