SR-22 Insurance in Washington State: Everything You Need To Know

If you have received a ticket for a serious traffic violation or been involved in an at-fault accident in Washington, you may be required to file an SR-22 form with the Washington Department of Licensing (DOL) as proof of financial responsibility. Here is everything you need to know about SR-22 insurance in Washington.

What is an SR-22?

An SR-22 is a certificate of insurance that proves you have the state-required minimum auto insurance coverage. It is sometimes referred to as a financial responsibility filing.

The SR in SR-22 stands for Safety Responsibility. The 22 is a form code used by insurance companies and state financial responsibility laws.

When Will the DOL Require You to File an SR-22?

There are several situations where the DOL will require you to file an SR-22:

• You have been convicted of serious traffic violations such as reckless driving, hit-and-run, or driving under the influence (DUI).

• Your license has been suspended or revoked.

• You have failed to pay fines or judgments related to an accident.

• You have been involved in an at-fault accident without proper insurance.

• You have been caught driving without valid auto insurance.

Essentially, the SR-22 provides proof to the DOL that you are financially responsible and will be able to pay for any damages caused in potential future accidents.

How Do You File an SR-22 in Washington?

• Contact your insurance company: Inform your insurer that you need to file an SR-22. Not all insurance companies offer SR-22 filings, so you may need to switch providers.

• Obtain SR-22 insurance: You’ll need to have active auto insurance that meets the state’s minimum required coverage limits. In Washington, this is:

  • $25,000 bodily injury liability per person

  • $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident

  • $10,000 property damage liability

• Insurer files form: Once you obtain the proper coverage, your insurer will electronically file the SR-22 for you with the DOL.

• Check status: You can check the status of your SR-22 filing on the DOL website.

How Much Does SR-22 Insurance Cost in Washington?

Unfortunately, SR-22 insurance typically costs significantly more than regular auto insurance. Average annual SR-22 rates in Washington are around $2,500 – $3,500. However, costs can vary dramatically based on your driving record and history.

Factors that affect your SR-22 insurance rates include:

• Your age and gender
• Your driving record and violations
• Your credit score
• Your location in Washington
• The type of car you drive

The best way to find the most affordable SR-22 insurance is to compare quotes from multiple providers. Rates can differ by hundreds of dollars between insurers.

How Long Will You Need to Maintain SR-22 Coverage?

In Washington, you are generally required to keep an SR-22 filing on file with the DOL for 3 years. Your 3 year obligation starts once you have your license reinstated.

It is critical that you maintain continuous auto insurance coverage during this 3 year SR-22 period. If your policy lapses or is canceled, the DOL will be notified and your license will be suspended again. At that point, your SR-22 requirement will start over from zero.

Other Ways to Meet Financial Responsibility Requirements

Filing an SR-22 is the most common way to meet financial responsibility obligations, but Washington offers two other options:

• Certificate of deposit (CD) – You can get a CD worth at least $60,000 issued by the DOL. The funds will be held by the state for 3 years as insurance.

• Surety bond – You can get a liability bond worth at least $60,000 from an authorized bonding company. This guarantees compensation for damages.

However, the SR-22 is typically the most affordable and convenient option for most drivers.

Other Consequences of an SR-22

Beyond increased insurance rates, there are a few other disadvantages to having an SR-22 on your record:

• Your insurance options will be limited, as not all companies offer SR-22 plans.

• You may have a hard time finding coverage if you have a particularly poor driving history.

• Your rates will likely go up when your SR-22 requirement is removed, though usually not as high.

• Having an SR-22 on your record can make it harder to find affordable rates when shopping for insurance in the future.

How Can You Get Cheaper SR-22 Insurance?

There are a few strategies you can use to try and lower your SR-22 insurance costs:

• Compare quotes from at least 5-10 different insurance providers. Rates for high-risk drivers can vary wildly between insurers, so this is key to finding the best deal. Using an online quote tool can help streamline the process.

• Ask about discounts. Most insurers offer some discounts, such as for completing defensive driver courses, having anti-theft devices installed, maintaining good credit, insuring multiple vehicles, and more.

• Increase your deductible. This will lower your overall premiums, but you will pay more out-of-pocket if you file a claim.

• Limit your driving. The less you drive, the less risk you pose to your insurer. Cutting back on commute times and pleasure drives can help lower your rates.

• Improve your driving record. Once your SR-22 term is up, maintaining a clean driving record for 3-5 years can help you qualify for better rates.

Other High-Risk Insurance Options

If you are struggling to find affordable coverage from standard insurers, you may want to check out Washington’s high-risk auto insurance options:

• Washington Automobile Insurance Plan (WAIP): State-run program is insurer of last resort for drivers unable to get voluntary coverage. Rates capped but still expensive.

• Northwest Insurance Council: Offers referrals to insurers covering high-risk drivers. Not an insurer but may help you find options.

Partner With An Insurance Professional

Navigating high-risk auto insurance like SR-22 coverage on your own can be complicated, frustrating, and expensive. Working with an independent insurance agent or broker can help simplify the process and make sure you get the best rates.

An insurance professional shops the market for you, provides guidance, and works on your behalf to find the most affordable SR-22 coverage. If your driving record improves, they can also help you secure more affordable standard insurance once your SR-22 term ends.

The Bottom Line

An SR-22 filing with the DOL is mandatory if you want to get your license reinstated after a major violation or accident. While SR-22 insurance in Washington costs more, shopping around for quotes and utilizing discounts can help you secure more affordable high-risk coverage. Maintaining continuous auto insurance during your 3 year SR-22 term is critical.