Need SR-22 Insurance? Answers to Your Questions


Have you been told that you will need SR-22 insurance? If so, you may not fully understand this new insurance requirement and how to fulfill it. While SR-22 is unfamiliar for many, it's not entirely uncommon and can be handled smoothly once you know more about it. Here are some answers to your questions.

What Is SR-22?

SR-22 refers not to any insurance policy but to a form the insurance company files on your behalf. This form is a certificate of responsibility that verifies the policy holder carries at the least the minimum required auto insurance in their state. This is generally liability coverage, which protects not your own vehicle but the property and medical needs of others in an accident for which you are responsible.

The SR-22 form cannot be filed by the policy holder, so you must go through an insurance carrier to get it. In addition to notifying the state that you have purchased insurance, the carrier also updates the state on any subsequent changes for as long as the court stipulated to you.

Why Must You File SR-22?

SR-22 is required by courts as a result of certain incidents, usually involving impaired driving or a lack of insurance coverage. It's most commonly used in an agreement to obtain a driver license after it was suspended or revoked, to get a hardship waiver to drive, after an impaired driving conviction, or after a series of traffic violations. In addition, the court may require it if you are caught driving without insurance.  

Do You Have to Switch Insurance?

Simply having the SR-22 requirement doesn't automatically mean you must switch insurance carriers or even policies. The court doesn't limit your insurance choice or tell you where to buy this coverage.

However, not all insurance companies provide this service. If your current carrier is willing to do so, you may be able to have the filing added to the existing auto coverage (if it includes liability). If your insurance carrier doesn't offer the service, though, you must find one that does.

What if you don't want to switch companies? Some drivers get a separate, liability-only policy from a different insurance company that will file for them. With this strategy, you maintain your current coverage with the insurer you like so that they cover your vehicle repairs or replacement. The liability policy would not cover repairs to your car, but it would meet the criteria needed to file the SR-22 form.

Will It Cost More?

The good news is that the additional cost of filing the SR-22 form itself can be minimal. It may be a onetime fee up-front for the service. The cost of the policy itself would vary depending on the carrier you choose, but it generally would not include any additional fees. If you choose to use two policies (one for collision and one for liability), you may see some duplication in costs and coverage.

Where Should You Start?

Now that you know more about how SR-22 insurance works, where should you start? You may choose to begin by checking with your current insurance company (if you have one) to see if they file the form. If you're not fully satisfied with your carrier, though, this is a good opportunity to shop around to find a compliant policy - or policies - that fit your needs and budget.

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