What is SR22 insurance and how does it work?
An SR22 is a form filed with your state that proves you carry car insurance. Some people refer to it as “SR22 car insurance” but technically, it’s a certificate of financial responsibility (CFR). No matter what you call it, an SR22 simply confirms you meet your state’s car insurance coverage requirements for driving during a required period.
How does an SR22 work?
If you receive a driving violation like a DUI or driving without insurance, your state may require you to get an SR22. Once you’re issued an sr22 from an insurance provider that offers them, it’s filed with your state to prove you carry your state’s minimum required car insurance.
We can help by issuing your SR22 right away and letting the state know you’re covered—with no filing fee—and often within the same day of purchase.
Who needs an SR22?
Not all drivers need to file for SR22s. Each state has its own specific requirements, but as a rule of thumb, high-risk drivers with one or more of the following violations on their recent driving record will likely need an SR22:
Driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI)
Driving with a suspended or revoked driver’s license
Causing an accident while driving without insurance
Being charged for repeated traffic violations—like multiple speeding tickets over the course of a few months—or severe violations, such as reckless driving
If you meet this criteria and a court or the state determines you need to file for an SR22, you’ll be notified and receive clear direction—either in-person during your hearing, or via a letter mailed to your home from your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
How to get an SR22
The process for getting an SR22 varies by state. In general, simply indicate you need to file an SR22 when you purchase your auto insurance policy—we can take it from there. You need to provide your driver’s license number or other identification number for us to file with your state.
How long does it take to get an SR22?
We can issue you one immediately. In most states, we can also send your SR22 to the state electronically the same day—and with no filing fee. Need to file one now? Get a quote for cheap SR22 insurance with Dairyland®.
How much does SR22 insurance cost?
At Dairyland, most often we file your SR22 for free as part of your policy. Some companies and agencies might charge you additional fees or surcharges.
Can you buy an SR22 policy online?
Dairyland offers policies with an SR22 you can purchase online. We also offer many other coverage options you can add to your policy, depending on your situation and budget.
Get a free SR22 insurance quote.
Which states require SR22s?
Each state has its own SR22 coverage requirements for drivers, and all are subject to change. Get in touch with your insurance provider to find out your state’s current requirements and make sure you have adequate coverage.
How long do you need an SR22?
Most states require drivers to have an SR22—to prove they have insurance—for about three years. This may vary by state or by circumstances, so be sure to read up on your state’s insurance requirements and ask your insurance carrier for specifics.
How to get an SR22 removed
Reach out to your state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to clarify when your SR22 will no longer be required, and if you need to complete any paperwork. This is crucial—if you try to cancel it too soon (intentionally or not), you could face additional fees or even a suspended license.
Once your required SR22 period has been completed and you’ve met all additional requirements, contact your insurance company to let them know.
If you no longer need an SR22, an SR-26 form is also filed to remove the SR22.
What happens if an SR22 policy is canceled?
If your coverage lapses, your insurance company is required to inform the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This could result in the loss of your driver’s license or other consequences, depending on your state of residence.
Making payments on time will help keep your policy from being canceled and prevent your insurance provider from sending an SR-26 to the state. An SR-26 cancels the SR22 with the state.
The Dairyland mobile app can help you set up bill alert reminders and keep your payment information up to date, helping ensure your coverage doesn’t lapse.
What’s the difference between SR22 and FR-44?
In Florida and Virginia, based on your driving record, you may be required to obtain an FR-44 instead of an SR22.
Like an SR22, an FR-44 is a document proving that you carry car insurance. However, an FR-44 may require your liability coverage limits to be significantly higher than the state minimum.
While the duration might vary, an FR-44 is also usually required for three years. By law, you can’t cancel your FR-44 policy while it is required.
Get a cheap SR22 insurance quote
If you have questions about SR22 coverage, we can help. Give us a call at 888-344-4357 or contact us.
SR-22 insurance FAQs
How do I make sure the right people know I have SR22 insurance and I’m legal to drive?
Once you purchase a policy from an insurance company that offers SR22s, they’ll file it with the state. With Dairyland, this is often done electronically and on the same day as your purchase.
Can I get an SR22 from any car insurance company?
Not all auto insurance companies offer SR22s. If you work through an agent, they’ll provide options for you. If you’re looking on your own, do your research and contact insurance companies directly to find out their coverage options. Dairyland offers SR22s, usually for free as part of your insurance policy.
Why do I need an SR22?
If you have a clean driving record, you likely won’t. Reasons for needing an SR22 vary by state. However, the most common reasons for an SR22 are reckless driving, being convicted of a DUI, driving on a suspended license, or driving without insurance coverage. You might also need an SR22 if you have a bunch of small incidents pile up over time.
Will an SR22 raise my insurance premiums?
Possibly—it will depend on your state and your insurance provider. Have more questions about SR22 costs? Our knowledgeable customer service representatives are waiting to provide you with help at 888-344-4357.
Is an SR22 considered car insurance?
An SR22 is a certificate of financial responsibility that shows you meet your state’s car insurance minimum requirements for driving and is not considered car insurance itself. We, as your policy provider, let the state know that we cover you for certain car-insurance-related circumstances.
Are there different kinds of SR22s?
There are three types of SR22s:
Operator: An operator’s certificate is designed for drivers who borrow or rent a car, but don’t own a car. This is sometimes used with a non-owner car insurance policy.
Owner: An owner’s form is for people who own and drive their own car.
Operator/Owner: An operator/owner form is a combination form that applies to individuals who own their own car, but also borrow or rent one to drive occasionally.
Can I get an SR22 if I don’t own a vehicle?
Yes. You can get SR22 insurance if you don’t own a vehicle with our non-owner insurance policy. Non-owner car insurance protects you in the event you’re found to be at fault in an accident while driving a vehicle you don’t own. It’s a secondary coverage that pays for damages above and beyond what might be covered through the car’s primary insurance.
Do I keep my SR22 if I move to a new state?
Yes, your SR22 stays with you if you move to a new state during the time period when you’re required to carry an SR22—even if your new state doesn’t require SR22s.
You’ll need to contact your new state’s DMV, and ensure the car insurance provider you use in your new state is able to file SR22s in your previous home state.
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