SR-22 (High Risk) Insurance in Washington State

If you lose your drivers license because of a DUI arrest or conviction in Washington State, you will be required to maintain SR-22 (high risk) insurance in Washington State for a period of at least 3 years following the reinstatement of your license. How much will your insurance rates go up? Unfortunately, there is no easy answer. Be sure to shop around before purchasing high risk insurance. The time spent will be well worth it. You will be exempt from SR-22 insurance entirely if the following conditions are met:

• Win your DOL hearing and either get the case completely dismissed or negotiated down to a negligent driving in the first degree or lower. A reckless driving still carries 3 years of high risk insurance following the suspension.

or

• Have given a valid breath test (or at least not refused a breath test) at the police station and have entered into a deferred prosecution.

Note: You will not need to get high risk insurance unless and until you seek to have your Washington State license reinstated following a suspension, or you are applying for an Occupational/Restricted License (ORL).