Are you a recipient of a court order or a letter requesting an SR-22? You may have searched online for terms such as “SR22 insurance Massachusetts”, “Cheap insurance Massachusetts”, or “Massachusetts insurance sr22” if you have.
There’s a reason Massachusetts doesn’t require SR-22s if you don’t understand anything or see contradictory information. An SR-22 is not a form of insurance, which makes it even more confusing. It is a document that proves you have insurance. The cost impact and the exact form required vary from one state to another.
What is SR-22 Insurance?
An SR-22 certificate is not insurance. It is proof of insurance that has been sent to a DMV to show financial responsibility.
SR-22s require minimum liability. Massachusetts doesn’t require SR-22s. Your insurance must meet or exceed that state’s requirements. Despite what you might think, an SR-22 issued by another state could still impact your driving privileges here.
You will need to request your insurance provider to mail an SR-22 to the DMV in the state you are requesting to satisfy an SR-22 requirement. You will need insurance if you don’t have it. While many local providers won’t be able to or willing to provide this type of coverage, you shouldn’t have any problems with a national company.
Alternatives to SR-22 Massachusetts
Massachusetts does not have any SR-22 options because a Massachusetts SR22 isn’t available. You can, however, still get an SR-22 from another country and it will affect you in Massachusetts.
Here are some examples of forms that look similar to an SR-22.
| Form | Issued by the States | Minimum requirements for insurance |
|---|---|---|
| SR-22 | All states other than: Delaware and Kentucky, Massachusetts, Minnesotan, New Mexico, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Oklahoma | Minimal liability |
| SR-19 | California and Texas | Minimal liability |
| SR-21 | Florida, Georgia, Indiana | Minimal liability |
| SR-22A | Georgia, Texas and Missouri | Minimal liability must be paid, but at least 6 months of insurance must first be purchased. |
| FR-44 | Florida, Virginia | Double minimum liability |
| SR-50 | Indiana | Minimal liability |
- SR-19 Both Texas (and California) issue SR-19s. However, they have different purposes. It’s used in California to receive a payout if you are at fault. In Texas it’s a legally binding agreement from the uninsured atfault driver.
- SR-21 This proves that you have insurance in place before an accident involving bodily injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000.
- SR-22A Similar in function to a standard SR-22. SR-22As are used to verify financial responsibility for both the present and the future. Prepay six months of insurance for drivers.
- FR-4: While this provides proof of financial responsibility for drivers, courts often order them to buy double liability. Example: A 25/50/25 insurance policy would have to be converted into a 50/100/50 insurance policy.
- SR-50 In Indiana, this is required to show that a driver has insurance following certain driving violations.
Non-owner SR-22
If you do not own a vehicle but rent, borrow or lease one, a non-owner policy can help you meet SR-22 requirements. While there are many companies that offer non-owner car insurance policies you should still ensure they work with SR-22 drivers. A national company is your best option.
If you have been convicted of serious moving violations or recently damaged your vehicle, a non-owner policy can be a great choice. This policy will allow you to keep your license while saving money on car insurance.
Massachusetts insurance rates for SR-22
Massachusetts doesn’t require drivers at high risk to file SR-22s. If you have received an SR-22 order in another state, however, you must comply if your driver’s licence and vehicle registration are to be kept.
Insurance companies typically charge a $15 to $35 one-time filing fee to send an SR-22 form to the DMV. However, the true cost of the SR-22 is determined by your driving record. Your insurance premium will increase regardless of the reason that you were required to obtain an SR22. You’ll likely pay more for DUIs, DWIs, excessive at-fault crashes, and DUIs. Progressive claims that most drivers who meet SR-22 requirements will only see a 5% increase to their premiums if they have a clean driving record.
FAQ
What length of time do I need an SR-22 certificate in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts doesn’t require SR-22s so you will have to ask the state that issued it. The average time is three years. However, some states such as Tennessee may require an SR-22 certificate for longer periods of time.
How can I obtain SR-22 insurance for Massachusetts?
You don’t need insurance if you have it. Simply ask your provider to mail an SR-22 to the DMV in the state you live in. You will need to locate a Massachusetts provider that is willing to provide insurance for drivers who don’t have it. While you may have problems with local providers, this should not be a problem for a national chain.
What is the cost of SR-22 insurance in Massachusetts?
An SR-22 is expensive because of the one-time filing fee, which can range from $15 to $35, and any driving violations. It’s not the SR-22 itself that increases your premium but your driving record. For example, a DUI will dramatically increase the price of your premium.
What happens if my insurer cancels my policy
You will lose your vehicle registration and your license if you cannot find another insurance provider.
Why isn’t Massachusetts equipped with SR-22s
Massachusetts does not require SR-22s, as driving is a requirement in Massachusetts. It therefore already knows that all its drivers are properly insure.