SR-22 Insurance: What It Is, Who Needs It, and How to Get It

What Is SR-22 Insurance?
Is SR-22 a Type of Insurance?
Who Needs an SR-22 Filing?
Reasons You Might Be Required to File
How SR-22 Works with Car Insurance
SR-22 for Non-Owners
How to Get an SR-22 Certificate
Cost of SR-22 Filing
How Long You Need to Carry It
What Happens If Your Policy Lapses?
SR-22 vs. FR-44: Key Differences
Which States Require SR-22?
Out-of-State Requirements
Can You Get SR-22 Without a Car?
Best Insurance Companies for SR-22 Filings
Impact on Insurance Premiums
Can You Remove the SR-22 Early?
Tips to Keep Your Coverage Active
Common Myths About SR-22
Final Thoughts

1. What Is SR-22 Insurance?

An SR-22 is not a type of insurance policy—it’s a certificate your insurance company files with your state’s DMV to prove you have the minimum required auto liability coverage. It’s often required after serious or repeated driving offenses.

2. Is SR-22 a Type of Insurance?

No. It’s a filing that attaches to your insurance policy. It certifies to the state that:

You are insured
Your policy meets the state’s minimum limits
Your insurer will notify the DMV if your coverage lapses

3. Who Needs an SR-22 Filing?

You may need SR-22 insurance if you have:

DUI/DWI convictions
Reckless driving charges
Multiple at-fault accidents
Driving without insurance
License suspension or revocation
Too many points on your license
Court-ordered filing for reinstatement

4. Reasons You Might Be Required to File

Offense	SR-22 Requirement?
Driving without insurance	✅
DUI or DWI	✅
Excessive speeding tickets	✅
Failing to pay child support	❌ (varies by state)
Street racing or eluding police	✅

5. How SR-22 Works with Car Insurance

Your insurer files the SR-22 form on your behalf
You’re issued a policy that includes the SR-22
The policy is flagged for monitoring by the DMV
If you cancel or lapse, the insurer notifies the DMV via an SR-26
Lapse = license re-suspension or legal penalties

6. SR-22 for Non-Owners

If you don’t own a car but still need an SR-22:

You can get a non-owner insurance policy with SR-22 filing
Covers liability when you borrow or rent cars
Helps maintain valid license and legal compliance

7. How to Get an SR-22 Certificate

Contact an insurer that offers SR-22 filing
Request a quote for coverage with SR-22
Pay the filing fee (usually $15–$50)
Insurer submits form to the state electronically
You receive proof of filing for court or DMV

8. Cost of SR-22 Filing

SR-22 filing fee: $15–$50 (one-time)
Insurance premiums may increase:
- 40–100% or more
- Depending on driving history and state
High-risk driver surcharge applies

Total cost = Filing fee + elevated premiums for 2–5 years

9. How Long You Need to Carry It

Most states require you to carry SR-22 for:

3 years (standard)
5 years (for repeat offenses)
The period begins after reinstatement, not conviction

Any lapse restarts the clock.

10. What Happens If Your Policy Lapses?

Insurer files an SR-26 form (cancellation notice)
DMV may:
- Suspend or revoke your license
- Impose fines or reinstatement delays
You must restart your filing period from scratch

Avoid lapses at all costs.

11. SR-22 vs. FR-44: Key Differences

Feature	SR-22	FR-44
States	Most states	Virginia & Florida only
Minimum Coverage	State liability minimums	2x minimum liability limits
Use Case	Various violations	Mostly DUI/DWI convictions

FR-44 is a stricter version of SR-22.

12. Which States Require SR-22?

Most states use SR-22, including:

California
Texas
Illinois
Florida (FR-44 or SR-22)
Washington
Ohio
Georgia
Exceptions (as of now): New York, Delaware, Kentucky, North Carolina

13. Out-of-State Requirements

If you move:

The requirement follows you
You must maintain SR-22 in your new state
Failure to do so may result in license suspension

Ask your insurer to file an out-of-state SR-22 if needed.

14. Can You Get SR-22 Without a Car?

Yes! Use a non-owner policy to:

Fulfill legal requirements
Reinstate or keep your license
Stay insured while between vehicles

You’ll still need to follow all SR-22 rules.

15. Best Insurance Companies for SR-22 Filings

Progressive
GEICO
Dairyland
The General
State Farm
Acceptance Insurance
Bristol West

Not all companies offer SR-22 in every state—work with a broker if needed.

16. Impact on Insurance Premiums

SR-22 status = high-risk driver
Premiums increase based on:
- Type of violation
- Number of offenses
- Time since last incident
- Age and credit score

Shop around for specialized high-risk providers.

17. Can You Remove the SR-22 Early?

In most cases, no. However:

Some states may allow removal after a certain period
You must complete:
- Required SR-22 period
- No lapses or additional violations
- License must remain in good standing

Afterward, request a policy renewal without SR-22.

18. Tips to Keep Your Coverage Active

✅ Set up auto-payments
✅ Review policy renewal dates
✅ Keep address updated with DMV
✅ Don’t drive if coverage lapses
✅ Work with agents who specialize in SR-22

19. Common Myths About SR-22

❌ “It’s a separate policy.” – It’s a filing attached to your existing policy
❌ “Only for DUI.” – It applies to many violations
❌ “It lasts forever.” – Most expire after 3 years
❌ “I can hide it by switching states.” – SR-22 follows you nationwide

20. Final Thoughts

SR-22 insurance may seem complex and frustrating, but it’s a manageable step toward restoring your driving privileges and getting back on track. With the right provider, consistent payments, and safe driving habits, you can fulfill the requirement and return to standard insurance rates over time.