Services
Insurance
Loans
Repairs
Advice
About

What is a car insurance surcharge?

How long will a surcharge be on my policy for? My insurance agent mentioned a surcharge on my policy. I'm not exactly sure what that means.

avatar
Emily Maracle · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
“A surcharge on your
car insurance
policy often relates to a ticket or violation.
If you’re required by the state to have an
SR-22
or financial responsibility filing, this can also add a surcharge to your policy.
Another common surcharge can be from a vehicle that is salvaged or has a
rebuilt title
.
Surcharges are added due to the risk that an insured may be and the possible claims they may submit. Car insurance carriers will need to charge more as insurance is paid out of a communal pool for policyholders.
You are considered higher risk if you have:
  • a bad driving record
  • filed a lot of claims
  • a suspended license
Not every company has surcharges. You can confirm with your agent what the surcharge is for. From there, you can decide whether you’d like to look at other carriers.”
View full answer 
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings