If you’ve been told you need to get SR-22 insurance, chances are you’re waiting to have your license reinstated, or you already got it back and now you can’t wait to get back on the road. While commonly referred to as “SR-22 insurance” the SR-22 document is not an actual insurance policy. Rather, it is a “Certificate of Financial Responsibility,” which guarantees that a driver has purchased the minimum liability coverage required in their residing state. It functions as reassurance when people have exhibited behaviors that might be risky to the public or themselves. More specifically, traffic/moving violations that result in license suspension or revocation. It also helps ensure public safety for those who want to feel safe going about their daily life, especially for those who might be on the road.

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The basics: What Is SR22 Insurance?

The point of the SR-22 form is to guarantee current and future auto insurance coverage. The purpose of this type of filing is to provide a simple means of communication between the insurance company and the motor vehicle agency so a driver can have their privileges reinstated. Similarly, if certain conditions are not met, the motor vehicle agency will be alerted in a timely fashion and can take action accordingly. The individual required to file the form is considered at risk of not having liability insurance, so this allows for a clear indication that a policy was started or reinstated. If there is any lapse of insurance, the appropriate motor vehicle agency will be alerted, resulting in a suspended or revoked license for the driver in question.

Typically, these forms guarantee coverage for three years, with some states requiring up to five years. Your insurance company can enroll you in an automatic renewal program so there is no lapse in coverage, and you won’t be at risk of a suspended or revoked license. Keep in mind that it is your responsibility to make sure your filings are up to date. Your insurance provider will be able to give you any important information on renewing your SR-22 so you can avoid any potential headaches from losing your license again.

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Who needs the SR-22 form?

The SR-22 form requirement is a result of several different offenses. Even though the filing has to do with your auto insurance company, not all the offenses need to be related directly to active driving. Essentially, these are circumstances that lead the state to consider you a liability.

If you need to file an SR-22, you have probably experienced one of the following:

  • Failure to pay court-ordered child support.
  • Driving with a suspended or revoked license.
  • Convicted of a DWI, DUI, or different serious moving violation.
  • Excess traffic tickets in too little time.
  • Caused an accident as an uninsured driver.

It should be noted that not every single state requires the SR-22 form. If you do need to file one, you will be informed by your motor vehicle agency, or be told when you show up for traffic court.

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How to get an SR-22

There isn’t much uncertainty when it comes to the SR-22 form. The process itself is straightforward, and the government will make sure you get notified that you need to file for an SR-22. Once you find that out, you’ll want to begin by contacting your insurance company. You might find that your current insurance company doesn’t offer this type of service, as it isn’t a requirement on their end. Luckily, there are a lot of companies that do include this service in their insurance policies.

For those who don’t currently have insurance, there might be a higher upfront cost. Some companies may require you to pay an entire year’s worth of premiums before your coverage kicks in. This makes sense considering the conditions of the SR-22 are related to negligent or irresponsible behavior. Once your coverage is active, the insurance company will file your SR-22 with the state motor vehicle agency.

While specifics will vary by state, Consumers Advocate reports that some of the top insurance companies offering SR-22 filings are:

  • State Farm
  • Titan
  • The General
  • Esurance
  • Dairyland
  • Nationwide
  • Farmers
  • Progressive

You might want to keep in mind that not all SR-22 insurance companies are guaranteed to provide services to every state. States like Florida and Virginia have slightly different requirements and will ask you to file a different form, the FR-44. Details surrounding the filing process may also vary by state, but you will be guided through the process once you select the company you wish to get your auto insurance through.

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How much does it cost?

You might be concerned if you find out you need to file an SR-22 form with your state. The actual filing fee typically stays around $25, with $15 usually being the minimum and $35 the maximum. Once you pay the filing fee, you shouldn’t have to do it again. The only time you’ll be responsible for the feel again is if you allow your policy to lapse.

However, there might be additional financial implications depending on the reason for an SR-22 form being required from you in the first place. Insurance rates will vary depending on the violation that caused your SR-22 requirement. Different insurance companies will have higher rates for different incidents, so it’s important to make sure you weigh all of your options before committing to anything.

As mentioned previously, you might be required to pay your insurance premiums upfront. The reason for this is that your SR-22 form isn’t just proof of current insurance. It guarantees that your coverage will continue up until a specified point in time. The chances of finding a company that allows installment payments are rare, so make sure you consider your premiums before you complete any paperwork. Once you find which auto insurance companies also offer services for the SR-22 requirement in your area, you can go over your options and get an idea of what the cost will be.

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Conclusion

Auto insurance exists to protect people and their property. If governing bodies are aware of people who are more likely to engage in risky behavior, it makes sense that something like the SR-22 form exists. The SR-22 form isn’t some type of supplemental option. If you need to file an SR-22 with your motor vehicle agency, then you already know what it feels like to have your license suspended or revoked. So you’ll want to make sure you communicate with your insurance company and follow all of their requirements so you remain in good standing.

If you find yourself feeling frustrated over the extra paperwork and financial implications, try to remember why they’re put into place. Of course, the government needs to hold people accountable for their actions, and displaying risky behavior can sometimes translate into a public safety issue. But at the end of the day, these regulations are protecting you as a driver as well. When you’re forced to have a certain level of coverage, you can at least have the peace of mind that you are protected in the event of something unexpected. If anything were to happen while you were uninsured, your violations would only multiply, and the chances of getting your license back under normal circumstances will start to get smaller.

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