What Is SR-22 Insurance?
If a driver gets stopped for a serious moving violation and lacks insurance, they may be court ordered to submit an SR-22 insurance form.
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You could get pulled over for a serious moving violation or have an at-fault accident, only to also discover your insurance has expired. After the police officer on the scene has issued your ticket, you will likely receive a separate order from either your local court or department of motor vehicles informing you that you're now required to file for SR-22 insurance.
Generally speaking, you will need to contact an insurance company, buy a policy that meets the state's coverage requirements, and ask them to file the form on your behalf. From the cost of a new auto insurance policy to the costs of filing your form, SR-22 insurance will likely result in a few additional expenses beyond your traffic ticket.
What Is an SR-22?
Sometimes referred to as SR-22 insurance, an SR-22 is a form ordered by a court or state to prove that you meet a set minimum required level of car insurance. If you don't currently have insurance, you will need to purchase a policy that meets set coverage requirements and ask your new insurance company to submit this form on your behalf.
SR-22s are often ordered after a police officer has caught you driving without a valid license or insurance. However, there are other reasons why you may be ordered to submit an SR-22, such as:
- DUI or DWI convictions
- Serious moving violation convictions
- Too many violations or at-fault accidents in a short period of time
- Unpaid child support
- Driving with a hardship license due to license suspension or revocation
SR-22 Insurance vs. FR-44 Insurance
Similar to SR-22s, FR-44s are a slight variation only required in two states: Florida and Virginia. FR-44 forms are typically reserved for drivers who are convicted of a DUI or DWI, particularly in cases of extremely high blood-alcohol levels or repeat offenses.
These forms are court ordered to determine a driver's financial responsibility and insurance coverage. However, FR-44s tend to have a higher minimum insurance requirement than SR-22s due to the nature of the offenses that make them necessary. This means you may have to sign up for a higher coverage policy to meet FR-44 requirements.
How Much Does SR-22 Insurance Cost?
The actual cost of filing your SR-22 will depend on your insurance provider and your state of residence. The average cost of SR-22 fees could range from $25 to $200 annually until you're no longer required to submit them.
Beyond the filing fee, the events that may require you to file an SR-22 will likely have separate costs, such as ticket payment or traffic school. Your insurance company could also consider you a higher-risk policyholder, causing a spike in your current premium or a higher premium on your new policy.
Length of SR-22 Insurance
On average, SR-22 insurance is required for three years after its start date. To find out exactly how long you will be required to submit an SR-22 form with your insurance, contact the DMV or governing entity that is requiring the form.
During your SR-22 period, you will be responsible for maintaining consistent car insurance coverage. In the event your coverage lapses, your insurance provider is required to contact the DMV, and your license will likely be suspended.
How to Get SR-22 Removed
After your required SR-22 submission period, you will need to contact your insurance company to get your status updated. Your insurance company will then work with your local DMV to remove it from your policy. Once your SR-22 is lifted, your car insurance provider may offer you reduced insurance rates.
Written by humans.
Edited by humans.
Elliot RiethElliot Rieth is a writer who was born and raised in Michigan, the center of the American automotive industry. With a background in the industry that spans from sales to digital marketing, Elliot has years of experience working directly with dealers and OEMs to create digital content and educate potential customers. When Elliot isn’t writing about horsepower or EVs, he can be found with his two greyhounds enjoying a new book or record.
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