Getting an SR22 without purchasing car insurance is not possible, with one exception. This article will attempt to explain the circumstances behind the SR22 and how and why one is obtained. It will also discuss the one exception which applies in only a handful of states. Suffice it to say, regardless of how the SR22 applies in your case, some sort of auto insurance coverage will be required in order for you to drive legally.

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Since states differ in terms of insurance regulations, it is important for you to know what the law is in your state, above and beyond what you read in this article. Your state motor vehicle department, insurance agency, or licensed car insurance carrier are the best resources for finding out the legal requirements where you live.

Before you take your car out on the road always be sure that you have the legally mandated insurance coverage. Getting caught without proper insurance coverage will open up the door to a host of problems you just don’t need.

Is SR22 a type of car insurance?

Many people confuse the SR22 issue because they don’t understand what it is. SR22 is not a special kind of car insurance applied only to specific people. Rather, it is a filing with the state in which a driver attests to having the financial resources to pay for minimum car insurance coverage. The filing is usually prepared by your insurance company in accordance with the policy you carry, and then sent to the state for their records.

Not all states have SR22 regulations in place. Of those that do, many impose this filing on drivers who have had insurance policies canceled for lack of payment. The SR22 is also sometimes imposed for repeated speeding violations, multiple DWI/DUI convictions, multiple accidents, and license suspensions or revocations. If you are required to file an SR22 form with your state, you will most likely be compelled to fulfill the obligations of that filing even if you move to a new state.

Why can’t I get an SR22 without purchasing car insurance?

This seems rather obvious, but a better question might be, “Why would you want to get an SR22 if you’re not purchasing car insurance?” The simple fact of the matter is that an SR22 is simply a record stating that you have the financial resources to purchase and maintain car insurance.

If you’re not purchasing auto insurance then there is no need for an SR22. In many states that use the SR22 filing, it’s not even possible to do so without car insurance because it’s the insurance company that’s responsible for filing the notice.

The only exception to this rule is in the one state that does not require drivers to purchase minimum liability insurance if they have the financial resources to self-insure. In other words, as of 2010, if you live in New Hampshire, the “Live Free or Die” state, you can forgo buying car insurance you can prove that you can afford to pay for claims out-of-pocket.

In this case, the SR22 is the needed documentation that proves a driver has such financial resources. In effect, filing the SR22 is proof of self-insurance in this state.

What if my financial circumstances change during the term of my SR22?

Since the SR22 filing is proof that you have the financial resources to pay for your insurance, any change in your circumstances which negatively affects your ability to make your payments requires you to be prepared to cancel your policy if need be. In such cases, a terminated policy means you must surrender the registration on your vehicle and keep it off the road. Depending on your state, and the reason you were required to file the SR22, your license may even be suspended for a period of time.

Regardless of the change in your financial circumstances, as long as you still are able to make your insurance premiums on time, the existence of the SR22 really serves only as a formality. The states are interested in making sure every car on the road as the proper insurance coverage.

The SR22 is not designed to punish you by taking away your driving privileges if your financial circumstances change. As long as you can make your insurance payments, you’re good to go.

SR22 regulations differ from one state to the next. If you have any questions regarding the filing or how it affects insurance rates, feel free to contact your insurance company or your state motor vehicle department.

How long does a driver need to maintain an SR-22?

Regulations vary from state to state, according to the reasons the SR-22 was imposed, so you’ll have to check with the individual court to determine the length of imposition. However, as a general rule, most states impose a period of 24 to 36 months for most SR-22s. These would typically be those imposed because of insurance policy lapses or convictions for driving without insurance. It is possible to have an SR-22 required for longer periods of time for more serious offenses like DUI/DWI.

It is your responsibility as a driver to inform your insurance company that you need an SR-22 certificate. They will collect the required information from you then file the form with your state. It’s also your job to inform them when the SR-22 has been lifted so they can cancel it. You will be required to furnish proof that it has been lifted before your insurance company will file the SR-22 cancellation.

If your insurance policy is canceled for any reason during the SR-22 period, your insurance company is required by law to report it to your state. This could result in the revocation of your driving privileges.

If I move to a new state, is my SR-22 canceled?

The issue of moving to a new state in relation to an SR-22 is a tricky one. Some states require that you complete the terms of an SR-22 imposed by your previous home state, while others don’t.

As a general rule it’s suggested that you let it run its course as long as you are still covered by the same insurance company when you move to your new state. Otherwise, trying to file paperwork with both states can lead to complications down the road. If your new state requires a new insurance company, you’ll have to discuss the SR-22 with them.

Even if you’re required to file an SR22, you can still compare car insurance rates online by typing in your zip code below!