To have your license reinstated, you may need an SR-22 form if you had it suspended. This document confirms that you have the minimum required insurance in your state. SR-22s may be required in certain places for high-risk drivers who have been charged with DUI/DWI.
Having to get an SR-22 isn’t usually associated with a positive outlook on life. This usually indicates that the driver has had a serious conviction or a history at-fault accident. But, not all auto insurance companies offer SR-22 form. To reinstate their license, drivers who require one must understand the basics of SR-22 forms and how to file it.
What is SR-22 Insurance?
SR-22 insurance, contrary to what its name might suggest, is not a type car insurance policy. An SR-22 endorsement is a statement that states that you have the minimum amount of car insurance required in your state. It can also be called a certificate or financial responsibility.
You may be required to file an SR-22 with your state’s motor vehicle department if you are convicted of a serious traffic offense. An SR-22 can only be filed by your auto insurance provider. Depending on your state of residence, and the specific offense, the SR-22 requirements may be removed within a few years. Or it may stay in place for a longer time. Depending on the offense, some states may have different requirements for the form name or the required insurance level. Florida requires an FR-44 that has significantly higher liability limits than the state minimum to be convicted of DUI/DWI.
Why would you require an SR-22
Adding an SR-22 component is usually not something you do voluntarily. The state might request this documentation if you have been convicted or have had a serious driving accident. This is to show that your insurance has not expired.
In the following circumstances, drivers may need an SR-22:
- The driver was charged for a DUI and DWI.
- The driver was charged for reckless or negligent driving
- In a very short time, the driver was arrested for multiple traffic offenses.
- The driver was caught driving with no insurance
- Driver was driving without insurance when he was in an accident.
- The driver was stopped for not having car insurance on the vehicle.
- Sometimes, it is required to reinstate your license following a suspension
The good news about an SR-22 requirement is that it won’t last forever. Most states require that you keep it for a minimum of one to five years. However, adequate insurance must be maintained throughout that period. Your license may be suspended or revoked if you have lapsed in coverage.
How can you get an SR-22
Once you have enacted a policy that provides the required coverage, obtaining an SR-22 can be a relatively simple process. Your insurance provider must be involved in the filing of an SR-22 form. It may not be difficult to notify your insurance provider if your company is eligible for an SR-22. You can also add the SR-22 to your existing policy online. Your car insurance company will then contact the Department of Motor Vehicles. The additional service will cost you a fee, but your provider will file the required paperwork.
You may have to look for a new policy if your company doesn’t offer you the opportunity to file an SR-22 or the corresponding state form.
You may need to comply with the SR-22 requirements even if your car is not available at the moment. You will need a nonowner policy in this instance. This will protect you from liability claims if your car is involved in an accident. It will also keep you current on all insurance requirements related to an SR-22.
Companies that will file an SR-22
It may be more difficult to obtain SR-22 coverage than regular car insurance. Insurance companies are not likely to offer coverage for drivers with a history of traffic violations. SR-22s are not offered by all insurance providers. These are the top companies that offer high-risk driver insurance:
What is the cost of an SR-22?
It is not expensive to have an SR-22 form completed for you. This component can be added to your car insurance policy for a minimal fee. Although the exact amount will vary depending on where you live or which provider you use, it is generally $25 to meet this requirement.
Is an SR-22 going to increase your rates?
If you need to obtain an SR-22, it will most likely affect your insurance premium. Your infraction, the reason you need SR-22 insurance, will likely increase your premium. Your rate may change drastically if you are convicted of DUI. For driving without insurance, for example, your rate may be lower.
It is best to compare rates and shop around to find the lowest rate. Even high-risk insurance companies will offer you different rates depending upon your situation. By comparing several quotes, you can find the best rate.
What laws govern SR-22s in different states?
Although most states will use the SR-22 filing to ensure that you are covered, some do not. Eight states, including Delaware and Kentucky, Minnesota, New Mexico , North Carolina , Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania do not use this filing. Most states still require drivers to have minimum liability coverage. Minnesota is one example of a state that still requires proof of insurance.
Depending on the severity of your infraction, you may be required to file an FR44 form with the state of Florida. This form functions in a similar way to the SR-22 except that it requires you to have more coverage than the minimum required by the state.
Important to remember that even if you move from the state where you were involved in the driving incident, your SR-22 filings will still apply. Even if you no longer require coverage, your SR-22 filing will need to be maintained. It may be a good idea to partner with a national insurer that offers out-of state SR-22 options.
Questions frequently asked
What is the cost of an SR-22?
An SR-22 costs about $25 on average. The actual cost of an SR-22 varies depending on where you live and what insurance company you have.
What length of time do I have to keep an SR-22?
An SR-22 will not remain on your record for as long as you need it. It is expected that you will need it for at least three years, provided you have no lapses in your current insurance coverage.
Does my state require SR-22 insurance?
Currently, only eight states do not use the SR-22 system. These states are Delaware, Kentucky and Minnesota. You should also note that Florida and Virginia may require high risk drivers to have FR-44 insurance. This is similar to an SR-22. These states have a SR-22 requirement that applies only to high-risk non-DUI offenses.
