SR-22 Insurance in Ohio

Last Updated on December 31, 2025

Ohio, like most states, uses an SR-22 (also called a certificate of financial responsibility) to monitor certain higher-risk drivers after a suspension or serious violation.

If you’re required to file one, the Ohio BMV will typically not reinstate your driving privileges until it receives proof that you carry at least Ohio’s minimum liability coverage.

One quick clarification: an SR-22 isn’t a type of car insurance. It’s a state-required filing that your insurance company attaches to your policy and submits to the BMV. You can add it to minimum liability coverage or to a full coverage policy—what matters is that it meets Ohio’s requirements and stays active.

Below is how SR-22 “insurance” works in Ohio, how to get one filed, how long it lasts, and how to keep the cost as low as possible while you’re required to carry it.

Key Takeaways

1. An SR-22 Isn’t Insurance: In Ohio, an SR-22 is a state filing that proves you have the required auto coverage—your insurer submits it to the BMV.
2. Ohio’s Minimum Limits Are Still 25/50/25: SR-22 drivers typically must meet the same minimum liability requirements as everyone else, though you can carry higher limits or full coverage.
3. Filing Periods Vary by Case: Your BMV notice or court order determines how long you must keep the SR-22 active—don’t cancel early or you could face a new suspension.
4. Shopping Around Can Save Real Money: The SR-22 fee is usually small—the bigger cost is the violation. Comparing multiple insurers is the fastest way to find cheaper rates.

What Is an SR-22 in Ohio?

An SR-22 is a form your insurer files with the state to prove you’re carrying the required car insurance. In Ohio, it’s commonly described as a certificate of financial responsibility.

People often call it “SR-22 insurance,” but the SR-22 itself is just paperwork. You still buy a normal auto policy—your insurer simply files the SR-22 along with it and agrees to notify the BMV if the policy cancels or lapses.

If you want a deeper explanation of what it is (and what it isn’t), start here: SR-22 insurance.

When Does Ohio Require an SR-22?

You’ll usually find out you need an SR-22 in one of two ways: (1) a court order, or (2) a notice from the Ohio BMV showing reinstatement requirements. If you’ve had your license suspended, an SR-22 filing is a common step toward getting your license back.

Common situations that can trigger an SR-22 requirement in Ohio include:

• Driving without insurance (or failing to provide acceptable proof of coverage when required)
• An insurance lapse that leads to an Ohio BMV suspension or non-compliance action
• Serious or repeated violations (for example, a points-related suspension, depending on your case)
• Certain court-related suspensions where the state requires proof of financial responsibility to reinstate

Important: Not every suspension requires an SR-22. Always follow the exact instructions on your BMV notice or court paperwork.

Ohio SR-22 Minimum Coverage Requirements

Ohio generally requires the same minimum liability limits whether or not you need an SR-22. The current minimum limits are:

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

These limits pay for injuries and damage you cause to others. They do not pay to repair your own car.

You can also carry full coverage (liability + comprehensive + collision) with an SR-22. And if you’re financing or leasing, your lender will usually require comprehensive and collision regardless of SR-22 status.

How to Get an SR-22 Filed in Ohio

The process is usually straightforward:

1. Confirm what you need. Your BMV notice should tell you whether you need an SR-22 (or a bond) and whether the filing is owner or non-owner.
2. Shop for a policy that will file an SR-22. Many major insurers can do it, but pricing varies a lot for high-risk drivers.
3. Buy the policy and request the SR-22 filing. Your insurer will add the SR-22 endorsement and submit it to the state (often electronically).
4. Pay any reinstatement fees. Depending on your suspension type, you may owe reinstatement fees before you’re fully valid again. If you need help finding the right reinstatement resource, the Ohio BMV’s Reinstatement Fees & Amnesty page is a good starting point.
5. Keep proof and stay insured. Your biggest job after filing is avoiding a lapse—because cancellations can trigger a new suspension.

Owner vs. Non-Owner SR-22 in Ohio

Ohio drivers usually file one of these two SR-22 types:

• Owner SR-22: For drivers who own (or regularly insure) a vehicle. Your SR-22 is attached to a standard auto policy for a specific car.
• Non-Owner SR-22: For drivers who don’t own a car but still need an SR-22 on file to reinstate. This is typically liability-only and is meant for occasional driving (like borrowing or renting)—not for regular access to a household vehicle.

If you don’t currently own a vehicle, a non-owner SR-22 is often the cheapest way to meet the filing requirement.

How Long Do You Need an SR-22 in Ohio?

Ohio’s SR-22 timeline depends on why you’re required to file and when your suspension started. In recent years, Ohio shortened many SR-22/bond filing periods—so some drivers now have a one-year requirement, while older suspensions can still be longer.

The safest approach is to follow your BMV notice exactly, then ask your insurer (or the BMV) to confirm your required filing period so you don’t cancel early by mistake. For a broader breakdown of SR-22 timelines, see: how long does an SR-22 last.

How Much Does SR-22 Insurance Cost in Ohio?

SR-22 cost is really two separate costs:

• The SR-22 filing fee: Many insurers charge a small endorsement fee to add and maintain the SR-22 (often per policy term). This fee varies by company.
• The premium increase: The bigger cost is usually the reason you need the SR-22 (a DUI/OVI, uninsured driving, multiple violations, etc.). That underlying risk is what drives your rate up.

There isn’t one “standard” price for Ohio SR-22 coverage. Some drivers pay close to a normal rate; others see major increases—especially after serious violations. The best way to find a realistic price is to shop multiple carriers and compare apples-to-apples coverage. If you’re focused on minimizing costs, start here: cheap SR-22 insurance.

Who Sells SR-22 Insurance in Ohio?

Most well-known insurers can file SR-22 forms in Ohio. However, if you’re considered high-risk, you may also want quotes from high-risk insurance companies that specialize in non-standard policies.

Here are some common carriers Ohio drivers check when they need SR-22 filing:

• Progressive
• GEICO
• Allstate
• Nationwide
• Travelers
• Erie
• Grange
• Auto-Owners Insurance
• American Family
• Farmers

How to Get Cheaper SR-22 Insurance in Ohio

SR-22 coverage doesn’t have to be wildly expensive, but you usually need to be strategic while the filing is active:

• Compare quotes from multiple insurers. Pricing for high-risk drivers can vary dramatically between companies, including smaller, regional, companies.
• Choose the right policy type. If you don’t own a car, ask about a non-owner SR-22 instead of an owner policy.
• Keep coverage continuous. A lapse can trigger a new suspension and may restart the clock on your filing requirement.
• Adjust deductibles if you carry full coverage. A higher deductible can lower your monthly premium (but make sure you could afford the deductible after a loss).
• Ask about alternative proof options when appropriate. In some situations, Ohio drivers can satisfy financial responsibility requirements with a bond or other method. Learn more about options for proof of financial responsibility.

What Happens If Your SR-22 Policy Lapses?

If you cancel your policy, miss payments, or otherwise let coverage lapse while an SR-22 is required, your insurer can notify the BMV. That can lead to:

• a new license suspension (or continued suspension)
• additional reinstatement steps and fees
• a longer or restarted compliance period, depending on your case

The best move is simple: set payments on autopay if you can, keep your address updated with your insurer, and don’t switch policies without lining up the replacement SR-22 first.

How to Remove an SR-22 in Ohio

When you believe you’ve completed your required filing period, don’t cancel your insurance abruptly. Instead:

1. Confirm your SR-22 end date based on your BMV requirement.
2. Ask your insurer to remove the SR-22 endorsement (or stop renewing it) after you’re eligible.
3. Keep your policy active until you’re sure the state no longer requires the filing.

FAQs on Ohio SR-22 Insurance

Final Word

In Ohio, an SR-22 is proof to the BMV that you’re insured at or above the state’s minimum limits. It’s not a separate kind of insurance—but it does usually mean you’re being treated as higher-risk, which can raise your premiums.

The best way to handle Ohio SR-22 requirements is to (1) get the filing submitted correctly, (2) keep your policy active with no lapses, and (3) compare quotes until you find a carrier that prices your situation fairly.