How SR22 Affects Bundled Insurance Costs
Bundling auto and home insurance typically results in an average savings of 17%, according to a 2023 report by the Insurance Information Institute (III). However, when an SR22 filing is added to an auto policy, those savings are often significantly reduced.
For example, Progressive reports that while standard policyholders can save up to 20% by bundling, high-risk drivers with SR22s may see that discount drop to 5% or be excluded altogether, depending on their driving history and state regulations. In terms of cost, the average annual auto insurance premium for a driver with an SR22 is around $1,900, compared to $1,250 for drivers without one — a 52% increase.
Meanwhile, the potential loss of bundling discounts can mean missing out on $300 to $600 in annual savings, depending on the insurer and location. This underscores the importance of shopping SR22-friendly carriers that still offer modified bundling benefits.
How SR22 Affects Bundled Insurance Packages
Table of Contents
- 1 How SR22 Affects Bundled Insurance Packages
- 1.1 1. Impact on Eligibility for Bundling With High-Risk Designation
- 1.2 2. Insurers That Allow Bundling With SR22 Filings
- 1.3 3. How Discounts Are Reduced or Eliminated
- 1.4 4. Cases Where SR22 May Only Affect Auto and Not Home/Renters
- 1.5 5. Workarounds to Still Save on Bundled Coverage With SR22
- 1.6 SR22 Auto Insurance Rates & Bundling Savings Impact (Estimates)
- 2 Tips for Managing Insurance Costs With SR22
- 3 State-Specific Variations in SR22 and Bundling Policies
- 4 FAQs: How SR22 Affects Bundled Insurance Costs
- 4.1 1. Can you bundle insurance policies if you have an SR22?
- 4.2 2. Will my home or renters insurance premiums go up because of my SR22?
- 4.3 3. Which insurers are best for bundling with an SR22?
- 4.4 4. What is a non-owner SR22 policy and how does it help with bundling?
- 4.5 5. How long will SR22 affect my bundling eligibility?
- 4.6 6. Can my spouse bundle even if I have an SR22?
- 4.7 7. Are there states where bundling with SR22 is easier?
- 5 Sources
1. Impact on Eligibility for Bundling With High-Risk Designation
Insurance companies evaluate risk across the entire policyholder profile. Once you’re required to carry an SR22, you’re generally tagged as a high-risk driver — a designation that makes insurers more cautious about offering multi-policy discounts.
- Some insurers won’t allow bundling at all if your auto policy carries an SR22. This is especially true for major standard insurers like USAA, Amica, and Nationwide, which may reject bundling applications when the auto component includes high-risk flags.
- Specialty insurers such as The General, Dairyland, and SafeAuto may allow bundling with an SR22 but often offer fewer bundling discounts, or the policies are split into standalone packages with separate billing.
2. Insurers That Allow Bundling With SR22 Filings
While bundling becomes more complicated, some companies still provide options:
- Progressive: One of the few mainstream insurers that offers SR22 coverage in most states and allows bundling with other products like home, renters, and motorcycle insurance. However, Progressive notes that multi-policy discounts may be reduced or adjusted based on driving history.
- GEICO: Provides SR22 filings and offers bundling, but premiums are higher, and bundled discounts may be limited or not apply at all until SR22 requirements expire.
- State Farm: Offers SR22 filing in many states and maintains bundling programs. However, they handle high-risk drivers through their subsidiary or adjust policies on a case-by-case basis.
- Liberty Mutual: While they provide bundling options, SR22 drivers are often referred to partner agencies that may not offer bundling discounts.
3. How Discounts Are Reduced or Eliminated
Bundling typically provides discounts between 5% and 25%, depending on the insurer and the types of policies involved. However, when you’re an SR22 driver:
- Bundled discounts are often capped at the lower end of the range (5%-10%) or eliminated entirely.
- Some insurers offer a bundling shell, where policies are technically combined, but no discount is applied due to high-risk status.
- State regulations also affect the availability of discounts — for instance, in California, Proposition 103 restricts certain types of risk-based pricing models, which may impact how discounts are offered to SR22 drivers.
4. Cases Where SR22 May Only Affect Auto and Not Home/Renters
Your SR22 designation applies specifically to your auto insurance, and some insurers segment your risk accordingly:
- Separate underwriting teams assess home or renters insurance, allowing you to still get a competitive rate on these policies, even if your auto policy is high-risk.
- Insurers like Travelers and Allstate may allow bundling but exclude the auto portion from receiving the full discount.
- You can still bundle administratively (shared billing, one agent, policy management), even if the discount is lower or zero.
5. Workarounds to Still Save on Bundled Coverage With SR22
High-risk status doesn’t mean you’re locked out of savings entirely. Some strategic approaches can help:
- Spousal Bundling: If your spouse or partner is not considered high-risk, bundling under their name (with them as the primary on non-auto policies) may allow full discount eligibility.
- Non-Owner SR22 Policies: If you no longer own a vehicle but still need SR22 coverage, consider a non-owner policy. This lowers your profile risk, and your home or renters insurance may still qualify for bundling discounts.
- Switch Insurers: SR22-friendly insurers like Progressive, The General, and Dairyland are more likely to offer partial bundling benefits. Get quotes from multiple providers who cater to high-risk drivers.
- Use an Independent Insurance Broker: Brokers with access to niche or non-standard markets can often find tailored solutions that include bundle-friendly policies even with SR22.
SR22 Auto Insurance Rates & Bundling Savings Impact (Estimates)
Insurer | Avg. SR22 Auto Premium | Standard Bundling Discount | SR22 Adjusted Discount | Potential Savings Loss |
---|---|---|---|---|
Progressive | $1,850 | 20% ($370) | 5% ($92.50) | $277.50 |
GEICO | $1,920 | 15% ($288) | 0% ($0) | $288.00 |
State Farm | $1,975 | 17% ($335.75) | 10% ($197.50) | $138.25 |
The General | $2,150 | 10% ($215) | 5% ($107.50) | $107.50 |
Dairyland | $2,100 | 12% ($252) | 0% ($0) | $252.00 |
SafeAuto | $2,000 | 8% ($160) | 3% ($60) | $100.00 |
Tips for Managing Insurance Costs With SR22
Despite the cost increase, there are actionable steps you can take to minimize your total insurance expenses:
1. Compare SR22-Compatible Bundled Packages
Use quote aggregators like Compare.com, Gabi, or The Zebra to find insurers who offer SR22 filings and also allow bundling. Some tools allow you to specifically filter for high-risk policy compatibility.
2. Improve Driving Behavior
Maintain a clean driving record for the duration of your SR22 period (usually 3 years). Insurers often reevaluate risk at renewal, and some may restore full bundling discounts once your record improves.
3. Request Annual Policy Reviews
Ask your agent or broker for a discount reassessment annually. Once you’ve had your SR22 for over 12 months without further incidents, some insurers may reclassify your profile.
4. Bundle Other Policies Strategically
If auto bundling is cost-prohibitive, consider bundling life insurance, umbrella insurance, or motorcycle insurance instead. These options may still qualify for multi-policy discounts without SR22 interference.
State-Specific Variations in SR22 and Bundling Policies
California
- Requires SR22 for DUI, reckless driving, and uninsured accidents.
- Proposition 103 limits how insurers use driving history to price policies.
- Bundling may be available but with lower discounts; non-standard insurers dominate the SR22 market here.
Florida
- Uses FR44 (a stricter version of SR22) for DUI offenses and SR22 for lesser violations.
- FR44 requires double the minimum liability coverage.
- Many insurers refuse to bundle with FR44; standalone policies are more common.
Texas
- SR22 required for license reinstatement after serious violations.
- State allows both standard and non-standard insurers to file SR22.
- Texas Farm Bureau and Progressive are known for bundling options despite SR22 status.
Illinois
- Mandatory SR22 filing for repeat offenses or serious violations.
- High number of insurers offering non-owner SR22 policies that can preserve some bundling eligibility.
- The Illinois Automobile Insurance Plan (ILAIP) provides last-resort coverage if bundling is denied.
Ohio
- SR22 required for multiple offenses and uninsured driving.
- Offers some of the lowest SR22 insurance rates in the U.S.
- Bundling is often permitted if working with non-standard insurers like SafeAuto or Acceptance Insurance.
FAQs: How SR22 Affects Bundled Insurance Costs
1. Can you bundle insurance policies if you have an SR22?
Yes, but it’s more difficult. Some insurers allow bundling, but the discounts are often reduced or eliminated entirely due to the high-risk classification of an SR22 policy.
Usually not. SR22 status primarily affects auto insurance. However, if you try to bundle, the risk profile may influence your total discount eligibility.
3. Which insurers are best for bundling with an SR22?
Progressive, GEICO, and The General offer SR22 filings and maintain bundling programs, though the effectiveness of discounts varies by state and risk level.
4. What is a non-owner SR22 policy and how does it help with bundling?
A non-owner SR22 is for drivers who don’t own a vehicle but need proof of financial responsibility. It can lower costs and preserve bundling options for other insurance types.
5. How long will SR22 affect my bundling eligibility?
Most SR22 filings last 3 years. Once the filing requirement is lifted and your record improves, you may qualify for full bundling discounts again.
6. Can my spouse bundle even if I have an SR22?
Yes, if your spouse has a clean record, policies under their name may still qualify for discounts, especially for home, renters, or umbrella insurance.
7. Are there states where bundling with SR22 is easier?
States like Ohio and Texas have more insurers that cater to high-risk drivers and may allow bundling despite an SR22. States with stricter regulations like Florida often limit bundling options.
Sources
https://www.iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-homeowners-and-renters-insurance
https://www.libertymutual.com/bundling
https://www.progressive.com/answers/sr-22/
https://www.progressive.com/answers/benefits-of-bundling-insurance/
https://www.iii.org/sites/default/files/docs/pdf/triple-i_2023_annual_report.pdf
https://www.usi.com/executive-insights/executive-series-articles/featured/personal-risk/q3-2023/auto-insurance-market-trends-for-2023/
https://www.reuters.com/markets/us/risky-economics-living-without-homeowners-insurance-2024-03-28/