SR-22 Without a Car vs With a Car: What’s Cheaper?
If the state requires an SR-22, you have two broad paths. If you own a car, you keep or buy a standard auto policy and ask the insurer to file an SR-22 with your DMV. If you do not own a car, you buy a non owner policy and have the insurer file the SR-22. Both satisfy the financial responsibility rule, but pricing and fit differ based on whether you insure a specific vehicle, whether a lender requires physical damage coverage, and how often you drive borrowed or rental cars. [ref]
Quick answers
If you do not own a car and only need to keep your license valid, a non owner SR-22 is usually cheaper than an owner policy because it provides liability only and does not insure a specific vehicle. Most states still require you to meet the same minimum liability as owners. [ref]
If you have a car with a loan or lease, lenders typically require collision and comprehensive in addition to liability, which raises cost compared with non owner. [ref]
Many states require about three years of continuous filing. Some count from conviction, others from reinstatement eligibility. Confirm on your DMV portal. [ref]
What a non owner SR-22 actually covers
A non owner policy is built for people who do not own a car but still drive occasionally. It provides liability coverage if you cause injuries or property damage to others while driving a vehicle you do not own. It does not cover physical damage to the vehicle you are driving, and it does not include comprehensive or collision for any specific car. Because it excludes physical damage and does not list a vehicle, the premium is typically lower than a standard owner policy. [ref]
If you expect to rent a car during your SR-22 period, you can pair non owner liability with a collision damage waiver at the rental counter or with a credit card’s rental benefit if your card offers one. Review card terms and exclusions carefully, especially country restrictions and coverage windows.
Helpful pairing: If you only need to satisfy the state for a short stretch while you sort out a vehicle, skim Temporary Car Insurance for One Month for quick planning pointers.
For step by step eligibility details, see our walkthrough in Non Owner SR-22: Step by Step.
What an owner policy with SR-22 covers
An owner policy insures a specific vehicle you own. Liability coverage meets state minimums and protects others if you cause an accident. If your car is financed or leased, your lender will typically require you to carry collision and comprehensive to protect the collateral. That requirement is a major reason owner policies cost more than non owner when an SR-22 is involved. [ref]
If you are deciding whether to keep physical damage on a paid off car, compare real benefits and cost patterns in Comprehensive vs Collision. And if you need proof on day one, most carriers issue digital ID cards and a declarations page immediately after payment. For tips, see Instant Auto Insurance ID Cards.
Cost comparison: non owner vs owner policy with SR-22
Below is a directional comparison that shows how pricing often plays out. Real quotes vary by state, age, violation type, limits, and vehicle value. Use this as a planning map.
| Scenario | What you buy | What is covered | Typical cost trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| No car, need to restore license | Non owner policy + SR-22 filing | Liability to others. No physical damage to the car you drive. | Usually the lowest cost path that satisfies the state. [ref] |
| Own a car with no loan | Owner policy + SR-22 filing | Liability. Optional comprehensive and collision if you want to protect your car. | Higher than non owner because it insures a vehicle. |
| Own a car with a loan or lease | Owner policy with comp and collision + SR-22 filing | Liability plus physical damage to your car, subject to deductibles. | Highest due to lender requirements and physical damage coverage. [ref] |
| Renting cars for a month | Non owner liability + rental CDW or eligible card benefit | Your liability to others. Physical damage to the rental handled by CDW or card benefit when applicable. | Often cheaper than owning, but read rental or card terms carefully. |
Note on fees: The SR-22 filing fee is usually small, often in the fifteen to twenty five dollar range depending on insurer and state. The violation on your record is the real driver of premium. For state flavor and filing tips, see SR-22 Cost by State. [ref]
A quick visual and a practical tip
When you bind coverage, ask your insurer when they transmit the SR-22. Many carriers e-file in overnight batches and DMVs process the next business day. Checking your DMV portal the morning after helps you confirm acceptance and fix typos quickly. [ref]
Which is cheaper for you
Use this simple decision flow.
Start with a non owner SR-22. It satisfies the state at low cost for most drivers who only need liability. If you borrow or rent, pair with rental protections as needed. [ref]
New to the process? Our Non Owner SR-22 guide walks through eligibility and steps.
You will need an owner policy with liability at minimum. Add comprehensive and collision if a lender requires it or if the vehicle value justifies the protection. If the car is paid off and older, use our Comprehensive vs Collision guide to decide. [ref]
Important limitations and edge cases
- Household cars available. Many insurers will not sell a non owner policy if someone in your household has a regular use car that should list you as a driver. Expect underwriting questions about who owns what and where you park.
- FR-44 states. A few states use FR-44 for certain serious offenses and require higher liability limits than SR-22. That raises the price of either path. Virginia FR-44 limits are double the SR-22 minimums. [ref]
- Moving states during the requirement. Ask both DMVs how they will treat the remaining time and whether you must file in the new state.
- Continuous coverage. A lapse triggers an SR-26 cancellation notice to the state and can re-suspend your license. Enable autopay and reminders, and if switching companies, bind the new policy first so there is no gap. [ref]
Example budgets
To illustrate how costs diverge, imagine two drivers with the same violation and liability limits.
Buys a non owner policy with state minimum liability and an SR-22 filing. Pays the small filing fee each term. Uses rental CDW when traveling. Result is a lean monthly bill that satisfies the state with no physical damage premium. [ref]
Buys a standard policy with liability, comprehensive, and collision to satisfy the lender, plus the SR-22 filing. Pays the same small filing fee but carries higher premium due to physical damage coverage and the violation surcharge. [ref]
When to switch from non owner to owner
If you start with a non owner SR-22 and later buy a car:
- Bind the owner policy first. Ask your agent to transfer or refile the SR-22 on the new policy.
- Cancel the non owner after the owner policy is active. This prevents any lapse that could alert the DMV.
- Save your proofs. Keep ID cards and the declarations page ready for the dealer or lender. If you need proof fast, try the steps in Instant Auto Insurance.
For timing questions like how long you will need the filing and what happens if you lapse, read How Long Does an SR-22 Stay.
The bottom line
- If you do not own a car, a non owner SR-22 is usually the cheapest path to meet the state’s rule while you rebuild your record.
- If you own a car, especially with a loan or lease, an owner policy costs more but protects the vehicle and satisfies lender requirements.
- Keep the filing continuous for the full period and avoid gaps that could reset the process. For a regulator view on SR-22 basics and alternatives like FR-44, see the resources below. [ref]
External references
- Progressive: Non Owner SR-22 overview. [ref]
- Virginia DMV: SR-22 and FR-44 certifications. [ref]