SR-22 in Washington: What You Need to Know
Drivers considered high risk by Washington’s Department of Licensing will require an SR-22 for a minimum of three years.
Written by Matt Terzi
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
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Washington requires an SR-22 for three years for drivers considered high-risk by the state’s Department of Licensing (DOL).
But not to get confused—an SR-22 isn’t insurance. Rather, it’s a form your insurer files with the state. It verifies that you have the minimum required liability coverage to legally drive in Washington.
Filing an SR-22 may sound like a complex process, but with help from your insurance provider and
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, you’ll be back on the road safely in no time.Read on to learn everything you need to know about an SR-22 in the Evergreen State—plus how to save on your
Washington car insurance costs
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What is an SR-22 in Washington?
An SR-22 certificate proves to the DOL that a high-risk driver has at least the minimum required coverage in the event of an accident.
Washington’s insurance minimums
are as follows:The alternative to having car insurance—a $60,000 bond—is a big gamble for most drivers, who can’t risk losing that much money in the event of an accident. But the option is there for those who can afford it.
Key Takeaway An SR-22 proves to the Washington DOL that high-risk drivers are covered by the minimum required car insurance in the event of an accident.
Who needs it?
High-risk drivers
who’ve committed serious driving offenses will need SR-22 insurance. These offenses may include DUIs, being at fault for a car accident, and reckless driving, among other things. You can be required to file an SR-22 if these infractions took place using your vehicle, even if you weren’t in the car at the time.
Other reasons for needing SR-22 insurance include:
- Failing to pay financial judgments
- Driving without insurance
- Committing repeated traffic offenses and violations
Key Takeaway Drivers with a DUI, major car accidents, outstanding financial judgments, repeated traffic offenses, or who drive without car insurance may need an SR-22.
How to get it
An SR-22 form can only be filed by insurance companies approved by the state of Washington. But don’t feel pressured into going with the first insurance company you find—it’s always a good idea to take a few minutes to browse
car insurance quotes online
.The DOL may require you to pay fines or fees prior to lifting a license suspension or otherwise restoring your driving privileges. If you aren’t sure, you may want to contact the DOL to ask if there’s anything else they need you to do.
Key Takeaway You’ll need to shop around and find an insurance company willing to work with an SR-22 driver. From there, the insurer will file your SR-22 paperwork—usually for a fee.
How much does it cost?
Most insurance companies charge a nominal filing fee for your SR-22 certificate—usually around $50.
Where you’ll end up paying significantly more is for your insurance coverage. While the actual increase varies from driver to driver, those with an SR-22 requirement typically have far higher insurance rates than those without.
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How an SR-22 impacts your insurance in Washington
The DOL requires you to maintain your SR-22 for a period of 36 months, starting on the date your driver’s license is reinstated. If your insurance lapses or if you commit new offenses in that time, this period can be lengthened significantly.
Getting insurance with an SR-22 can be significantly more expensive than without. And it won’t be as easy to swap one policy for another, since many insurance companies either aren’t authorized to file SR-22s or find it too risky to insure drivers who require them.
How to find cheap car insurance
With an all-but-guaranteed increase in your premium following an SR-22 requirement, saving money on your car insurance is more important than ever. Using
Jerry
to compare quotes can really save the day!Signing up for the Jerry app is absolutely free and takes less than a minute. As a
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“Just for state minimum liability, I was getting quotes from $70 to over $100/month until I foundJerry. Now my car insurance is under $30/month, or $140 for 6 months. Thank you, Jerry!” —Frank S.
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