The term “SR-22 insurance” refers to a car insurance policy that includes an SR-22 form, which is filed by an insurer on behalf of certain “high-risk” drivers to prove they meet the state’s minimum coverage requirements. Though SR-22 insurance isn’t its own type of policy, the form can only be filed by companies licensed in the issuing state who are willing to insure these drivers.
What is an SR-22 form and how does it work?
An SR-22 form is a document your insurance company files with the state to prove that you carry at least the minimum required car insurance. It’s sometimes called a certificate of financial responsibility or future responsibility. An SR-22 form is typically required after a driver has been convicted of a serious violation, such as DUI, driving without insurance or multiple traffic offenses. If your license has been suspended, an SR-22 may be required to reinstate it.
If the court or your state’s motor vehicle department mandates an SR-22, you must ask an insurer to file it for you and usually pay a small filing fee. The form must remain on your policy until the mandate is lifted, whether or not you drive or own a car.
Who needs SR-22 insurance?
Not all drivers who have a violation or citation need an SR-22 form added to their insurance — minor infractions don’t generally warrant one. Some states mandate them for non-driving offenses, such as unpaid child support. If you need an SR-22, a court or your state’s motor vehicle department will notify you.
Here are some violations that may result in an SR-22 requirement.
- DUI or DWI conviction.
- Driving without insurance.
- Multiple at-fault accidents.
- Repeat offenses in a short period.
- Driving without a valid license.
Do I need SR-22 coverage if I don’t have a car?
Yes. If a court or DMV orders you to meet SR-22 requirements, you can purchase non-owner car insurance and have your insurer file the form under that policy. This serves as proof of financial responsibility and provides liability coverage when you’re driving someone else’s car.
Do I need to get SR-22 insurance for a state I don’t live in?
You need an SR-22 form to legally drive, even if you don’t live in the state that requires it. Say you live in Nevada but frequently drive to California for work. One day, you learn California has suspended your license until you meet the state’s insurance requirements and have your insurer file an SR-22 form. Because of interstate agreements, Nevada officials will be notified of the suspension, and you’ll need to meet California’s requirements to legally drive in either state.
Learn more: Can another state suspend your license?
In this case, you’ll purchase insurance from a company that operates in both states and can file the form on your behalf to get your driving privileges reinstated.
The most affordable full coverage car insurance in California comes from Embark General, which charges $1,933 per year, according to Jerry’s quote data.
Do I have to maintain SR-22 insurance if I move states?
Yes, if you have an active SR-22 requirement and move to a new state, you must maintain the filing with the state that mandated it for the full term. If you let it lapse, your previous state could suspend your license, which would likely prevent you from getting a license and registration in your new state. Ahead of your move, check if your insurer provides SR-22 filings in your new state and can re-file the form there for you. If not, use the following steps to ensure coverage is in place before you relocate.
How to get an SR-22 form added to your insurance
- If you already have car insurance, contact your provider to see if they offer SR-22 filings. Don’t ask them to file it just yet. Since your premium will likely spike, ask for a quote first so you can compare costs.
- Request a quote from a few other insurers that offer SR-22 filings to find the best rate. Rate shopping is free and doesn’t affect your credit score, and if you find a better price you can likely cancel your current policy and get a prorated refund.
- If you switch insurers, you’ll pay for a new policy to start coverage. The insurer will file the SR-22 with the state and charge you a filing fee — typically $25 to $50. The fee may be charged when you purchase your policy or added to the premium. Some insurers also charge the fee when your policy renews.
- Once you’re able to legally drive again, maintain coverage for the duration of the SR-22 requirement. Otherwise, your insurer will report a lapse to the state and your license will likely be suspended.
If you change policies before the requirement is lifted, your new insurer must file an SR-22 on your behalf and you’ll likely pay another filing fee at that time. Remember to keep the filing current for the entire mandate, whether you move, change carriers or buy a new car, by proactively calling your insurance carrier.
Insurers that offer SR-22 insurance
The following companies can file SR-22 forms.
- Progressive.
- Geico.
- Dairyland.
- Liberty Mutual.
- The General.
- National General.
- Direct Auto.
- State Farm.
More: Cheap car insurance companies for high-risk drivers
How does an SR-22 affect my car insurance rate?
If you’re ordered to meet an SR-22 requirement, insurers will consider you a high-risk driver, which will not only cause your rates to rise substantially, but may make it difficult to find coverage.
Your driving history is a major factor that helps determine your car insurance rate, so an offense like a DUI, reckless driving or driving without insurance will undoubtedly raise your premium. Insurers may also add a surcharge specifically for the SR-22 requirement.
Tips to keep insurance costs low with an SR-22 requirement
Your insurance rate will be higher with an SR-22 requirement than without it, but there are ways to lower costs.
- Look for discounts: Insurers can offer discounts for things like driving a car with certain safety features, paying your full premium up front, affiliation with the military or other organizations and low mileage. When you buy a policy, be sure that you’re getting every discount possible.
- Bundle: If you have a home or renters insurance policy with an insurer that also offers SR-22 auto insurance, consider bundling your policies for the chance at savings.
- Improve your credit score: Your credit score is a factor that helps determine car insurance rates if you live in any state except California, Hawaii, Massachusetts and Michigan. Though you can’t raise your score overnight, pay your bills on time and avoid taking on new debt to keep your score climbing and lower your premium in the future.
- Raise your deductible or lower your coverage: A higher deductible or lower coverage amounts can reduce your premium costs. Tread lightly with this option, though. Less coverage or a higher deductible means you need to be prepared for a potentially steep out-of-pocket cost in case of an accident.
- Rate shop often: Many factors help determine car insurance costs, so it’s wise to check for better rates every six to 12 months — especially if you’re paying a high rate now.
When does the SR-22 requirement end?
The SR-22 requirement usually lasts about three years, but this can vary by state and severity of the offenses involved. Confirm your SR-22 requirement’s end date with your state’s motor vehicle department.
Your insurer may not automatically remove the form from your policy, so it’s wise to reach out and ask for its removal.
Annie is a writer and editor at Jerry and has more than a decade of experience writing and editing digital content. Before joining Jerry, she was an assistant assigning editor at NerdWallet, where she covered loans. Previously, she worked at USAA and newspapers in Minnesota, North Dakota, California, and Texas. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Minnesota.
Lacie Glover is a Lead Writer and Editor with sixteen years’ experience in the insurance category. Prior to Jerry, she spent more than a decade on NerdWallet’s content team writing, editing and then overseeing the auto insurance category, as well as dabbling in other insurance and automotive topics. Prior to her career in the online personal finance content space, Lacie spent time in the hard sciences, in clinical research and chemistry labs. She has a bachelor’s degree from Colorado State University.
