Drivers convicted in New Hampshire of DUI or DWI may need to carry an SR-22 certificate along with their insurance. Contrary to popular belief SR-22s do not constitute insurance. They are proof that you have the minimum amount of New Hampshire state-required insurance. The name of the required form can change from one state to the next. We will discuss the cost implications and their impact on your budget further below.
What is “SR-22 insurance?”
SR-22 insurance is a misnomer. The SR-22 insurance is not intended to provide high-risk drivers insurance coverage. It simply certifies that the driver has the minimum required auto insurance coverage in their state. A SR-22 form is required in New Hampshire if a driver has been convicted of:
- Driving under the influence
- Driving underage while impaired
- Leave the accident scene
- Conduct after accident
- Subsequent (2nd offense) of Reckless Operation
Drivers will need to take a safe driving course, or an equivalent educational program, and get an SR-22 in order to have their license reinstated.
Although the process of obtaining an SR-22 form is simple, it can be risky. If you have auto insurance, contact your carrier to add SR-22 to your existing coverage. Your insurer will then file the SR-22 with New Hampshire’s Department of Motor Vehicles. Some insurance companies do not offer SR-22s. Your insurer may decide to cancel your policy if they discover that you have an SR-22 obligation.
SR-22 New Hampshire Alternatives
The SR-22 form can be called different things depending on where it is issued. The SR-22 is generally accepted. However, some states have unique requirements for high risk drivers who wish to renew their license. These forms usually require drivers to have greater than the minimum state-required auto insurance coverage. Below is a table that outlines the various forms of financial responsibility required.
| Form | Issued by the States | Minimum requirements for insurance |
|---|---|---|
| SR-22 | All other states, except Delaware, Kentucky and Minnesota, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania | Minimum insurance requirements vary from one state to the next |
| FR-19 | Delaware and Maryland | * Delaware: $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident/$10,000 per property damage * Maryland: $30,000 per person/$60,000 per accident/$15,000 per property damage |
| SR-21 | Hawaii | $20,000 per person/$40,000 per accident/$10,000 per property damage |
| SR-22A | Georgia | $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident/$25,000 per property damage |
| FR-44 | Florida and Virginia | * Florida: $100,000 per person/$300,000 per accident/$50,000 per property damage * Virginia: $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident/$40,000 per property damage |
| SR-50 | Indiana | $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident/$10,000 per property damage |
- FR-19: Required in Delaware and Maryland. The FR-19 form is required in both states. It verifies that the driver has the minimum state-required insurance. FR-19 forms can be used to verify coverage. SR-22 forms will only be required for high-risk drivers.
- SR-21: This form is only available in Hawaii. SR-21 provides liability coverage for drivers who are convicted of serious traffic offenses such as DUI or multiple moving violations. The SR-21 form is not a policy. It certifies that drivers have the required coverage in the same manner as an SR-22 form in other states.
- SR-22A: Georgia drivers wishing to reinstate suspended licenses must submit the Georgia Safety Responsibility Insurance Certificate SR-22A. In addition to a $300 – $310 fine, Georgia drivers will also need to pay a $300 – $310 penalty. A driver must have an SR-22A certification for at least three years.
- FR-4: Drivers in Florida and Virginia are subject to a FR-4 for driving violations that are serious. The FR-44, which is different from the SR-22, requires drivers at high risk to have more coverage than their state’s minimum requirements. Virginia drivers must have double the coverage required under the FR-444, while Florida drivers must have ten times the coverage required by the FR-44.
- SR-50: This form is unique to Indiana. The SR-50 form can only be filed if you are notified by the state following an incident where you were driving without minimum insurance coverage. If a driver has had their license suspended, they may need to file an SR-50 form in Indiana.
SR-22 for Non-Owners
Drivers who have had their driving privileges suspended for dangerous behavior may be unable to drive their vehicle. They may require a non-owned SR-22 form if this happens. This document certifies that you have the minimum required auto insurance coverage under a policy of non-owners.
Renew Your New Hampshire Driver’s License
New Hampshire does not issue SR-22 forms if a driver’s licence has been suspended because of a DUI or another qualifying event. Drivers who fail to submit an SR-22 form in New Hampshire will be unable to legally drive in the state. This applies to all non-residents who violate the state’s traffic laws.
SR-22 New Hampshire Insurance Costs
You should not be surprised to learn that your auto insurance company will raise your rates if you have an SR-22. Your premium will increase the more you are perceived as a risk by an insurance company. Drivers who need to file an SR-22 form must pay fees to register with the Department of Motor Vehicles. The fees associated with filing an SR-22 in New Hampshire range from $15 – $25 depending on your credit score, age, gender, and driving history.
The Insurance Information Institute states that the average cost of New Hampshire car insurance is $824. Policyholders can expect their rate to rise to $1752 after one DUI/DWI. Driving safely and responsibly is the best way to avoid paying for an SR-22 in New Hampshire.
FAQs
What length of time do I need an SR-22?
Individuals convicted of driving under the influence, decertified as a habitual offenders, or found at-fault in an uninsured collision are required to have proof of insurance for at least three consecutive years. Depending on the severity and driving record of an individual, they may be subject to a shorter or longer mandate for their SR-22 form.
How can I obtain SR-22 insurance for New Hampshire?
Drivers will need to first contact their insurance provider in order to obtain an SR-22 proof of insurance in New Hampshire. The insurance company will then need to submit the SR-22 form the New Hampshire Department of Motor Vehicles. This form must be kept on file for at least three consecutive years after your last conviction.
What is the cost of SR-22 insurance in New Hampshire?
SR-22 is not an insurance policy, but a certificate that proves that the driver has the minimum required auto insurance. The average cost of a SR-22 certificate is $15 to $25 in New Hampshire, depending on your credit score, age, gender, driving record, and credit score. The type of offense, the number of similar previous violations and the severity of the offense will all affect the monthly premium.
What is the minimum amount of auto insurance required in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire drivers must have the following coverages for auto insurance:
- $25,000 per person
- $50,000 per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
- $25,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per person
- $50,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per accident
- $25,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per property damage
- $1,000 coverage for medical payments
