Cheap Non-Owner SR-22 Insurance

A non-owner SR-22 is already the cheapest way to meet an SR-22 requirement without a car. With some shopping, many drivers pay well under $50 a month. Here is how to get there.

Why rates vary so much

Every insurer prices high-risk drivers differently. One carrier may treat a lapse in coverage as a minor issue, while another prices it close to a DUI. Industry studies have found that the same driver can see quotes that differ by several hundred dollars a year for the same non-owner SR-22 coverage. That is why comparing quotes matters more here than in almost any other type of insurance.

Companies that are often cheapest

In national rate studies, regional carriers such as Auto-Owners and large direct writers such as GEICO and Progressive often post some of the lowest average non-owner SR-22 rates. USAA is frequently cheapest for eligible military families. High-risk specialists such as Dairyland and The General are often competitive after a DUI or multiple violations. Availability varies by state, so see our companies guide.

9 ways to pay less

1. Compare at least three quotes from carriers that specialize in SR-22s.
2. Buy only the state minimum if your budget is tight. Raise limits later when you can.
3. Pay in full for six or twelve months to avoid installment fees and earn a paid-in-full discount.
4. Choose paperless and autopay discounts.
5. Take a state-approved defensive driving course if your state gives a discount for it.
6. Avoid any lapse. A cancellation adds a new surcharge and may restart your SR-22 period.
7. Requote at each renewal. Violations age off rating formulas, often after three years.
8. Ask about the filing fee. It ranges from $0 to $50 depending on the carrier.
9. Check broad-form options in states that allow them, because they can be cheaper than non-owner policies.

Cheapest and most expensive states

Non-owner SR-22 rates are lowest in states such as South Dakota, Iowa, North Dakota, Maine and Ohio. They are highest in the Northeast and in states with high minimum limits, as well as in FR-44 states after a DUI. Find your state on our state guide.

Cheap is not the same as risky

The cheapest policy that files your SR-22 meets the legal requirement. However, state minimum limits are low. If you cause a serious crash, you are personally responsible for damages above your limits. If you can afford it, raising your limits to 50/100 often costs only a few dollars a month on a non-owner policy.