13+ years writing insurance and personal finance content
Insurance, lending, and retirement expert
Jacqueline has contributed content, and her personal finance passion, to dozens of noteworthy financial brands, including Credit Karma, Bankrate, and MagnifyMoney.
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Licensed auto and home insurance agent
3+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing
Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.
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Updated October 30, 2024
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Table of contents
Ohio, like most states, can require you to hold SR-22 insurance after you incur a serious traffic violation, such as a DUI or driving without insurance. SR-22 forms verify to the state that you meet the minimum requirements for auto insurance coverage to legally operate a vehicle.[1]
Here’s what you need to know about how SR-22 insurance in Ohio works.
Your insurance company will need to file the SR-22 form on your behalf to confirm you have the state’s minimum liability coverage required for high-risk drivers.
SR-22 and FR-44 forms both prove financial responsibility, but Ohio only has SR-22 forms.
Ohio drivers required to file SR-22 insurance must maintain coverage for three to five years.
Cheapest companies for SR-22 insurance in Ohio
If you must file an SR-22 form, also sometimes called an SR-22 bond, you can expect your car insurance rates to increase. If this happened to you, you should compare quotes with a few different Ohio car insurance companies to see which can offer you the best deal.
The following table highlights some of the best and most affordable auto insurance companies in Ohio.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Liability Only ▲▼ | Full Coverage ▲▼ |
---|---|---|
Mile Auto | $47 | $69 |
State Farm | $50 | $90 |
Auto-Owners | $58 | $105 |
Erie | $58 | $105 |
GEICO | $63 | $114 |
USAA | $64 | $117 |
American Family | $72 | $130 |
Nationwide | $75 | $134 |
Elephant | $76 | $118 |
Safeco | $76 | $121 |
Progressive | $83 | $148 |
The General | $89 | $187 |
Clearcover | $98 | $191 |
Commonwealth Casualty | $98 | $250 |
Root | $102 | $162 |
Dairyland | $105 | $276 |
Liberty Mutual | $106 | $199 |
Direct Auto | $109 | $181 |
Allstate | $110 | $199 |
CSAA | $111 | $191 |
Travelers | $119 | $215 |
Farmers | $122 | $221 |
National General | $123 | $186 |
GAINSCO | $126 | $248 |
Bristol West | $135 | $309 |
State Auto | $168 | $241 |
Foremost | $187 | $411 |
What is SR-22 insurance in Ohio?
SR-22 forms, often called SR-22 insurance, aren’t actual car insurance policies. In some states, such as Ohio, this form acts as a certificate of financial responsibility. If the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) determines you’re a high-risk driver, you may need to secure this form to continue driving legally in the Buckeye State.
This form confirms you’re carrying the state’s minimum liability coverage. That way, the Ohio BMV knows that if you have an accident, you have the proper insurance coverage to support you.
Driving is a serious responsibility, and accidents can harm others on the road, leading to unnecessary medical bills, property damage, and other major consequences. Having enough coverage can help mitigate this damage for yourself and others.
Difference between SR-22 and FR-44
SR-22 and FR-44 forms both act as certificates of financial responsibility for high-risk drivers. Most states use SR-22 forms, but two states — Florida and Virginia — require high-risk drivers to file FR-44 forms.
While an SR-22 form confirms a driver carries the state’s minimum liability insurance, an FR-44 form requires drivers to carry liability coverage significantly higher than the state minimum — usually double. FR-44 forms are typically a requirement for drivers who incurred very severe offenses for driving under the influence or while impaired.[2]
When you need SR-22 insurance
Drivers typically need an SR-22 certificate after serious traffic violations. The most common reasons include:
DUI or DWI offenses: Reckless driving habits, such as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, typically lead to needing to file an SR-22 form in Ohio.
Driving without insurance: If you’re caught driving without the state’s required auto insurance coverage, you’ll likely need to file an SR-22 to assure the BMV you have proper insurance coverage.
Repeated traffic violations: Multiple moving violations in a short period can lead to a designation as a high-risk driver.
At-fault accidents: Causing an accident without sufficient insurance can also trigger the need for an SR-22.
Unpaid child support: If you owe child support payments, you might have to get an SR-22 form.
Hardship license: If you have a hardship license — which is a special permit that allows limited driving — after experiencing a revoked or suspended license, you may also need to file an SR-22 form.[3]
How to get SR-22 insurance in Ohio
Follow these steps to get an SR-22 form in Ohio:
1. Contact your insurance company
Inform your current insurer that you need SR-22 insurance. Many auto insurance companies can help you with this filing. If they don’t offer this service, you’ll need to find and work with a different car insurance company.
2. Purchase a policy if needed
If you don’t currently have a car insurance policy — which may be why you need an SR-22 — you need to buy a policy that meets Ohio’s minimum coverage requirements. Again, choose a company that can assist with filing the SR-22.
3. Request the SR-22 filing
Your insurer will file the SR-22 form with the Ohio BMV on your behalf.[4]
4. Pay any fees
You may have to pay your insurer a small filing fee for the SR-22.
5. Maintain coverage
In Ohio, you’ll need to keep your policy active for three to five years to avoid further penalties.
How SR-22 insurance affects driving record and future rates in Ohio
People with clean driving records tend to find the most affordable prices when it comes to car insurance. If the Ohio BMV requires you to file an SR-22 form, it’s because you committed a driving violation that led them to consider you a high-risk driver. As such, you can expect to see your auto insurance rates increase after this occurs.
Here are a few tips for finding more affordable coverage:
Drive safely and avoid violations. Your driving record is one of the most important factors that affect your car insurance premiums. To help work toward lower car insurance premiums in the future (and prevent more run-ins with SR-22 forms), drive safely, keep proof of insurance on you, and follow traffic laws carefully to keep your driving record clean moving forward.
Take a defensive driving course. One way to learn how to drive safely is to complete a defensive driving course. Many auto insurance companies offer a discount after customers complete one of these courses.
Shop around for insurance. If your current car insurance rates are too high, don’t be afraid to shop around for a new policy. Comparing rates from different insurers can help you find more affordable options.
Ask about discounts. Look for potential discounts to help reduce your premiums, such as bundling multiple insurance products like auto and home insurance policies. You can ask your insurance agent for more information about what potential discounts you may qualify for.
Ohio SR-22 insurance FAQs
To better understand when you would need SR-22 insurance in Ohio, let’s take a look at some common questions about this insurance type.
How do you know if you need an SR-22?
If you ever need to file an SR-22, court or state authorities will notify you. This only happens after you find yourself involved in serious traffic violations, such as a DUI, driving without insurance, or committing multiple moving violations.
Are there any fees with SR-22 insurance?
You can expect to pay a filing fee with an SR-22 form. You can consult with your car insurance company, which will file this form for you, about how much the fee costs, as this can vary by state and company.
How much do car insurance rates increase after filing an SR-22?
You can’t predict your exact car insurance rates after filing an SR-22. Because drivers who must file an SR-22 recently committed a serious driving infraction, they can expect to see their car insurance rates increase.
How long do you have to hold an SR-22 in Ohio?
Drivers in Ohio who have to hold an SR-22 typically must do so for a three-to-five-year period. The type of driving violation you committed and how many can affect how long you must hold an SR-22.
How do you get rid of an SR-22 in Ohio?
To get rid of an SR-22 in Ohio, you must maintain continuous insurance coverage for the required period, usually three to five consecutive years. Once the required period comes to an end, you need to contact your insurance company to inform them you no longer need the SR-22 filing. The Ohio BMV will also verify that your filing period ended.
What happens to your SR-22 in Ohio if you move?
If you move out of Ohio while you have to carry an SR-22, you must maintain SR-22 insurance until your filing period is complete. If your SR-22 insurance lapses, your insurer will file an SR-26 form with the DMV, leading to a license suspension. The Ohio BMV will share your failure to comply with other states (including your new state’s department of motor vehicles), preventing you from getting a new license, registering a vehicle, or obtaining insurance in your new state.
Related articles
More cities in Ohio
Sources
- Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles. "Non-Compliance Suspension."
- Nationwide. "What is an SR-22 and when is it required?."
- Progressive. "What is an SR-22?."
- Ohio Department of Insurance. "Financial Responsibility Compliance."
During college, Jacqueline DeMarco interned at a retirement plan advisory firm and was tasked with creating a presentation on the importance of financial wellness. During her research into how money can affect our health, relationships and career, Jacqueline realized just how important financial education is. Jacqueline is a contributor for Insurify and has worked with more than a dozen financial brands, including LendingTree, Capital One, Credit Karma, Fundera, Chime, Bankrate, Student Loan Hero, ValuePenguin, SoFi, and Northwestern Mutual, providing thoughtful content to give readers insight into complex topics that they likely didn’t learn in school.
Licensed auto and home insurance agent
3+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing
Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.
Featured in