SR-22 insurance: What does it do?
Key points
- SR-22 isn’t a type of insurance – it’s a state-filed document from your insurer proving you carry the required minimum liability coverage.
- It’s typically mandated after serious driving violations like DUIs, reckless driving, uninsured driving, or license suspensions.
- You may have to maintain it for about three years without any coverage lapses.
- Although the filing fee is small, having an SR-22 often increases your insurance premium.
An SR-22, also known as a certified policy, is a form that is filed with your state to show that you are meeting your state's minimum auto liability insurance requirements. An SR-22 may also be referred to as a certificate of financial responsibility, or, in Virginia and Florida, an FR-44 (which has different requirements than an SR-22).
People often refer to it as "SR-22 insurance," but it’s not a type of insurance ─ it's simply a document provided by your insurance company that proves you have liability coverage on your car insurance policy.
How SR-22 insurance works
SR-22s are typically required in the wake of a driving-related offense. If your state requires you to have an SR-22 to drive legally on the road, your auto insurance company may send the form directly to your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Again, this is just to let them know that you carry at least the minimum requirement liability coverage on your policy. Not all insurers offer SR-22s, so make sure to check with yours if your state requires one.
Reasons to file an SR-22 certificate
An SR-22 is usually required due to incidents that a state government considers running a higher risk of accidents or insurance issues later on. Incidents may include:
- DUI/DWI convictions
- Reckless driving
- At-fault accidents without insurance
- License suspensions
Steps to obtain SR-22 insurance
Obtaining an SR-22 is generally not too difficult and is handled through the insurance company. Here are the steps you’d to take to get one, so that you can legally drive on the road:
- Notify your insurer that you need an SR-22. If yours doesn’t offer this service, you may need to find an insurer that does.
- Depending on the coverages you have on your auto insurance, you may need to adjust them to meet your state’s requirements. If you’re uninsured, you’ll need to find an insurance company that files SR-22s.
- Typically, you’ll need to pay a one-time fee to file an SR-22 in the range of $15 to $50.
- Your insurer will submit the SR-22 electronically to your state’s DMV. You’ll receive confirmation once it’s processed.
- You may need to carry an SR-22 for three or more years, according to Forbes. Canceling your insurance during this time may result in the suspension of your license and other penalties.
Costs associated with SR-22 insurance
The cost of an SR-22 itself is relatively inexpensive – as mentioned above, in the range of $15 to $50. However, since an SR-22 is required for certain types of driving offenses, it usually results in a rate increase on your auto insurance policy.
Who needs an SR-22 form?
Not every motorist needs an SR-22. Laws vary by state, but in general, drivers may need to have their insurance company file an SR-22 form with the state department under the following circumstances:
- Conviction for driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated
- Serious and/or repeat traffic offenses
- An at-fault accident with no insurance
- License suspension or revocation
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get a quoteSR-22 insurance requirements by state
Each state has its own standards for situations that require an SR-22, how long you need to carry it and any penalties involved. Most states use SR-22s, but some states don’t, according to The Zebra, such as:
- Delaware
- Kentucky
- Minnesota
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
Some states require FR-44 forms, like Florida and Virginia. It works similarly to an SR-22 but the requirements depend on the type of traffic-related offense, says Bankrate. The main difference, though, is that the form typically requires drivers to have more than the minimum coverage required by that state.
SR-22 insurance and driving records
SR-22 terms and requirements vary by state, but here are some guidelines to keep in mind:
- You'll likely need to have an SR-22 showing continuous insurance coverage for about three years (or longer in some states).
- If your policy lapses or expires during this period, your insurance company is required to notify the state.
- Failure to comply with the terms of your SR-22 may result in suspension of your license.
- Once you properly fulfill your state's time requirements, your SR-22 status is typically lifted.
How long an SR-22 stays on your driving record
While the SR-22 itself is only temporary, the violation that triggers it may stay on your driving record beyond the SR-22 period (which could be three or more years). A severe traffic violation, like a DUI/DWI, may stay on your driving record for 10 years, depending on your state. It may also continue affecting your insurance premium after the SR-22 requirement ends.
If you are required to file an SR-22, contact your insurer to obtain the documents for submission to your state's appropriate department.
For more information about obtaining an SR-22, check with your insurance provider.
How to get SR-22 insurance with Allstate
Allstate can help you get covered quickly and file an SR-22 on your behalf to satisfy state requirements. Get a quote online or, if you have any questions, call 866-561-7300 for help.