QUICK ANSWER
SR22 insurance in Washington is required to prove you carry minimum auto insurance coverage. To find cheap SR22 insurance in Washington, compare quotes from insurers familiar with SR22 requirements. Choosing minimum coverage limits, raising deductibles, and maintaining uninterrupted coverage can help reduce premiums. Improving your driving record can lower costs over time.
As Featured in
CheapInsurance.com by the Numbers
Data Analysis: Annual Savings from Car Insurance Comparison Sites
Losing a driver license is a nightmare. There is simply no other way to put it. If a driver license has been suspended or revoked in Washington, fulfilling specific legal and insurance requirements is necessary to get back on the road. One of the most important steps is securing SR22 insurance.
Suddenly, the pressure is on to figure out what that is and, more importantly, how to pay for it. Finding affordable SR22 coverage is usually the biggest hurdle standing between a driver and getting back on the road. Here is the plain English breakdown of what needs to be done.
What an SR22 Is and Isn’t
To clear up a common confusion right away, an SR22 is not actually a type of insurance policy. It is more like a tattletale certificate.
Basically, it is a “Certificate of Financial Responsibility” that the insurance company files with the Washington State Department of Licensing DOL. This certificate serves as proof that the driver has the minimum required auto liability coverage. The filing ensures that the state is notified if the policy is cancelled or if coverage lapses. This makes it a crucial part of the license reinstatement process for high risk drivers.
INSURANCE BASICS
What Is a Certificate of Financial Responsibility?
What drivers need to know about an SR-22 filing, why it’s required, and how to manage it affordably.
A Certificate of Financial Responsibility – most commonly called an SR-22 – is an official document your insurance company files with your state’s DMV to confirm you carry the minimum required auto liability coverage. It is not a separate insurance policy; it is a certification attached to your existing policy. Drivers typically need one after serious violations such as a DUI/DWI or being caught driving without insurance.
Types of Car Insurance Coverage
What It Covers
Liability insurance covers damages you cause to others in an at-fault accident. It includes two components:
- Bodily Injury Liability: Pays for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and legal fees if you injure someone in an accident
- Property Damage Liability: Covers damage to another person’s vehicle, building, fence, or property
State Minimum Requirements
Every state (except NH and VA) requires minimum liability coverage, typically expressed as three numbers (e.g., 25/50/10):
EXAMPLE (Confirm the minimum requirements in your state):
- $25,000 bodily injury per person
- $50,000 bodily injury per accident
- $10,000 property damage per accident
⚠️ Important: State minimums may not be enough for serious accidents. Consider higher limits like 100/300/100 for better protection.
Average Cost
Liability-only insurance averages $640/year nationally but varies by state and driver profile.
What It Covers
Collision coverage pays to repair or replace your vehicle after an accident, regardless of who is at fault. It covers:
- Damage from colliding with another vehicle
- Damage from hitting a stationary object (tree, pole, guardrail)
- Damage from single-vehicle accidents (rollover, running off road)
When You Need It
Collision coverage is optional but required if you finance or lease your vehicle. Even if you own your car outright, collision coverage is recommended if:
- Your car is worth more than $3,000-$4,000
- You can’t afford to replace it out-of-pocket
- You live in an area with high accident rates
How Deductibles Work
You choose a deductible (typically $500, $1,000, or $2,000). If you file a claim, you pay the deductible and insurance covers the rest. Higher deductibles = lower premiums.
Average Cost
Collision coverage adds approximately $300-$600/year to your premium, depending on your vehicle value and deductible.
What It Covers
Comprehensive coverage (often called “comp” or “other than collision”) protects your vehicle from non-collision damage, including:
- Theft – If your car is stolen
- Vandalism – Keyed paint, slashed tires, broken windows
- Weather damage – Hail, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes
- Fire – Vehicle fires from any cause
- Falling objects – Trees, branches, debris
- Animal strikes – Hitting a deer or other wildlife
- Riots and civil disturbances
When You Need It
Comprehensive is optional but required by lenders if you finance or lease. Consider comp coverage if:
- You live in an area prone to storms, floods, or hail
- Your area has high theft or vandalism rates
- You park on the street or in an unsecured area
- Your vehicle is worth more than $3,000-$4,000
Average Cost
Comprehensive coverage typically costs $200-$400/year, less expensive than collision because the risk is lower.
What It Covers
Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage protects you if you’re hit by a driver who:
- Has no insurance (uninsured motorist)
- Has insufficient coverage to pay for your damages (underinsured motorist)
- Flees the scene (hit-and-run)
UM/UIM coverage typically includes:
- Bodily injury: Medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering for you and your passengers
- Property damage: Repairs to your vehicle (in some states)
Why It Matters
According to the Insurance Research Council, approximately 1 in 8 drivers nationwide is uninsured. In some states, that number is as high as 1 in 4. Without UM/UIM coverage, you could be stuck paying out-of-pocket if an uninsured driver hits you.
Is It Required?
Some states require UM/UIM coverage, while others make it optional. Even if not required, it’s highly recommended for financial protection.
Average Cost
UM/UIM coverage typically adds $100-$300/year to your premium—a small price for significant protection.
What It Covers
Personal Injury Protection (PIP), also called “no-fault insurance,” covers medical expenses and lost wages for you and your passengers after an accident, regardless of who caused it.
PIP typically covers:
- Medical bills (hospital, surgery, rehab, prescriptions)
- Lost wages if you can’t work due to injuries
- Funeral expenses
- Childcare costs (if you’re injured and can’t care for children)
- Essential services (housekeeping, lawn care while recovering)
PIP vs. Medical Payments (MedPay)
Some states offer Medical Payments (MedPay) instead of or in addition to PIP. MedPay is similar but typically:
- Covers only medical expenses (not lost wages or other costs)
- Has lower coverage limits
- Is less expensive than PIP
Is PIP Required?
PIP is required in no-fault states (Florida, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and others). Check your state requirements.
Average Cost
PIP coverage costs $200-$600/year depending on your state, coverage limits, and deductible.
Optional Add-Ons to Consider
1. Rental Reimbursement
Covers the cost of a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired after a covered claim. Typically $20-$40/year.
2. Roadside Assistance
Provides towing, flat tire changes, lockout service, fuel delivery, and jump-starts. Usually $15-$30/year.
3. Gap Insurance
If you owe more on your car loan than the car is worth (upside-down), gap insurance covers the difference if your car is totaled. Essential for new car buyers with low down payments.
4. Custom Parts & Equipment Coverage
Covers aftermarket upgrades like custom wheels, stereo systems, or performance modifications not covered under standard policies.
5. Rideshare Insurance
If you drive for Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare services, you need rideshare endorsement to cover gaps when you’re logged into the app but haven’t accepted a ride.
Should You Add Optional Coverage?
Consider your needs:
- New car with loan → Add gap insurance
- Long commute or frequent road trips → Add roadside assistance
- No backup transportation → Add rental reimbursement
- Rideshare driver → Add rideshare coverage (required)
Do You Need Collison and Comprehensive Coverage?
Fausto Bucheli Jr, licensed insurance broker and owner of CheapInsurance.com, recommends: “Collision and comprehensive coverage should protect your financial stability, not drain it. If your car is older and paid off, adjusting or removing these coverages can reduce your car insurance costs by hundreds of dollars per year without increasing your real financial risk.”
| Scenario | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Car is financed or leased | Yes – Required by lender |
| Car worth >$4,000 and you can’t afford to replace it | Yes – Strongly recommended |
| Car worth <$3,000 and you have emergency savings | Optional – Consider dropping |
| Older vehicle paid off with low value | Optional – Liability only may be enough |
Who Needs SR22 Insurance in Washington
The Washington DOL may require an SR22 filing if a license has been suspended or revoked for specific violations. These include
- Driving under the influence DUI
- Driving without insurance
- Reckless driving
- Leaving the scene of an accident
- Multiple traffic violations in a short period
- Failure to pay court ordered fines or child support
Most drivers are required to carry an SR22 in Washington for a period of three consecutive years. However, the duration can be longer for more serious or repeated offenses.
How to Get an SR-22 in Washington
Follow these steps to successfully obtain an SR-22 and get a license reinstated
- Fulfill All Obligations Before anything else, pay all fines, complete any court ordered community service, and finish required education or rehabilitation programs.
- Find an Insurance Provider Not all insurance companies offer SR-22 filings, as they consider these drivers to be high risk. Finding an insurer that specializes in this type of coverage is necessary.
- Purchase Your Policy Select the appropriate SR-22 policy type and purchase the policy.
- The Filing Process The insurance company will electronically file the SR-22 certificate with the Washington Department of Licensing. This cannot be done by the driver.
- Reinstatement Wait for the DOL to process the filing. Do not drive until confirmation is received that the license is valid.
Types and Cost of SR22 Policies
The SR 22 certificate itself typically costs a small one time filing fee. However, the primary cost increase comes from the higher insurance premiums paid as a high risk driver.
There are three main types of SR 22 coverage
- Non Owner SR 22 Insurance For drivers who don’t own a car but need to reinstate their license. This policy provides liability coverage when driving a borrowed or rented vehicle. Pro tip, it is often the most affordable option.
- Owner SR 22 Insurance For drivers who own a vehicle. This is a standard auto insurance policy with the SR 22 certificate attached.
- Owner and Operator SR 22 Insurance For drivers who own a car but also frequently drive other vehicles, such as a company car or a rental.
Founded in California in 1974 as an insurance agency, CheapInsurance.com has spent decades helping people find affordable coverage. Over time, we became one of the first brokerages to go online in 1998, making insurance shopping faster and easier.
Our mission has always been simple: insurance is a basic necessity, not a luxury. That’s why our technology quickly scans the marketplace in seconds, compares rates, and uncovers discounts that might otherwise be missed. In addition, we explain coverage in clear, simple terms.
As a result, people get real options and can avoid overpaying for features they do not need, while still maintaining strong, reliable protection.
Frequently Asked Questions About SR22 Insurance in Washington
What is SR22 insurance in Washington?
SR22 insurance in Washington is a certificate filed by your insurance company to prove you meet the state’s minimum liability coverage requirements. It is typically required after serious traffic violations like DUIs, driving without insurance, or multiple at-fault accidents.
How long do I need to maintain SR22 insurance in Washington?
Most drivers in Washington must maintain SR22 insurance for three years. Continuous coverage is essential because any lapse could lead to license suspension and may require restarting the SR22 filing period.
How can I find affordable SR22 insurance in Washington?
To get affordable SR22 insurance in Washington, compare quotes from multiple insurance companies, maintain uninterrupted coverage, and work with insurers familiar with high-risk drivers. This can help you secure the best rates available for your situation.
