Your SR22 Insurance Guide

You may find yourself in a situation where you're required to submit an SR22 to your state. What is an SR22, you might wonder? Does it cost anything? Why do you need one? Here's what you need to know about an SR22 and car insurance.

What is an SR22?

An SR-22 is also called a Certificate of Financial Responsibility. Although it might sound like a fancy term, it’s simply a form that says you’ve purchased auto insurance coverage that meets your state’s requirements.

Who needs an SR22?

How do you know if you need an SR22? While every state has its own driving and insurance laws, here are some general reasons you might be required to keep a Certificate of Financial Responsibility on file:

• You've been convicted of a DUI or DWI offense
• Your driver's license has been suspended
• You have failed to maintain auto insurance coverage in the past
• You've committed serious driving-related violations

How much does an SR22 cost?

In most states, there is a fee to file an SR22 form. The amount can vary slightly, but it’s usually relatively inexpensive (around $25). The amount could be higher or lower in your state. It’s also worth noting that if your insurer must file a Certificate of Financial Responsibility on your behalf, you might be required to purchase more coverage than the typical liability limits where you live. Don’t panic, though, because some companies (like Direct Auto) will work hard to help you find affordable coverage, regardless of your driving history.

How long is the SR22 valid?

Just because you have an SR-22 on file now and are viewed as a high-risk driver currently doesn’t mean that will be the case forever. In most states, you’re required to keep an SR-22 on file for three years (be sure to ask about the exact length where you live). If you drive carefully during this time, you shouldn’t have to file another one. There’s also a good chance your rates will drop in the future as you exhibit good driving behavior.

Is there such a thing as SR22 insurance?

People often use the term SR22 insurance, but it’s not actually a type of coverage you can purchase from an insurer. When someone mentions SR22 insurance, they’re almost certainly referring to the form your auto insurance company electronically files with your state proving you have insurance coverage that meets minimum requirements

Before any form can be filed, though, you need to get covered. The minimum required liability auto insurance varies by state, but you must comply with the laws where you live to ensure you keep your driving privileges. If you're not sure about your state's insurance requirements, give us a call or check out our state auto insurance pages.

Is an SR22 proof of insurance?

Your proof of insurance will be obtained when you provide the state with an SR22 form. You can obtain the form by contacting an auto insurance company in the state where you require insurance. The insurance company will provide you with the SR22, or they will submit it directly to the state.

Does an SR22 change if I move?

If you currently have an SR22 filed in one state but you’re moving to another state, the SR22 requirement will usually follow you. Each state is different and may have additional fees, additional insurance, or other requirements. Here are some common state requirements you may need to follow depending on your state: 

• Maintain the SR22 requirements in the state where you originally filed the SR22 form.
• File a new, secondary SR22 when you become a new resident of the state you moved to.
• If your state does not use SR22s, fill out an affidavit stating that you will keep the SR22 on file in the original state.

The best thing you can do is communicate with your insurer, the DMV in your current state, and the DMV in your new state. A quick phone call to your insurance agent can help answer most of these questions and make sure you don’t have any gaps in coverage.

What if I let my SR22 insurance cancel or lapse?

Your SR22 form will stay valid for as long as you keep your insurance policy in force and until you no longer have the certificate on file. As we mentioned before, if your SR22 policy cancels, lapses, or expires while you are still required to carry an SR22, your insurance company is required to notify the authorities in your state. Failure to maintain your insurance coverage could cause you to lose your driving privileges again and your state may take other actions against you. It's always best to keep the SR22 for the mandated time period. 

Where can I get SR22 support?

At Direct Auto Insurance! Call 1-877-GO-DIRECT or visit a location near you today. State laws regarding an SR-22 can be complicated, so getting reliable information and support from licensed insurance agents at reputable SR-22 insurance companies can help you avoid the possible loss of your driving privileges. Plus, they will be able to help you find an approved cheap SR-22 insurance policy. Your SR22 car insurance company is here to help.