Cheapest SR-22 insurance in New Jersey

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If you’ve been asked to file an SR-22, you might be worried about the impact on your car insurance costs. An SR-22 isn’t a type of insurance but rather a certificate that proves you meet your state’s minimum car insurance requirements.

It’s often required after serious driving violations, such as a DUI, reckless driving or driving without insurance. Unfortunately, having an SR-22 on your record typically leads to higher premiums, making finding the most affordable options essential.

The cost of SR-22 insurance can vary significantly depending on your location, driving history, and insurance provider. To help you save money, we’ve researched the cheapest SR-22 insurance options in every state.

In New Jersey, Plymouth Rock Assurance offers the most affordable SR-22 insurance policies at $1,288 per year and Geico at $1,356 per year.

Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly policy or just trying to navigate this complex process, this guide has the information you need to get back on the road without breaking the bank.

What is an SR-22?

An SR-22 certificate of financial responsibility proves you have the minimum liability insurance coverage your state requires. If you’re considered a high-risk driver because of traffic violations, a DUI/DWI conviction, or other reasons, your state or a court might require you to get an SR-22. This is a certificate your insurance company files on your behalf with your state Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV).

An SR-22 isn’t a type of insurance, but it’s often required after serious offenses. Having an SR-22 can make your insurance more expensive, and not all insurers will cover you because you’re considered a high-risk driver.

Do I need to buy SR-22 insurance in New Jersey?

As mentioned before, an SR-22 isn’t an insurance policy. It’s a form your insurance company files with your state’s DMV to show that you have the required minimum coverage, even with certain driving offenses on your record. The filing fee is usually low, but insurance with an SR-22 can be expensive.

Here are few offenses that might require an SR-22:

• DUI, DWI or other serious moving violations
• Reckless driving
• Accidents resulting in suspension or revocation
• Accumulation of too many driving violation points
• Driving without insurance

If you are convicted of any of these violations, you might need an SR-22. After buying an insurance plan that meets your state’s requirements, ask your insurance company to send the SR-22 form to the DMV.

You usually have to keep the SR-22 for at least three years. If you don’t, your license could be suspended.

Average SR-22 car insurance cost in New Jersey

The average SR-22 car insurance cost in New Jersey is $2,370.

New Jersey’s rate is $1,355 more expensive than SR-22 insurance in the New Hampshire, the cheapest state. However, it’s also $1,671 less than in Michigan, the most expensive state for SR-22 insurance.

However, there are a lot of factors that might affect the cost of SR-22 insurance, such as the reason for the SR-22, your driving history, and the city in which you live.

Cheapest SR-22 insurance companies in New Jersey

Insurance rates usually increase if you have an SR-22. But not all insurance companies have the same rates for people with an SR-22. The companies listed below have some of the lowest rates available in New Jersey.

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Cheap SR-22 insurance in New Jersey by city

As mentioned earlier, where you live can also make a big difference in the cost of SR-22 insurance. Below, you’ll find the cheapest rates for SR-22 insurance for most cities in New Jersey.

SR-22 insurance requirements in New Jersey

The New Jersey DMV requires all drivers to meet the following minimum requirements for car insurance coverage:

• $25,000 for injury/death per person
• $50,000 for injury/death per accident
• $25,000 for damage to property per accident

These are just the minimum requirements. Experts advise drivers to get more than the minimum insurance. It may lead to a higher premium, but the extra coverage could be well worth it.

How much does SR-22 in New Jersey cost with a DUI?

Some insurance companies are much more forgiving than others if you have a DUI. Some charge a few hundred dollars more, while others charge thousands more per year.

Note: In the table below, “filing only” represents the cost of a policy including the fee to file the SR-22 – without considering the reason why someone needed an SR-22.

How to get the cheapest SR-22 insurance in New Jersey

You may face sky-high insurance premiums if you need an SR-22 in New Jersey. However, there are ways to save on car insurance whether or not you require an SR-22.

First, shopping around is always a good idea. There can be an enormous difference in the rates you will get from different insurance companies. Some companies specialize in high-risk drivers and offer you better SR-22 rates.

Another way to get the cheapest insurance with an SR-22 is to improve your driving record. Sure, that might be easier said than done, but it can be worth putting in the time if you want a better rate. You can get a quick win by taking a defensive driving course. Ask your insurer if they offer any of these courses and if they can help you qualify for a discount.

You can also ask about safe driving programs. These usage-based programs track your driving habits and may reward you with lower premiums for safe driving.

There are a few ways someone required to get SR-22 insurance can find the most affordable policy while still meeting all the legal requirements.

Sebastian Hov, CEO of 18 Insurance, an insurance agency based in Sacramento, New Jersey, recommends the following:

• Shopping around: Different insurance companies offer varying rates for SR-22 insurance. It’s crucial to compare quotes from multiple providers to find the best option.
• Pay upfront: Paying your premium in full rather than in monthly installments can sometimes result in lower overall costs.
• Opt for non-owner insurance: If you don’t own a vehicle but need to maintain SR-22 coverage, non-owner car insurance can be a cost-effective option as it is typically 5% to 15% cheaper than a standard policy. Keep reading for more information on non-owner insurance options.

Non-owner SR-22 insurance in New Jersey

Some states may require you to obtain an SR-22 even if you don’t own a car. This filing ensures you meet the state’s minimum liability coverage requirements, which is often necessary to reinstate your driver’s license after a suspension or revocation resulting from violations like a DUI or multiple traffic offenses.

Non-owner insurance policies are for individuals who don’t own a vehicle but must fulfill SR-22 requirements or want to maintain continuous coverage. This type of coverage provides liability protection when driving a car you don’t own and helps you meet state mandates for reinstating your license after violations such as a DUI or multiple traffic offenses.

It’s often a more affordable option than a standard policy since it only covers liability.

Read more about how non-owners car insurance works in New Jersey

Who needs SR-22 insurance?

Remember that an SR-22 is not a separate insurance policy. Instead, it’s a certificate that shows your state’s DMV that you have at least the minimum insurance coverage required.

For instance, if you have a DUI, the state will require you to prove you have enough insurance to be financially responsible.

Keep in mind that not all driving offenses require an SR-22. You will be notified if you require an SR-22. If you aren’t sure if you need one, ask your local DMV or an attorney with traffic law experience.

How long do you need SR-22 insurance in New Jersey?

You typically need to maintain an SR-22 for three years.

During this period, you must maintain continuous coverage without any lapses. If your policy is canceled or lapses, your insurer must notify the state, which could result in further penalties or a license suspension.

The bottom line on SR-22 in New Jersey

New Jersey’s average SR-22 insurance rate is $2,370, compared to the overall average car insurance cost in New Jersey, which is $2,262. That means New Jersey’s SR-22 rate is $108 more per year.

But remember that there are a lot of factors that can affect insurance premiums.

What our expert says

Q: How can you save on SR-22 insurance?

Sebastian HovCEO, 18 Insurance.

“Shop around: Different insurance companies offer varying rates for SR-22 insurance. It’s crucial to compare quotes from multiple providers to find the best option.”

Resources and Methodology

Methodology

Insure.com gathered rates from Quadrant Information Services for all states, including Washington, D.C. The rates are based on a sample driving profile of a 40-year-old male and female who drives a Honda Accord LX and opts for a full-coverage policy with coverage limits of 100/300/100 and a $500 comprehensive and collision deductible across most ZIP codes. We analyzed 5,000,736 insurance quotes from 27 companies.

Bob Haegele

Contributing Researcher

 

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Bob Haegele is a personal finance writer. He covers car insurance, health insurance and life insurance. While working in the corporate world he started a personal finance blog. He later left his corporate job and began freelance writing full-time. Since then, he has made it his mission to help people master their money. His work has been featured in Business Insider, Forbes Advisor, Bankrate, FinanceBuzz and others.