SR-22 in Missouri

Although commonly referred to as "SR-22 insurance," an SR-22 is not an insurance policy. It’s a certificate proving that your auto insurance meets Missouri’s minimum liability coverage requirements. Missouri state law mandates that drivers with certain serious traffic violations file an SR-22 to reinstate their driving privileges. This filing notifies insurers that you’re considered a higher-risk driver, often leading to higher insurance premiums.

In Missouri, an SR-22 form serves as proof that high-risk drivers have the required insurance coverage following significant traffic offenses. To comply with Missouri’s SR-22 requirements, you must meet these minimum coverage standards:

Progressive provides the cheapest SR-22 insurance for most Missouri drivers at different coverage levels. With an average minimum liability rate of $43 per month, this is approximately 51% less than the state average of $87 per month, which can result in savings of $528 annually.

For full coverage SR-22 insurance, American Family is the most budget-friendly option in Missouri, with an average cost of $99 per month.

State Farm offers the most affordable non-owner SR-22 insurance in Missouri, with average rates of $43 per month or $518 annually. Non-owner car insurance helps drivers who need an SR-22 filing but don’t own a vehicle to comply with Missouri's minimum coverage requirements.

Below is a list of insurers providing low-cost non-owner SR-22 insurance in Missouri, along with their average rates for minimum coverage policies:

The average cost of car insurance in Missouri for drivers needing an SR-22 is $1,042 per year for minimum coverage, which is about 46% higher than the state's average annual rate of $715 for drivers with a clean record.

The average annual cost for full coverage SR-22 car insurance in Missouri is $2,264, approximately 41% more than the state average of $1,603 for drivers without violations.

In Missouri, the underlying violation, such as a DUI or speeding ticket, drives up insurance premiums — not the SR-22 form itself. Below is a comparison of SR-22 insurance rates for common violations, including DUIs, accidents and speeding tickets, across various age groups, along with the average rates for drivers with clean records.

An SR-22, sometimes called a "certificate of financial responsibility" or "SR-22 bond," is often misunderstood as an insurance policy. In reality, it’s a form submitted by your insurer that verifies to Missouri state authorities that you have the necessary liability coverage to comply with the state’s Financial Responsibility law for license reinstatement.

Missouri state law mandates an SR-22 filing for drivers who have committed serious traffic offenses. This form is necessary to reinstate or maintain your driver’s license. Courts often require SR-22 filings for drivers involved in violations such as:

In Missouri, SR-22 certificates are generally required for a period of three years. For repeat offenses, the filing period may extend to five years or more, depending on the severity and recurrence of the violations.

Along with meeting Missouri's state minimum coverage laws for three years, drivers with an SR-22 in Missouri should be aware of these essential requirements:

• Fees: To reinstate your driving privileges, you must provide proof of full liability insurance through an SR-22 filing and pay any required reinstatement fees to the Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR).
• Policy Cancellation: After filing an SR-22, your insurer may choose to cancel or not renew your policy, potentially requiring you to find a new insurance provider.
• Continuous Coverage: Maintaining uninterrupted coverage is crucial. If your policy lapses during the SR-22 period, your insurer must notify the state, which could result in penalties or a license suspension.
• Relocation: If you move out of Missouri while still under an SR-22 obligation, ensure your insurer is aware to maintain compliance with SR-22 requirements in your new state.
• Completion and Cancellation: Once your three-year term (or longer, if applicable) ends, your insurer should file a cancellation of the SR-22 with the Missouri DOR to confirm that you have fulfilled the requirement.

In Missouri, drivers with serious violations such as DUI, reckless driving or driving without insurance must file an SR-22. Failing to file an SR-22 when required can result in further penalties, including prolonged license suspension or delays in reinstatement.

Below are the steps for filing an SR-22 in Missouri:

In Missouri, maintaining minimum liability coverage throughout the SR-22 period is crucial to avoid penalties and keep your license eligible for reinstatement. If you're uninsured, obtaining an SR-22 insurance quote is necessary. After an SR-22 is filed, some insurers may choose to cancel or not renew your policy, making it more challenging for high-risk drivers to secure SR-22 insurance compared to those with clean records.

High-risk drivers in Missouri often have fewer options, as many insurance companies are reluctant to provide coverage, and premiums are usually higher. To secure the most affordable SR-22 car insurance in Missouri, consider these tips:

Non-owner car insurance provides liability coverage for individuals who frequently drive but do not own a vehicle. This type of policy protects you when driving someone else’s car, whether it’s borrowed from a friend or rented.

In Missouri, after purchasing a non-owner car insurance policy, your insurer can file an SR-22 form on your behalf to meet state requirements and assist in reinstating your driver’s license. This SR-22 filing is usually required for a minimum of three years following certain violations.

Non-owner insurance is ideal for those who regularly rent cars or occasionally drive vehicles they don’t own. These policies cover third-party injuries and property damage in at-fault accidents. Additionally, non-owner policies in Missouri are generally more affordable than standard car insurance, as they provide liability-only coverage and do not insure a specific vehicle.

To secure the best rates, it’s beneficial to compare quotes from various insurance providers to find a policy that suits your needs.

Drivers in Missouri convicted of serious traffic offenses, such as DUI or reckless driving, are required to file an SR-22 to demonstrate that they meet the state’s minimum liability coverage requirements of 25/50/15 ($25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage). Typically, the SR-22 must be maintained for three years, though this period may be extended for repeated or severe violations.

Although SR-22 filings can result in higher insurance premiums due to the associated risk, several affordable car insurance providers in Missouri offer competitive rates for high-risk drivers.

Below are some frequently asked questions about SR-22 certifications in Missouri:

MoneyGeek analyzed 43,229 quotes from 11 companies across 64 ZIP codes to determine the average cost of car insurance premiums for drivers of various profiles and needs in Missouri.

Missouri Driver Profile

We collected data for a sample driver with the following attributes:

• 40-year-old male
• Driving record with a DUI or an at-fault accident causing $1,000–1,999 in property damage
• 2012 Toyota Camry LE
• 12,000 miles driven annually

Coverage Levels and Deductibles

We gathered quotes for minimum coverage insurance policies to help motorists find the cheapest SR-22 insurance for their desired coverage level. For the most affordable minimum coverage policy, quotes were based on Missouri’s minimum coverage car insurance requirements with the following liability limits:

• $25,000 for bodily injury or death per person
• $50,000 for bodily injury or death per accident
• $25,000 for property damage per accident
• $25,000 for uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
• $50,000 for uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident

For the most affordable policy with comprehensive and collision coverage — also referred to as a full coverage policy — we used the following limits with a $1,000 deductible:

• $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
• $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
• $100,000 property damage liability per accident

Learn more about MoneyGeek's car insurance methodology.