If you have a spotty driving record or your insurance provider labels you as a high-risk driver, the state likely requires you to obtain an SR-22 certificate. SR-22 is a confusing form for most motorists, especially if it’s new to you. Fortunately, we’re here to answer your frequently asked questions. Learn more below!
What is SR-22 Insurance and How Does it Work?
SR-22 insurance is a certificate of financial responsibility for motorists as required by law. Motorists without licenses need SR-22 certificates to prove their qualifications as responsible drivers. SR-22 isn’t auto insurance coverage. Instead, it’s a form to show the Department of Motor Vehicles you have some form of coverage.
The state department of motor vehicles issues the SR-22 requirement in one of three forms
- Operator’s Certificate: Cover the motorist operating a non-owned vehicle.
- Owner’s Certificate: Covers vehicles that the motorist owns.
- Operator-Owner’s Certificate: Covers any vehicle the driver owns or does not own.
Why Would a Person Need SR-22 Insurance?
A person will need SR-22 insurance as proof of financial responsibility insurance if they have multiple safety responsibility suspensions, unsatisfied judgment suspensions, revocations, mandatory insurance supervisions, or if you received three or more convictions for mandatory insurance violations. Having SR-22 coverage can help reinstate your driving privileges if you
- Need to regain your driver’s license if it was suspended or revoked
- Don’t have auto insurance and must prove the minimum liability insurance
- Have too many traffic violations or major offenses, such as driving under the influence, at-fault collisions, speeding, and reckless driving.
Which States Require SR-22 Insurance?
Most states require SR-22 Insurance with their minimum filing periods – the processing time for the state to approve the financial responsibility form and begin reinstating your driver’s license.
|
State |
Filing Period (Years) |
| Alabama | 3-5 |
| Alaska | 3-20 |
| Arizona | 3 |
| Arkansas | 3-5 |
| California | 3 |
| Colorado | 3 |
| Connecticut | 1 |
| Florida | 3 |
| Georgia | 3 |
| Hawaii | 3 |
| Idaho | 3 |
| Illinois | 3 |
| Indiana | 3-5 |
| Iowa | 2 |
| Kansas | 1-3 |
| Louisiana | 3 |
| Maine | 3 |
| Massachusetts | Varies |
| Michigan | 3 |
| Mississippi | 3 |
| Missouri | 2-3 |
| Montana | 3 |
| Nebraska | 3 |
| Nevada | 3 |
| New Hampshire | 3 |
| North Dakota | 1 |
| Ohio | 3-5 |
| Oregon | 3 |
| South Carolina | 3 |
| South Dakota | 3 |
| Tennessee | 3-5 |
| Texas | 2 |
| Utah | 3 |
| Vermont | 3 |
| Virginia | 3 |
| Washington | 3 |
| Wisconsin | 3 |
| Wyoming | 3 |
In Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Indiana, Kansas, Massachusetts, Missouri, Ohio, and Tennessee, minimum filing periods depend on the specific violation. Alaska is also the only state that increases the filing period with each subsequent offense. After the fourth DWI, the filing requirement becomes permanent.
Does SR-22 Insurance Count as Insurance?
SR-22 is a form with the state showing your auto insurance policy meets their minimal coverage requirement. Once you file for SR-22 insurance, you will receive a Financial Responsibility Form to keep on hand.
How Does Having an SR-22 Affect Auto Insurance?
Having SR-22 coverage may cause your auto rates to increase. However, this depends more on the actual violation than on possessing an SR-22 form.
Do I Need an SR-22 to Reinstate My License?
SR-22 insurance is often one of the first requirements for reobtaining your driver’s license. After the state reinstates your license before the holding period of your SR-22 insurance expires, you may still need to keep the SR-22 for the entire period of time mandated by the state.
How Much Is SR-22 Insurance?
The cost to get an SR-22 depends on your driving history. Motorists with multiple infractions pay more annually than those with clean records. If using an insurer to file your SR-22 with the state, you must pay a filing fee in addition to the costs of the SR-22 coverage.
What Happens if I Miss a Payment?
Any cancellation of SR-22 within the three-year holder’s period will result in an immediate driver’s license suspension. regularly miss payments, your insurance companies can cancel your policy. If you miss a payment once, contact your insurance provider immediately. Some insurance companies provide a grace period allowing you to pay later.
Does an SR-22 Cover Rental or Company Cars?
Yes, the Operator’s Certificate ensures you can operate a motor vehicle you do not own, including rental cars and company cars.
Call us Today to Find Affordable SR-22 Insurance!
If you’re looking for affordable SR-22 insurance, call us at 800-641-7488. We work with multiple insurance agents to find you the best rates around. We’ll give you a quote within minutes! Insured ASAP is here to help motorists find auto insurance at the cheapest rates around.
