Strip away the myths: the SR-22 filing adds almost nothing to your premium. The violation behind it adds a lot. Knowing the split changes how you shop.
The real cost anatomy
- Filing fee: $15–$50 once.
- Underlying violation impact: typically +60–90% for a DUI, +25–50% for an uninsured accident, varying by state.
- High-risk carrier pricing: identical records can differ 2–3× between carriers — this is where drivers overpay.
- Term length: 1–3 years of that premium, which is why decay shopping matters.
Why the same record gets wildly different quotes
High-risk rating tables differ enormously. Two insurers can see the same DUI and price it $95 versus $210 monthly. The only defence is volume shopping — five quotes minimum for a serious violation, re-quoted every renewal as the violation decays.
| State | Typical monthly range |
|---|---|
| California | $95–145 |
| Texas | $78–120 |
| Florida | $105–160 |
| New York | $112–170 |
| Ohio | $62–95 |
| Georgia | $84–128 |
| Arizona | $88–132 |
| Illinois | $74–112 |
| Pennsylvania | $70–108 |
| North Carolina | $58–92 |
| Michigan | $118–178 |
| Colorado | $82–125 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does SR-22 insurance cost per month?
For minimum liability after a DUI, most drivers land between $80 and $180 monthly depending on state and carrier. The filing itself contributes almost none of that — the violation does.
Does SR-22 raise insurance for everyone equally?
No — the filing is neutral; the violation’s rating impact varies by insurer, state, age and even credit-based insurance scores where legal.
Why is my SR-22 quote higher than my friend’s?
Rating factors stack: age, vehicle, territory, prior record and the specific violation. Also, some companies price recent violations far harsher than 2-year-old ones.
When do SR-22 rates go down?
At each renewal with a clean record, and sharply once the violation ages past 2–3 years or the filing term ends. Shop every cycle to capture the decay.
