Compare SR-22 insurance in Washington

If you’ve gotten in trouble behind the wheel in Washington, you may be ordered by the court to file for an SR-22. Though you’ll hear references to SR-22 insurance” an SR-22 isn’t insurance at all. Rather, it’s a document your insurance company files with the state to prove you’re covered by the minimum car insurance required to legally drive.

Do I need SR-22 insurance in Washington?

Your state DMV will let you know if you need to file an SR-22. In Washington, you may need to file for an SR-22 if:

• You’re found driving without insurance.
• You’re convicted of, or forfeit bail for, certain offenses.
• You drove or owned a vehicle involved in an accident.
• You failed to pay a judgment from a conviction.

What if I don’t have a car or license?

You’ll still need to file for an SR-22 to legally drive in Washington. If you lose your license because you’re caught driving without insurance, the court could order you to carry non-owner insurance to reinstate your license. Owner-operator insurance is also available if you drive any vehicles, whether they’re owned by you or not.

What if I’m from another state?

If you have an SR-22 from another state, you must maintain it while driving in Washington. Your SR-22 is likely to be sufficient in Washington, but it’s best to verify coverage with your local Department of Licensing (DOL) and your car insurance provider.

• Quote methodology: driver profile & coverage options

  To get these quotes, we compared median rates for the same driver profile.

  • All ZIP codes in this state
  • Male driver
  • 26–30 years old
  • Married
  • Good credit
  • 2017 Toyota Camry LE
  • State minimum requirements

Our pick for SR-22 drivers: The General

Snag affordable coverage for high-risk drivers, a marketing claim backed by our rate analysis which showed premiums less than $80 a month.

• Qualify even as a high-risk driver
• Get instant access to proof of insurance
• Take advantage of 10 discount opportunities
• File a claim conveniently by app

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Find the best rates from insurance providers near you or learn more about state minimums and other requirements in the comprehensive guide to Washington car insurance.

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Name	Product	Roadside assistance	Accident forgiveness	Payment schedule	States served
The General		Optional		12 months, monthly	All states except HI MA MI and NJ	Snag affordable coverage for high-risk drivers, a marketing claim backed by our rate analysis which showed premiums less than $80 a month.	Get quotes More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Esurance				12 months, monthly	AL, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV, WI	Take advantage of this online company's low base rates and mobile tools like app-based telematics and teen safe driver programs.	Get quotes More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Farmers				12 months, custom, Monthly	All 50 states	Say hello to a local Farmers agent who can help you find the best savings from a long list of coverage options.	More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
EverQuote		Optional		12 months, 6 months, monthly, custom	All 50 states	Roll in a variety of car insurance quotes from top insurers despite a high-risk driving profile, and view possible discounts while you’re at it.	Get quotes	Compare	loading Fetching your data...

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How much does an SR-22 in Washington cost?

Once you’ve purchased or renewed a policy, most providers will file an SR-22 for a fee of $20 to $50.

But it’s not the fee that’s most expensive when you file for an SR-22 — you’ll also typically see higher premiums than you’re used to.

How to file for SR-22 insurance in Washington

1. 1. Find an insurer. Ask your insurer if it issues SR-22s in the state of Washington. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to find another provider that does.
   2. Pay the SR-22 fee. To finalize your SR-22, you pay a fee to your insurer for the convenience of filing on your behalf.
   3. Verify minimum liability coverage. If you’re already insured, call your provider to verify your policy includes at least:
      • $25,000 for injury or death to one person.
      • $50,000 for injury or death to more than one person.
      • $10,000 for damage to property.

      These are the minimum coverage requirements for the state of Washington. You may see this coverage listed as 25/50/10 in insurance documents.

   4. Submit your SR-22. Your insurance agent will file your SR-22 with the Washington Department of Licensing. Verify with them that they have done so.
   5. Wait for confirmation. You’ll receive a letter from your insurer and the state of Washington that your SR-22 is accepted.

How long will I need the SR-22 for?

In Washington, most court-ordered SR-22s result in a coverage requirement of three years from the date that you’re eligible to have your license reinstated.

What happens if I let my SR-22 lapse?

Your insurer is obligated to notify the state as soon as your insurance ends for any reason. Once the state receives the report your license may be suspended again. While Washington doesn’t have any reinstatement fees, there are potential fees for getting your license back.

Talk to your provider about how much you can expect your rates to increase to avoid further setbacks.

What happens when I don’t need SR-22 coverage anymore?

It may benefit you to contact the DOL before making any big insurance changes at the end of your SR-22 filing period. Because your insurance company immediately notifies the state of a cancellation, having one go through before your mandate is up can set you back time and money.

After you’re in the clear, you may want to work with your insurance agent to plan the next steps for adjusting your policy.

Bottom line

You’re responsible for keeping up the SR-22 certification. If you’re unsure of your role when it comes to maintaining it your insurance agent should be able to help. In general you’ll need to stay on top of premium payments, renew your policy before it expires and drive within the law.

Higher insurance premiums are likely going to be an unavoidable reality, but that doesn’t mean you’re completely out of luck when it comes to finding a company to insure you. Compare your options and shop around to find a policy that provides the coverage you need at a price you can afford.