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Alani is a freelance writer specializing in personal finance. She aims to make complex topics more approachable through fun, digestible content.
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Sara Getman is an Associate Editor at Insurify and has been with the company since 2022. Prior to joining Insurify, Sara completed her undergraduate degree in English Literature at Simmons University in Boston. At Simmons, she was the Editor-in-Chief for Sidelines Magazine (a literary and art publication), and wrote creative non-fiction.
Outside of work, Sara is an avid reader, and loves rock climbing, yoga and crocheting.
Updated November 21, 2024
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You may need an SR-22 certificate if you’re a high-risk driver in Oregon. Common reasons you may need an SR-22 in Oregon include driving under the influence, driving without insurance, and driving recklessly. An SR-22 proves you hold liability insurance and can pay for damages and injuries if you’re at fault in an accident.
Here’s what you need to know about getting an SR-22 and cheap insurance in Oregon.
You may need an SR-22 to lift your driver’s license suspension.
The state will suspend your license if you don’t have an SR-22 on file in Oregon.
The state of Oregon doesn’t specify how long you’ll need to keep an SR-22, but in many states the requirement is for at least three years.
Cheapest companies for SR-22 insurance in Oregon
While an SR-22 itself won’t cause your insurance rates to increase, the incident leading to you needing an SR-22 probably will. But it’s still possible to find affordable coverage.
The cheapest car insurance companies for SR-22 insurance vary based on location, driving profile, and other factors. The table below lists SR-22 insurance companies in Oregon with the best rates.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Liability Only ▲▼ | Full Coverage ▲▼ |
---|---|---|
Mile Auto | $77 | $95 |
National General | $119 | $215 |
Safeco | $122 | $184 |
Root | $125 | $188 |
Direct Auto | $152 | $282 |
Dairyland | $154 | $367 |
Liberty Mutual | $161 | $246 |
Bristol West | $165 | $321 |
The General | $192 | $362 |
GAINSCO | $201 | $416 |
What is SR-22 insurance in Oregon?
SR-22 insurance doesn’t differ in coverage from standard car insurance policies. Rather, it refers to insurance for high-risk drivers who require an SR-22 certificate. Oregon may require you to obtain an SR-22 certificate from an auto insurance company to prove you have the minimum required liability coverage. You must purchase SR-22 insurance to drive if your state legally requires you to have it.
If you’re required to have SR-22 insurance and you’re unable to provide the necessary documentation, the state will suspend your license.
Difference between SR-22 and FR-44
Like SR-22s, state authorities may require high-risk drivers to carry an FR-44. In contrast to SR-22, FR-44s call for more coverage than the state’s minimum liability limits. Drivers who need this form tend to have severe convictions on their driving record, like DUIs.
Only Virginia and Florida issue FR-44 mandates, so Oregonians don’t need to worry about having an FR-44 unless they move to Virginia or Florida.
When you need SR-22 insurance
Not every driver needs an SR-22 — even with a previous violation. You’ll know you need one if you receive a notice from the Oregon Driver & Motor Vehicle Services division or a court order.[1]
Some common reasons you’d need an SR-22 certificate include:[2]
Driving without insurance: Driving without car insurance is illegal in Oregon. States enforce this law to ensure you can cover damages and injuries if you cause an accident. Failure to carry the required car insurance coverage may result in you needing to carry an SR-22.
DUI convictions: Driving under the influence or while intoxicated is a serious crime, posing a significant danger on the road. Alcohol- and substance-related offenses typically lead to an SR-22 requirement.
Suspended driving privileges: You may need SR-22 insurance to reinstate your suspended license or registration. If you need a hardship or probationary permit, an SR-22 may also be necessary. Be aware that you must pay a reinstatement or permit application fee.
Reckless driving: Breaking traffic safety rules increases your risk of a car accident, resulting in an SR-22.
Repeated traffic offenses: Frequent traffic violations — even minor ones like speeding tickets — could lead to an SR-22 requirement if you incur multiple violations in a short period of time.
If Oregon requires you to have an SR-22 certificate but you don’t own a car, you’ll need a non-owner SR-22 policy. This provides the minimum liability insurance in Oregon to people who don’t own a vehicle but drive someone else’s car regularly.
How to get SR-22 insurance in Oregon
Getting SR-22 insurance in Oregon is like buying a standard insurance policy but with a few differences. Here’s how to get SR-22 insurance in Oregon:[3]
1. Find an insurance company
Check if your current insurance company can insure you with an SR-22 mandate. If it can’t, you’ll need to look for one that does. Consider insurance companies that specialize in high-risk insurance. These companies may offer better auto insurance rates for high-risk drivers and specialized coverage for your needs.
2. Buy your policy
After finding an insurance company, purchase your insurance policy with at least the minimum liability coverage. If you can afford more protection, upgrade your policy to include collision, comprehensive, or other optional coverages.
3. Pay the SR-22 fee
Once you purchase your policy, your insurance company will file your SR-22 with the DMV. Fees vary by state, but you’ll generally pay an SR-22 filing fee of around $25.
How long Oregon requires SR-22 insurance
The Oregon DMV doesn’t specify the SR-22 holding period on its website, but many states require drivers to carry an SR-22 for about three years. Your actual time frame depends on your specific situation. It’s a good idea to contact the Oregon Driver & Motor Vehicle Services division to determine when your SR-22 expires.
Having a gap in your coverage can extend your holding period. You may need to start over if you cancel your insurance before your SR-22 period ends. For instance, say Oregon requires you to carry SR-22 insurance for three years. If you cancel your insurance policy in the first year, the clock restarts, and you must file for at least another three years.
Additional considerations for SR-22 insurance
One challenge is only some insurers offer SR-22 insurance. If your current car insurance company doesn’t, you’ll need to shop for a new insurer. Cost is another consideration. Besides the filing fee, having an SR-22 requirement can cause your insurance premiums to increase. Insurance companies charge more to offset the risk of insuring drivers with moving violations.
The SR-22 will probably remain on your insurance policy even after your filing period ends. To have it removed, call your insurance agent when your SR-22 requirement expires. Doing so may reduce your insurance rates.
How SR-22 insurance affects driving record and future rates in Oregon
If you need SR-22 insurance, your insurance company will classify you as a high-risk driver. This means higher insurance rates. To lower your SR-22 premiums, try these tips:
Compare quotes
Gather quotes from multiple auto insurance companies to compare prices and coverages. Then, choose the policy with the lowest price on the coverages you need.
Improve your driving record
A moving violation on your driving record can make your insurance expensive. Practice safe driving to help reduce your rates over time. You can also consider a telematics program that records your driving behavior.
Seek discounts
Insurance companies offer many savings opportunities, including good student discounts, bundling, and car safety discounts. Talk to an agent to ensure your policy is up to date with as many applied discounts as you qualify for.
Take a defensive driving course
Brush up on your driving skills by taking an approved defensive driving course. Aside from helping you become a safer driver, this can also lead to a policy discount.
Get low-mileage insurance
Occasional drivers (like people who work from home or are retirees) can save on their policy by switching to mileage-based insurance. This insurance relies on your mileage to calculate premiums. So, the less you drive, the cheaper your rates will be.
Oregon SR-22 insurance FAQs
Finding out you need an SR-22 can be stressful. If you need SR-22 insurance, check out the following FAQs for additional information.
How do you know if you need an SR-22 or FR-44?
Oregon doesn’t use FR-44s. You’ll need SR-22 insurance if you receive a notice from the DMV or a court order. If you’re not sure, contact your local DMV by phone or in person. You can also submit an online inquiry through the Oregon DMV website.
Are there any fees with SR-22 insurance?
SR-22 insurance typically requires a filing fee of up to $25. This fee applies every time you renew your policy. Another cost to consider is premium increases. SR-22 insurance usually costs more than a standard insurance policy.
How much do car insurance rates increase after filing an SR-22?
Oregonians with a clean driving record pay $100 per month, on average, for liability insurance. Comparatively, drivers with an SR-22 pay $128 per month for liability insurance. Your rate increase depends on your location, driving history, and age, among other factors.
How long do you have to hold an SR-22 in Oregon?
Many states require you to maintain an SR-22 for up to three years. You can find the exact amount of time you need to maintain an SR-22 by reviewing your state-ordered filing notice or speaking to the DMV. Be aware that coverage lapses may result in an extension to your SR-22 holding period.
How do you get rid of an SR-22 in Oregon?
You must meet the holding period Oregon requires to get rid of an SR-22. If you cancel prematurely, your insurance company will notify the DMV to suspend your license.
Once you no longer need an SR-22, call your insurance company to remove it from your policy. Doing so may result in cheaper insurance rates.
What happens to your SR-22 in Oregon if you move?
If you move out of Oregon, you still need to carry Oregon SR-22 insurance to register for a license in a new state. This is particularly important if you commute to and from the state frequently.
Related articles
More cities in Oregon
Sources
- Oregon Driver & Motor Services. "What is an SR-22 Certificate?."
- Oregon Driver & Motor Services. "Driver Licensing & ID Card Fees."
- III. "What if I can't find auto coverage?."
Alani Asis is a personal finance freelance writer with nearly three years of experience in content creation. She has landed bylines with leading publications and brands like Insider, Fortune, LendingTree, and more. Alani aims to make personal finance approachable through fun, relatable, and digestible content.
Sara Getman is an Associate Editor at Insurify and has been with the company since 2022. Prior to joining Insurify, Sara completed her undergraduate degree in English Literature at Simmons University in Boston. At Simmons, she was the Editor-in-Chief for Sidelines Magazine (a literary and art publication), and wrote creative non-fiction.
Outside of work, Sara is an avid reader, and loves rock climbing, yoga and crocheting.