How do you file for SR-22 insurance?
SR-22 car insurance proves that you are carrying coverage so your license can be reinstated. In the event that your license is suspended, you'll want to maintain an SR-22 during that time period. To file for SR-22 car insurance, update your information, and get multiple quotes for the lowest rates. The filing fees can vary depending on which insurance company you choose.
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Daniel Walker
Licensed Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Nov 8, 2023
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Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from top car companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Nov 8, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident car insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single company.
Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from top car companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- The SR-22 is a form provided by your insurance company that shows the coverage you carry and the limits of each coverage type
- Some insurers, called preferred risk companies, insure only customers with excellent driving histories
- Depending on the insurance company, the fee for filing an SR-22 can be between $10 and $30
If your driver’s license has been suspended, your state’s Motor Vehicle Division may have informed you that you need to obtain an SR-22 in order to restore your driving privileges.
Because SR-22 filings are foreign to most people until they need one, the process of obtaining this filing can seem confusing.
Fortunately, getting a quote for an SR-22 is not much more difficult than getting a quote for traditional car insurance. You’ll have to understand the SR-22 requirements, and keep in mind that you’ll need it for the entire specified period of time.
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What is an SR-22?
The concept behind the SR-22 is simple. If you incur a driver’s license suspension, your state’s Motor Vehicle Division may want proof that you carry auto insurance coverage before reinstating your license.
This is because states view suspended drivers as high-risk and want to protect other drivers and passengers from financial losses caused by high-risk drivers.
Typically, when you register your vehicle or renew your driver’s license, showing the registrar a copy of your auto insurance declarations page provides sufficient evidence that you maintain car insurance coverage.
After a suspension, the Motor Vehicle Division may want your insurance company to provide proof in the form of an SR-22 filing.
The SR-22 is simply a form provided by your insurance company that shows the coverage you carry, and the limits of each coverage.
As long as the coverage and limits meet your state’s financial responsibility requirements, the SR-22 form is an option that allows you to reinstate your license.
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Will any insurance company file an SR-22?
Not every insurance company will file an SR-22 for you.
Preferred risk companies insure only customers with excellent driving histories. Because you have had a license suspension, these companies might not be willing to offer you a policy that meets your state’s insurance laws. It’s fairly common for insurance companies to have limits on what sort of high-risk drivers they insure.
Without an insurance policy, you cannot obtain an SR-22 filing.
Fortunately, there are a variety of companies that can meet your needs.
By shopping online, you can find insurance companies licensed in your state that will insure you, even with a license suspension, traffic violations, and accidents. These companies will typically take care of your SR-22 filing after you purchase a policy.
The rates you pay for coverage might be higher than those available to customers with clean driving histories. The premiums you will pay depend on several factors, including:
- The number of violations and accidents you have had in the past three years
- Whether you live in an urban or rural area
- Your age
- Your gender
- The type of vehicle you drive
Do you need to disclose your need for an SR-22?
When you fill in your information to obtain an insurance quote online, be sure to disclose that you require an SR-22.
Insurance companies do not automatically contact the Motor Vehicle Division in your state to find out if you need an SR-22 filing.
If you purchase a policy without an SR-22, you typically will not be able to reinstate your driving privileges.
You will then have to contact the company to have an SR-22 form filed on your behalf, which can significantly delay the process of getting your license back.
When you shop for car insurance quotes, be prepared to pay an extra fee for the SR-22 filing.
Insurance companies typically charge fees for this service because of the administrative cost of the filing. Depending on the company you choose, this fee can be between $10 and $30.
As long as you maintain continuous auto insurance coverage, though, you will only have to pay this fee one time.
Make Sure Your Information is Accurate
Before you obtain quotes for SR-22 auto insurance, review your driving history and vehicle information to make sure that it is accurate.
If the insurance company finds accidents or violations on your driving history that you did not disclose, the company can increase the rate for your policy. This means that you might end up paying more than you expected for auto insurance coverage.
Providing accurate information is also essential because the insurance company may cancel or void your policy if the underwriter believes you intentionally misrepresented or omitted information.
Because an SR-22 is only valid if you maintain auto insurance coverage, a rescission or cancellation will invalidate your SR-22 filing. The SR-22 is specifically acting as a proof of insurance in this case, so without any sort of policy active, it becomes null. Your insurance company must inform the Motor Vehicle Division of any cancellation, rescission, or lapse in coverage.
If there is any interruption in auto insurance coverage while an SR-22 is on file, your driving privileges will be suspended, and you may have to pay additional fines and reinstatement fees in addition to obtaining a new SR-22.
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Get Multiple Quotes Before Purchasing a Policy
If you need an SR-22, you might be in a hurry to obtain coverage so you can get your driver’s license back.
However, buying a policy from the first company that accepts you can result in paying more than you need for coverage.
Take the time to obtain quotes from several insurance companies before you make a decision.
Finding an insurance provider that doesn’t require a perfect, clean driving record but won’t charge you an arm and a leg may take some time. Once you have found a policy that is a good fit, the insurance company will handle the rest of the work for you.
Be sure to utilize the FREE comparison quote below to find the best insurance policies for you.
Case Studies: Obtaining SR-22 Insurance in Real-Life Scenarios
Case Study 1: John’s License Reinstatement
John recently had his driver’s license suspended due to multiple traffic violations. To reinstate his license, he needs to file for SR-22 insurance. After researching different insurance companies, he compares quotes and chooses a policy that meets his state’s requirements. John discloses his need for an SR-22 during the quote process and pays the filing fee.
Case Study 2: Sarah’s High-Risk Profile
Sarah has a history of traffic violations and a past license suspension. She knows that not all insurance companies are willing to provide SR-22 filings for high-risk drivers like herself. Sarah searches online for insurance companies licensed in her state that specialize in insuring high-risk drivers. She obtains multiple quotes and compares the rates and coverage options.
Case Study 3: Mike’s Coverage Evaluation
Mike needs to obtain SR-22 insurance after a DUI conviction. He already has an existing auto insurance policy but realizes he needs to inform his insurance company about the SR-22 requirement. Mike contacts his current insurance provider and explains the situation. The company confirms that they can file the SR-22 on his behalf but informs him that his premium will increase due to his high-risk profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SR-22 insurance?
SR-22 insurance is a form of certification required by some state authorities to reinstate or maintain a driver’s license for individuals who have been involved in certain violations, such as driving under the influence (DUI) or driving without insurance.
Who needs to file for SR-22 insurance?
Individuals who have been convicted of specific offenses, such as DUI, reckless driving, or driving without insurance, typically need to file for SR-22 insurance. The specific requirements vary by state, so it’s important to check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to determine if you need to file for SR-22.
ow do I file for SR-22 insurance?
To file for SR-22 insurance, follow these general steps:
- Contact an insurance company: Reach out to an insurance provider that offers SR-22 filing services. Not all insurers offer SR-22, so ensure you find one that does.
- Provide necessary information: The insurance company will require specific details, such as your full name, address, driver’s license number, and the reason you need an SR-22. They will also need information about your vehicle(s) if you own one.
- Pay any applicable fees: There may be fees associated with filing for SR-22 insurance. The insurance company will inform you about the cost and payment options.
- Purchase an insurance policy: You’ll need to buy an auto insurance policy that meets your state’s minimum liability requirements. The insurance company can help you choose an appropriate policy.
- Obtain the SR-22 form: The insurance company will file the SR-22 form on your behalf, either electronically or by mailing it to the appropriate state agency. Once filed, you’ll receive a copy for your records.
How long do I need to maintain SR-22 insurance?
The duration for maintaining SR-22 insurance varies by state. In most cases, you’ll need to carry SR-22 insurance for a specified period, such as three years, but it can be longer depending on the offense. It’s essential to comply with the requirements outlined by your state’s DMV.
Can I switch insurance providers while I have an SR-22?
Yes, it’s possible to switch insurance providers while you have an active SR-22 filing. However, you must ensure that your new insurance company also offers SR-22 filing services. Prior to switching, inform your current provider about your intent to switch, as canceling your existing policy without a replacement could result in a lapse of coverage, which may lead to penalties.
Free Car Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap car insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Daniel Walker
Licensed Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.