If you’ve had your driver’s license suspended or revoked, you may be required to obtain SR22 insurance. But what exactly is SR22 insurance and how does it work? This article explains everything you need to know.
We’ll cover:
- What an SR22 is
- Why it’s required
- How to get SR22 insurance
- How much it costs
- And more
Gaining an understanding of SR22 requirements will ensure you can regain your driving privileges quickly.
What is an SR22?
An SR22 is not a type of insurance, but rather a form that provides proof of liability insurance to your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Specifically, an SR22 shows you have purchased a minimum required level of auto insurance coverage. This minimum amount is:
- $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $25,000 property damage liability
So an SR22 is simply a certificate confirming you have active car insurance meeting your state’s minimum liability limits.
Why Would I Need SR22 Insurance?
Here are some situations when you may be required to file an SR22:
License Suspension
If your license is suspended, you will likely need to obtain SR22 insurance and file the form with the DMV before driving privileges can be reinstated. Common reasons for suspension requiring an SR22 include:
- DUI conviction
- Refusing a chemical test after a DUI stop
- Accumulating excessive points for moving violations
- Failing to pay traffic tickets
High-Risk Driver
If you’re considered a high-risk driver, you may be mandated to carry SR22 even if your license isn’t currently suspended. Reasons include:
- Multiple at-fault accidents
- Multiple speeding tickets
- Previous uninsured auto accidents
- Poor driving record overall
SR22 provides proof to the DMV that high-risk drivers are maintaining adequate insurance.
No Liability Insurance
If you’re caught driving without insurance, an SR22 will be required for reinstatement along with penalties. Driving without insurance is illegal in most states.
In sum, SR22 is mandated for motorists deemed higher risk to confirm they carry liability coverage.
How Long Will I Need an SR22?
SR22 requirements vary by state — ranging from 1 year to 5+ years typically. Factors include:
- Reason for suspension — DUI convictions result in longer periods
- Your number of past license suspensions
- Whether the SR22 is court-ordered as part of a conviction
For example:
- 1 year for a first-time DUI in California
- 3 years for a repeat DUI offense in Florida
- 5 years for three suspensions in a 3 year span in New York
Note: The SR22 period resets if you lapse in coverage or commit another serious violation. This results in more time added.
So carefully follow your state’s guidelines to avoid extending your mandatory SR22 period.
What Happens if I Let My SR22 Lapses?
You must maintain an active SR22 during the entire required period. If your SR22 insurance lapses, several consequences can result:
- License suspended again
- SR22 requirement extended further
- Additional reinstatement fees from the DMV
- Potentially having to re-file an SR22 form
To avoid this, make sure to pay premiums on time and keep the policy in force. Notify your insurer if changing vehicles to update the SR22.
How Much Does SR22 Insurance Cost?
SR22 insurance carries higher premiums because it covers high-risk drivers. Typical costs range from $2,000 to $5,000 annually on average compared to standard insurance.
Factors impacting your rate include:
- Age and driving record
- Type of car
- Coverage limits and deductibles
- Where you live
- Length of SR22 requirement
With SR22, maintaining just state minimum coverage is not recommended. Collision and comprehensive coverage provide important additional protection.
Does My Current Insurer Offer SR22 Insurance?
Your existing provider may be able to file an SR22. But because it indicates high risk, many standard insurers don’t offer SR22 plans.
Instead, check with:
- Non-standard auto insurers
- Specialized SR22/FR44 providers
- Independent insurance agents that work with multiple companies
Using an insurer experienced with SR22 filings ensures seamless processing.
How Do I Get an SR22 Insurance Policy?
Follow these steps to get SR22 coverage:
- Determine your state’s minimum requirements — Confirm coverage amounts needed.
- Compare quotes from SR22 insurers — Find the best rate based on your situation.
- Select a policy and complete application — Apply with the chosen provider.
- Have your insurer electronically file Form SR22 — This is submitted directly to the DMV.
- Pay premium — Maintain active insurance to keep the SR22 on file.
- Check SR22 status — Verify with the DMV it’s been received.
- Submit reinstatement fees to the DMV — Needed to get your license back.
And you’re done — you can legally drive again once the DMV processes these items.
Electronic vs. Paper SR22 Filings
Insurers electronically submit SR22 forms directly to the DMV for the fastest processing — no action is needed on your part.
Paper filings are still possible but take longer. You’ll need to physically bring the SR22 form to the DMV to be added to your record.
So always opt for electronic SR22 filing when possible for the quickest reinstatement.
Getting an SR22 from a Prior Insurer
If required, you can request an SR22 from a past insurer during the coverage period in question.
Reasons include:
- DMV asking for proof of past coverage
- Needing evidence of liability insurance following an accident
The insurer will search policy records to verify if they covered you during the requested timeframe. If so, they can file confirmation of coverage.
Having an SR22 from a prior policy may help avoid suspension in certain cases.
How an SR22 Improves Your Rates Later
SR22 insurance helps high-risk drivers get back on the road safely and legally. But it can also benefit you longer-term:
- Shows you can maintain insurance responsibly
- Requires being claims-free to avoid policy cancellation
- Helps re-establish your driving record over time
This can incrementally improve your risk profile with insurers. After your mandatory SR22 period ends, you may see lower rates by keeping a clean driving record.
So view SR22 as an opportunity to rebuild trust and improve eligibility for standard market insurance later.
SR22 Requirements by State
Keep in mind that specific SR22 rules vary across states. Here are some state-by-state guidelines:
California
- Required for: DUI conviction, driving without insurance or license, 3 points in 12 months, out-of-state violations
- Length: 3 years is typical
Florida
- Required for: DUI conviction, license revocation, accumulating 15 points in 18 months
- Length: 3 years minimum for DUI
New York
- Required for: Accumulating 6+ points, license suspension/revocation
- Length: Minimum 3 years for suspension; 5 years for multiple suspensions
Texas
- Required for: DUI, driving without insurance, excessive violations resulting in suspension
- Length: 2 years typically
Illinois
- Required for: DUI, reckless driving, driving without insurance, 3+ moving violations
- Length: From 1 to 4 years depending on offense
Check your state’s DMV site for complete guidelines. Requirements vary significantly nationwide.
FAQs
Will any auto insurance company provide SR22 coverage?
No. Many standard insurers don’t offer SR22 plans. Obtain quotes from non-standard or high-risk focused providers.
Can I get an SR22 without a car?
Yes, non-owner SR22 policies are available if you don’t have a vehicle. This satisfies the minimum liability requirement.
Is an SR22 a violation or conviction on your record?
No. An SR22 is an administrative form — not a criminal conviction. It signals to the DMV you carry minimum required insurance.
How soon can I drive once I get SR22 insurance?
You must wait for the DMV to officially reinstate your license once they process your SR22 filing and fees. This can take several days.
Do I need an SR22 if I don’t own a car?
If your license is suspended, you likely still need to file an SR22, even without a vehicle, to have driving privileges fully reinstated.
The Takeaway
- An SR22 provides proof of minimum auto insurance to the DMV.
- It’s required for high-risk drivers to have licenses reinstated.
- Maintain coverage during the entire SR22 period.
- Shop specialized insurers for the best SR22 rates.
- View it as an opportunity to rebuild your driving record.
Understanding SR22 insurance requirements is crucial for regaining legal driving status after a major violation or suspension.
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