If you need to file an SR-22 for license reinstatement but don’t own a car, non-owner SR-22 car insurance is an affordable solution—but not every insurance company offers it.
The state of Ohio requires all drivers to carry car insurance, but in most cases, you’ll only need to show proof of insurance at accident scenes, traffic stops, and vehicle inspections. For some high-risk drivers, though, the burden of proof is heavier.
Drivers with major violations may need to file an SR-22 form with the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) proving that they’ve got the required car insurance
coverage. But if you don’t have a car, how can you get SR-22 insurance? Non-owner car insurance is the answer: here’s how to get it in Ohio. What is SR-22 insurance?
While you’ll hear people talk about “SR-22 insurance” and “SR-22 policies,” an SR-22
isn’t a type of car insurance at all—it’s a certificate of financial responsibility, filed with the Ohio BMV by your insurance provider. An SR-22 filing confirms that you’ve purchased an auto insurance policy that meets state minimum liability limits
. If you’re trying to get your driving privileges back after a major moving violation like DUI/DWI or reckless driving, you may need to file an SR-22 certificate in addition to paying your reinstatement fee. RECOMMENDEDNo spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms
Ohio auto insurance requirements
Under Ohio state requirements
, all vehicle owners must carry the following amounts of liability insurance: While other types of coverage are available (and a good idea for vehicle owners!), only liability insurance is required by law. Drivers with SR-22 requirements can meet them by purchasing a liability-only policy.
Who needs an SR-22?
Drivers with certain infractions may be required to file an SR-22 certificate in Ohio
. In many cases, it’s the only way to get your driving privileges back after a license suspension
—even if you don’t have a car to insure. If you have any of the following offenses on your DMV driving record, you may need an SR-22 in Ohio:
Driving without a license
At-fault accident without insurance
You might also be required to file an SR-22 for certain non-driving violations, such as failure to pay child support. In addition to the filing fee, you can expect higher insurance rates with an SR-22 filing.
How to get non-owner SR-22 insurance in Ohio
If you’ve been given an SR-22 filing requirement but don’t have a car, a non-owner car insurance policy is the simplest and cheapest option. Non-owner car insurance
is liability coverage for drivers who don’t own the vehicles they drive regularly. Most insurance companies sell non-owner policies—but not all of them will work with SR-22s. A few companies that may offer non-owner SR-22 insurance in Ohio include Progressive
, Dairyland, National General, and Nationwide
. To get a non-owner SR-22 policy, you’ll need to:
Reach out to local insurance agencies to find out if they offer non-owner insurance to drivers with SR-22 requirements.
Try to get at least three to five quotes before deciding on a policy. Comparing car insurance quotes is the best way to find affordable coverage, regardless of driving history.
Check for any insurance discounts that may apply to you. Some companies will lower your premiums if you take a defensive driving course or pay your bill in full.
You’ll need to maintain your non-owner policy for as long as your SR-22 filing requirement lasts—three to five years, depending on the offense. But once that time period’s up, don’t just drop the coverage unless you’re not planning to drive at all! Driving without insurance could land you back where you started, with even higher costs and a longer filing period.
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! It took me 10 minutes to switch to a National General policy that matched my needs.” —Elisa W.