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Which District Of Columbia Insurance Companies Offer the Cheapest SR-22 Insurance?

Filing an SR-22 will cost you a small fee, but your car insurance rates could increase substantially. Insurers raise premiums based on the severity of offense on your driving record. After filing SR-22 for a DUI in Washington D.C., you can expect an average rate of $967 per year for a minimum coverage car insurance policy. The average cost of a similar policy without SR-22 insurance is only $638 per year.

Erie is the best option for those who have filed SR-22 and require the cheapest car insurance in Washington D.C. The company quotes an average of $643 per year for a minimum coverage SR-22 insurance in Washington D.C.

Cheapest Companies for SR-22 Insurance in District Of Columbia

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MoneyGeek estimated the costs for a policy that meets Washington, D.C.'s minimum car insurance requirements and for a full coverage policy that includes $100,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person, $300,000 in injuries per accident and $100,000 in property damage coverage.

A traffic violation on your driving record can result in loss of discounts from insurance companies. Along with the traffic offense in Washington D.C. and the expense of filing an SR-22, this can impact your average insurance costs. To ensure you have the best rate after filing an SR-22 in Washington, D.C, compare estimates from at least three insurers.

Those not focused on price can also shop for the best car insurance in District of Columbia.

Key Takeaways
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Filing an SR-22 form typically requires a one-time fee of about $25.

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Companies will no longer consider you eligible for any good driver discounts if you file for an SR-22, making SR-22 insurance more expensive.

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The cost of your car insurancemay vary depending on the severity of your traffic violation, with serious offenses such as hit-and-run causing you to pay higher rates than a DUI.

What Is SR-22 Insurance in District Of Columbia? Who Needs It? How Do You Get It?

SR-22 insurance in Washington D.C. is a document your insurance provider files proving that you meet your state's minimum liability coverage requirements. It’s not insurance coverage. A motorist committing a serious traffic offense, such as a DUI, who has their license suspended and needs to have their driving privileges reinstated must file an SR-22.

You must notify your insurance company to file an SR-22 on your behalf. Your insurer then electronically submits the SR-22 form to the Washington D.C.’s Department of Motor Vehicles. Remember that if you file an SR-22 after a serious traffic offense like DUI, your auto insurance may be more expensive than what someone with a clean record pays.

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MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP

The SR-22 forms filed in Washington D.C. must prove that the applicant driver has an auto insurance policy meeting the state's minimum car insurance requirements, which are:

  • $25,000 bodily injury liability coverage per person
  • $50,000 bodily injury liability coverage per accident
  • $10,000 property damage liability coverage per accident
  • $25,000 uninsured motorist coverage per person
  • $50,000 uninsured motorist coverage per accident
  • $5,000 uninsured motorist property damage coverage per accident

Read more with MoneyGeek's District of Columbia car insurance resources or estimate rates with our District of Columbia car insurance calculator.

Who Needs SR-22 Insurance in District Of Columbia? And for How Long Do They Need It?

Traffic offenses that require you to file an SR-22 can be different for each state. However, regardless of where you live, if you commit one of the following violations, you will be mostly required to file an SR-22:

  • DUI
  • Reckless driving
  • Driving without insurance coverage
  • Driving with a suspended license

You do not need to file an SR-22 if you are involved in a minor offense, such as a traffic ticket. This means that the rate of insurance after an accident or a ticket may be less than that of someone who filed an SR-22.

Depending on the offense, you may be required to retain your SR-22 for at least three years.

How Do You Get SR-22 Insurance in District Of Columbia?

If you have committed a major traffic offense and had your license suspended, you must notify your insurance provider. The company will file SR-22 with the state on your behalf. Since SR-22 on your record classifies you as a high-risk driver, some insurance companies might disqualify you from buying an insurance policy through them. You can also expect to pay higher rates than you would have if you didn't have a serious traffic violation on your record.

Non-Owner SR-22 Insurance in District Of Columbia

In Washington, D.C., committing a serious traffic violation, such as an at-fault accident or DUI, can result in the suspension of your driver's license. You may need to file an SR-22 with the state to prove you have coverage and get your license reinstated, even if you don’t own a car.

Buying a non-owner car insurance policy is the most affordable way to prove your financial responsibility. This policy acts as proof that you possess the state's minimum liability insurance coverage. This policy will work for you even if you don't own a car and instead drive rental or borrowed cars.

For those filing SR-22 with a DUI in their record, a non-owner car insurance policy in Washington D.C. costs an average of $599 per year. The rates vary from one insurer to the other. On average, GEICO provides the cheapest non-owner SR-22 insurance in Washington D.C. at $296 per year. USAA’s average quote of $478 per year is the second cheapest rate in Washington D.C. However, the company only serves active and retired military members and their families.

The Average Cost of Non-Owner SR-22 Car Insurance in District Of Columbia

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MoneyGeek calculated non-owner auto insurance rates in Washington, D.C. for a driver with a DUI, including bodily injury liability of $50,000 per person, bodily injury liability of $100,000 per accident and property damage liability of $50,000 per accident.

FAQs About SR-22 Insurance in District Of Columbia

Drivers in Washington D.C. who committed a serious traffic violation might have questions about the SR-22 filing process, the rates after filing SR-22 and who offers the cheapest rates. MoneyGeek has answers to some commonly asked questions.

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Methodology

MoneyGeek analyzed renters insurance premiums from seven of the top insurance companies in Washington D.C. that were provided in partnership with Quadrant. Our analysis includes quotes from ZIP codes across Washington D.C. Quotes were gathered for policies that meet the state’s minimum coverage requirements and for full coverage policies with $100,000 in bodily injury liability insurance per person, $300,000 in bodily injury liability insurance per accident and $100,000 in property damage liability per accident. Rates are for the same driver with both a clean record and a DUI.

About Mark Fitzpatrick

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Mark Fitzpatrick is a senior content director at MoneyGeek with over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, conducting original research and creating content that can be personalized for every buyer. He has been quoted on insurance topics in several publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Mark earned a master’s degree in Economics and International Relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his economics and insurance knowledge to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.

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