SR-22 in Virginia

While often referred to as "SR-22 insurance," an SR-22 is actually a form certifying that you carry a car insurance policy meeting Virginia's minimum liability requirements. Under Virginia law, drivers convicted of serious driving offenses must file an SR-22 to reinstate their license. Once the SR-22 is filed, insurance companies typically consider you a higher risk, which can result in increased premiums.

Virginia is one of the few states with an alternative form to the SR-22. In addition to SR-22 requirements, Virginia uses the FR-44 form for more severe offenses, such as DUIs. To comply with SR-22 or FR-44 laws in Virginia, you must meet the following coverage criteria:

Virginia Farm Bureau offers the most affordable SR-22 insurance for most drivers in the state, regardless of coverage level. The provider's minimum liability rate averages $32 per month, which is over 55% lower than the state average of $72, resulting in an estimated annual savings of around $480.

For those looking for full coverage SR-22 insurance, Virginia Farm Bureau remains the cheapest option, with an average rate of $78 per month.

For drivers who need affordable SR-22 insurance in Virginia but don't own a vehicle, Auto-Owners offers the cheapest option in Virginia, with average rates of $21 per month or $250 per year. Non-owner SR-22 insurance allows drivers to meet state minimum coverage requirements without owning a car.

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

The average cost of car insurance in Virginia for drivers with an SR-22 is $859 per year for minimum coverage, which is 56% more expensive than the state average of $551 for drivers with a clean record.

For full coverage, the average cost of SR-22 car insurance in Virginia is $1,798 per year, representing a 59% increase compared to the state average rate of $1,130 for drivers without violations.

It's the specific violation — not the SR-22 form itself — that causes your insurance costs to rise. Below, you can compare SR-22 insurance rates in Virginia for common violations — such as DUIs, traffic tickets and accidents — across various age groups, alongside average rates for drivers with clean records:

An SR-22, also referred to as a "certificate of financial responsibility" or "SR-22 bond," is often mistaken for an insurance policy. However, it's actually a form filed by your insurer that certifies to Virginia state officials that you carry sufficient liability coverage to meet the requirements for reinstating your driving privileges under Virginia's Financial Responsibility law.

In Virginia, an SR-22 is required for drivers who commit serious traffic violations. It’s necessary to reinstate or maintain your license, as it proves you meet the state’s minimum insurance requirements. Common reasons for needing an SR-22 include:

In Virginia, SR-22 certificates are typically required for a period of three years. However, if you've been convicted of driving under the influence (DUI), you'll need to file an FR-44 instead, which mandates higher liability coverage. For repeat offenses, such as second or third DUI convictions, the filing period may be extended to five or even ten years, depending on the severity of the violation and court rulings.

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

• Fees: To restore your driving privileges, you must provide proof of full liability insurance via the SR-22 form and pay a reinstatement fee to the Virginia DMV.
• Policy Cancellation: Virginia insurers may choose to cancel or not renew your policy after an SR-22 filing, which could require you to find a new insurance provider.
• Continuous Coverage: You must maintain continuous coverage throughout the SR-22 period. If your policy lapses, your insurer is required to notify the state, potentially resulting in penalties or license suspension.
• Moving Out of State: If you relocate during the SR-22 period, you must arrange for an out-of-state SR-22 filing with your insurer to remain compliant.
• FR-44 for DUI Convictions: If convicted of a DUI, you’ll need to file an FR-44, which requires significantly higher coverage limits.
• SR-22 Cancellation: After completing your three-year SR-22 requirement, your insurer should submit a cancellation of the SR-22 filing, notifying the Virginia DMV that you’ve fulfilled your obligation.

To file an SR-22 in Virginia, drivers with serious violations, such as driving without a license or reckless driving, must meet state requirements. Failing to file can result in further penalties, including license suspension. Follow these steps to file an SR-22 in Virginia:

High-risk drivers in Virginia may face fewer options for insurance coverage, often resulting in higher premiums and limited choices. To find the most affordable SR-22 insurance quotes in Virginia, consider the following tips:

Non-owner car insurance provides liability coverage for individuals who frequently drive but don’t own a car, ensuring you’re covered when driving someone else’s vehicle.

After purchasing a non-owner policy in Virginia, your insurer can file an SR-22 to help you comply with state law and reinstate your license after the required three-year period.

Non-owner policies are ideal for those who rent cars or drive for rideshare services, covering third-party injuries and property damage in accidents you cause. Additionally, non-owner insurance in Virginia is generally cheaper than standard policies. To secure the best rates, be sure to compare quotes from multiple insurers.

Drivers in Virginia who commit serious traffic offenses are required to file an SR-22 to prove they meet the state's minimum liability coverage requirements. This form must be maintained for at least three years, with longer durations for more severe or repeat violations. Although SR-22 filings often result in higher insurance premiums, there are still several affordable car insurance providers in Virginia available for drivers with SR-22s.

Here are some common questions about SR-22 certifications in Virginia:

MoneyGeek analyzed 68,805 quotes from 15 companies across 87 ZIP codes to determine the average cost of car insurance premiums for drivers of various profiles and needs in Virginia.

Virginia 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 Virginia’s minimum coverage car insurance requirements with the following liability limits:

• $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
• $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
• $20,000 property damage liability 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.