SR-22 Insurance: A Guide To State Regulations

​If you've had your driver’s license suspended or revoked due to violations such as driving under the influence (DUI) or accumulating too many traffic offenses, you may be required to carry an SR-22 certificate. While SR-22 insurance isn't a specific type of coverage, it is a form that proves you are maintaining the required level of auto insurance coverage mandated by the state. Here’s an in-depth guide to SR-22 insurance, its purpose, and how state regulations can vary.

1. What Is SR-22 Insurance?
An SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility that shows you have the required minimum car insurance coverage as mandated by your state. It’s typically required for individuals whose driver’s license has been suspended or revoked due to serious driving offenses, such as:

• DUI/DWI convictions.
• Driving without insurance.
• Multiple traffic violations in a short period.
• Serious accidents where you were at fault and uninsured.

It’s important to note that the SR-22 is not insurance itself but rather a form that proves you have valid insurance coverage. Your insurance provider will file this form with the state on your behalf, and you will need to maintain the coverage for a specific period, typically three years, depending on the state and the nature of the violation.

2. How Does SR-22 Insurance Work?
Once you're required to carry an SR-22, your insurance company will submit the form directly to the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or the appropriate licensing authority. If you fail to maintain the required insurance or let your policy lapse, your insurer will notify the state, which may result in further suspension of your driver’s license.

While the SR-22 itself doesn’t provide extra coverage, it does indicate that you have the required amount of liability coverage. Most states require drivers to carry a minimum level of auto insurance, which can include:

• Liability coverage: To cover the costs of injury or property damage to others if you’re at fault in an accident.
• Uninsured motorist coverage: To protect you if you’re involved in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have insurance.

3. State Regulations for SR-22 Insurance
The specific requirements for SR-22 insurance vary from state to state. Here’s a general overview of how different states regulate SR-22:

• Length of Requirement: In most states, drivers are required to maintain an SR-22 for a minimum of three years. However, some states may require it for longer, particularly for more serious offenses such as DUI convictions.
• Filing Fees: Many states charge a filing fee for the SR-22, which your insurance provider will pay on your behalf. The cost can vary, but typically it ranges from $15 to $50.
• Insurance Requirements: The minimum required insurance coverage may differ from state to state. Some states have higher minimum liability limits, especially for individuals who have been convicted of DUIs or other serious offenses.
• Non-Compliance Consequences: If you fail to maintain the SR-22 filing, your insurance provider will inform the state, and your driver’s license may be suspended again until you can prove you are in compliance.

Some states, like Florida and Virginia, allow drivers to purchase a type of non-owner SR-22 insurance for those who don’t own a vehicle but still need to maintain coverage for the purpose of satisfying SR-22 requirements.

4. How to Get SR-22 Insurance
To obtain an SR-22, follow these general steps:

1. Check Your State’s Requirements: Visit your state’s DMV website to confirm the exact SR-22 requirements for your situation.
2. Contact Your Insurance Provider: If your insurer does not offer SR-22 filings, you will need to shop for a new policy that includes SR-22 services.
3. Purchase the Required Coverage: You must purchase the minimum required car insurance coverage as specified by your state. Your insurer will then file the SR-22 with the state on your behalf.
4. Maintain Coverage: Once the SR-22 is filed, make sure to maintain continuous insurance coverage for the required duration. Letting your policy lapse can lead to further penalties.

5. How SR-22 Affects Your Insurance Rates
One of the biggest consequences of obtaining an SR-22 is the likely increase in your auto insurance premiums. After an accident or serious traffic violation, your insurer will consider you a higher-risk driver, which can lead to higher rates.

• Rate Increases: Insurance premiums may rise significantly after an SR-22 requirement. This increase is due to your higher risk of being involved in an accident or making another claim.

6. What Happens After Your SR-22 Requirement Ends?
Once you’ve completed the required SR-22 filing period, you should contact your insurance provider and the DMV to confirm that the SR-22 requirement has been lifted. After that, you are no longer required to maintain the SR-22 form, and you can adjust your coverage based on your needs.

If you’ve been able to maintain a clean driving record during the SR-22 period, you may be eligible for lower rates once your high-risk status is removed.

7. State-Specific Considerations

• Florida and Virginia: As mentioned earlier, these states have special provisions that allow drivers to purchase non-owner SR-22 insurance if they don’t own a car. This can be particularly helpful for individuals who need to satisfy their SR-22 requirement but don’t have access to a vehicle.
• California: In California, you can submit an SR-22 online, and the DMV offers a comprehensive list of what’s required. However, if you have multiple offenses, you may face stricter requirements.

Conclusion
SR-22 insurance serves as a crucial tool for drivers who have had their license suspended due to serious traffic violations, helping them get back on the road while proving financial responsibility. However, the process can be complex, with each state having its own regulations, requirements, and penalties. By understanding the state-specific requirements and how SR-22 filings impact your insurance, you can navigate the process more efficiently and ensure that you meet all the necessary legal obligations. If you're required to obtain an SR-22, be sure to work with an experienced insurance provider to find a policy that fits your needs while helping you maintain affordable coverage during your high-risk period.

At Elite Insurance Services, we put our clients first by offering them policies that they can afford. Having insurance is a necessity nowadays, and we're here to help you. Learn more about our products and services by calling our agency at (719) 302-1110. You can also request a free quote by CLICKING HERE. 

Disclaimer: The information presented in this blog is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. It is crucial to consult with a qualified insurance agent or professional for personalized advice tailored to your specific circumstances. They can provide expert guidance and help you make informed decisions regarding your insurance needs.