SR-22 in Ohio

Although often referred to as 'SR-22 insurance,' an SR-22 is actually a form that proves you have an insurance policy that meets Ohio's minimum liability requirements. Ohio law mandates that drivers convicted of serious driving violations file an SR-22 to reinstate their license. Once you file an SR-22, insurance companies typically consider you a higher risk, which can result in increased premiums.

Ohio exclusively uses the SR-22 form to certify that high-risk drivers meet the state's insurance requirements following severe violations. To comply with SR-22 regulations in Ohio, you must meet the following coverage criteria:

American Family provides the cheapest SR-22 insurance across coverage levels for most drivers in Ohio. It has an average minimum liability rate of $26 per month, which is approximately 53% lower than the state average of $55 per month, offering potential savings of $348 annually.

For those needing full coverage SR-22 insurance, American Family is the most affordable option in Ohio, with an average rate of $50 per month.

With average rates of $23 per month or $272 annually, Auto-Owners provides the most affordable option for non-owner SR-22 insurance in Ohio. Non-owner car insurance allows drivers with an SR-22 filing who don’t own a vehicle to meet the state’s minimum coverage requirements.

Below is a list of providers offering cheap non-owner SR-22 insurance in Ohio, along with their average rates for minimum coverage policies:

The average cost of car insurance in Ohio for someone with an SR-22 is $662 per year for minimum coverage, which is about 84% more expensive than the state average annual rate of $359 for drivers with a clean record.

The average annual cost for full coverage SR-22 car insurance in Ohio is $1,471, approximately 81% higher than the state average rate of $812 for drivers with a clean record.

It’s the violation you’re convicted of — not the SR-22 form — that drives up your insurance costs. Below, you can see how SR-22 insurance rates in Ohio compare for common violations like DUIs, speeding tickets and accidents, across different age groups, alongside average rates for drivers with clean records.

Often mistaken for an insurance policy, an SR-22 (also known as a "certificate of financial responsibility" or "SR-22 bond") is actually a form filed by your insurer. It confirms to Ohio state officials that you carry the required liability insurance to meet the reinstatement conditions under Ohio's Financial Responsibility law.

In Ohio, state law mandates an SR-22 filing for drivers involved in serious traffic violations. This form is necessary to reinstate or retain your driver's license. The court usually orders drivers who commit the following offenses to file an SR-22 in Ohio:

In Ohio, SR-22 certificates are typically required for three years. The filing period may extend to five years or longer for repeat offenses, depending on the severity and frequency of the convictions.

Along with staying in compliance with Ohio's state minimum coverage laws for three years, there are other rules that drivers with an SR-22 in Ohio should be aware of:

• Fees: To regain driving privileges, you must provide proof of full liability insurance through an SR-22 filing and pay a reinstatement fee to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).
• Insurers can drop you: Upon filing an SR-22, Ohio insurers may cancel your policy or choose not to renew it, which could require you to find a new provider.
• Compliance: Continuous coverage is mandatory during the SR-22 period. If your policy lapses, your insurer is required to notify the state, which could lead to penalties or license suspension.
• Relocation: If you move out of state during the SR-22 period, you must notify your insurer to ensure the SR-22 requirement is fulfilled in your new state.
• Cancellation: After your three-year term (or longer, if applicable), your insurer should file a financial responsibility cancellation with the Ohio BMV, notifying them that you've fulfilled the SR-22 requirement.

Filing an SR-22 in Ohio is required for drivers with serious violations, such as driving without insurance, DUI/OVI or reckless driving. Failing to file an SR-22 when mandated can result in additional penalties, including further license suspension or delays in license reinstatement.

Here are the steps to file an SR-22 in Ohio:

Maintaining Ohio’s minimum liability coverage throughout the SR-22 period is crucial to avoid penalties and keep your license eligible for reinstatement. You’ll need to secure an SR-22 insurance quote if you're uninsured. After you file an SR-22, some insurers may choose to cancel your policy or decline coverage, making it more challenging for high-risk drivers in Ohio to find SR-22 car insurance compared to those with clean records.

Ohio's high-risk drivers may have limited options, as fewer insurance providers are willing to offer coverage and often charge higher premiums. To find the most affordable SR-22 car insurance quotes in Ohio, we recommend the following:

Non-owner car insurance provides liability coverage for individuals who frequently drive but don’t own a vehicle. This type of policy ensures you're covered when driving someone else’s car, whether you borrow a friend's vehicle or rent one.

In Ohio, after purchasing a non-owner car insurance policy, your insurer can file an SR-22 form on your behalf to comply with state law and help reinstate your driver’s license. The SR-22 filing is typically required for a minimum of three years following certain driving violations.

Non-owner policies are ideal for those who regularly rent cars or occasionally drive vehicles they don’t own. These policies cover third-party injuries and property damage if you're at fault in an accident. Additionally, non-owner insurance in Ohio is often more affordable than standard car insurance since it only provides liability coverage without covering a specific vehicle.

To secure the best rates, compare quotes from multiple insurers to find a policy that fits your needs.

Ohio drivers who commit serious driving offenses, such as DUI/OVI or reckless driving, are required to file an SR-22 to demonstrate compliance with the state’s minimum liability coverage requirements of 25/50/25. The SR-22 must typically be maintained for three years, though this period may be extended for more severe or repeat offenses.

Although SR-22 filings generally result in higher insurance premiums due to the increased risk, several cheap car insurance providers in Ohio offer affordable options for high-risk drivers.

Here are some common questions regarding SR-22 certifications in Ohio:

MoneyGeek analyzed 60,776 quotes from 14 companies across 106 ZIP codes to determine the average cost of car insurance premiums for drivers of various profiles and needs in Ohio.

Ohio 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 Ohio’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

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.