What Is SR-22 Insurance, and Who Needs It?
An SR-22 is a form some drivers must file with their state DMV as proof of minimum-coverage requirements after a serious violation.
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Writer: Sarah SharkeyInsurance Writer
Writer: Sarah SharkeyInsurance Writer
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A passionate personal finance advocate, Sarah’s writing has graced the pages of many of the personal finance and insurance industries’ top web publications.
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Editor: Katie PowersLicensed P&C Agent, Senior Insurance Editor
Editor: Katie PowersLicensed P&C Agent, Senior Insurance Editor
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Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.
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Reviewer: Mark FriedlanderSenior Director, Media Relations, Insurance Information Institute
Reviewer: Mark FriedlanderSenior Director, Media Relations, Insurance Information Institute
Qualifications:
Media relations director for Insurance Information Institute
20+ years in insurance and communications
Impartial, independent expert
As Senior Director, Media Relations, for Insurance Information Institute, Mark serves as the non-profit’s national spokesperson, sharing information and education on a wide array of insurance issues.
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Data reviewer: Konstantin HalachevVP of Engineering & Data Science
Data reviewer: Konstantin HalachevVP of Engineering & Data Science
Qualifications:
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
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An SR-22 form — also called a certificate of financial responsibility — proves that your auto insurance policy meets the state’s minimum liability coverage requirements.
High-risk drivers with serious motor vehicle violations often need to obtain an SR-22 form to restore their license. Since this document serves as proof of financial responsibility, your state can confirm your insurer will pay property damage and injury claims if you cause an accident.
If you need to file an SR-22, you’ll likely pay higher insurance premiums, though you can compare car insurance quotes from multiple insurers to find more affordable coverage.
Here’s what you need to know about SR-22 forms.
Quick Facts
Your insurance company will have to file the SR-22 form with your state DMV on your behalf.
Drivers may need to file an SR-22 certificate for driving under the influence (DUI) or without insurance.
You typically need to file an SR-22 for a minimum of three years, though each state has different timelines for how long drivers need to carry an SR-22. It can also vary depending on your violation.
What is SR-22 insurance?
Not technically a type of insurance, SR-22 forms or certificates serve as proof of financial responsibility. If you commit a serious driving offense, like a DUI or reckless driving, you may need to file an SR-22 form following your license suspension before getting back on the road.
You’ll need to work with your insurance company to complete the filing with your state DMV office.
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Who needs an SR-22?
High-risk drivers, such as those with a DUI conviction or multiple driving offenses, may need an SR-22, depending on their state’s requirements. Most drivers don’t need to obtain an SR-22 to get on the road.
If you need an SR-22 form, the issuing court or your state motor vehicle department will likely notify you. But in general, you’ll probably need an SR-22 after committing any of these driving violations:
DUI or DWI conviction: Driving under the influence endangers you and other drivers. As part of a sentence after a conviction, the state may require you to submit an SR-22 form.
Driving without insurance: In most states, it’s illegal to drive without a minimum-coverage car insurance policy. If law enforcement catches you driving without insurance, you could face serious consequences.
Suspended or revoked driver’s license: Some states may require you to file an SR-22 form to get back behind the wheel after a suspended or revoked license. And you should prepare to pay additional fines after a license suspension.
Reckless driving: If you endanger yourself or others through reckless driving, this violation could lead to an SR-22 requirement.
Repeated traffic offenses: Even relatively minor violations, like speeding tickets, could lead to an SR-22 requirement if you get too many within a short period of time.
Expert Insight: Who requires an SR-22 form?
“SR-22s are for people with serious traffic violations, like driving under the influence. States require SR-22s so they know that high-risk drivers have the insurance to pay for any damages or injuries they cause.”
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Austin MoyersLicensed P&C Insurance Agent and Sales Manager
How to get an SR-22
Follow these steps to get an SR-22 form:
Check if your insurance company offers SR-22s. Not all auto insurance companies file SR-22s. If your current company offers SR-22 filings, contact your insurance agent or your insurer’s customer service department to handle the filing for you.
Find a new insurer if necessary. If your current insurance company doesn’t offer coverage for SR-22s, you’ll need to find a new insurer. When getting a new policy, it’s important to shop around. Otherwise, you could end up paying more than you need to for coverage.
Your insurer will file the SR-22. Your insurance company will file the form with your state’s department of motor vehicles or the appropriate court. If you have questions about the process in your state, speak with a customer service agent to guide you through the details of your situation.
If you don’t own a car but occasionally borrow one from a friend or family member, you can look into a non-owner SR-22 policy that meets your state’s insurance requirements. If the traffic violation that triggered your SR-22 requirement happened in another state, you can ask your insurance company to file an SR-22 with that state’s DMV, even if you don’t live in that state.
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How much does SR-22 insurance cost?
The national average cost of SR-22 insurance is $125 per month for liability coverage and $237 for full coverage, according to Insurify data. Your actual rate will depend on your driving history, age, gender, vehicle make and model, where you live, and other factors.
The cost of filing an SR-22 depends on your location and insurance company. For some drivers, the cost to file will be around $25. But the filing costs can be higher for others.
Insurance companies can set their own rates for filing fees. When filing an SR-22, get a clear estimate from your insurance agent or your insurer up front.
Is car insurance more expensive with an SR-22?
In general, drivers with an SR-22 pay more for car insurance than drivers without an SR-22. Drivers without an SR-22 pay an overall average of $143 per month for car insurance, compared to $181 for drivers with an SR-22, based on Insurify data.
An SR-22 alone isn’t what causes higher car insurance rates; it’s the violation that led to the SR-22 requirement. For example, if you’re required to get an SR-22 after a DUI, the serious violation usually leads to higher insurance rates.[1]
Here’s an example of how average costs differ for drivers with an SR-22 versus people with clean driving records.
Driver Profile | Average Monthly Cost: Liability Only | Average Monthly Cost: Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Clean record | $99 | $187 |
| With SR-22 | $125 | $237 |
Disclaimer: Table data is based on real-time quotes from Insurify’s network of 500+ insurance partners. Actual rates may vary depending on the policyholder’s individual profile and coverage needs.
Cheapest insurance companies that file SR-22s
Country Financial is the cheapest car insurance company for drivers with an SR-22, according to Insurify data. But not all insurers offer SR-22 filing. You’ll need to check whether your current insurer offers SR-22 forms or if you need to look elsewhere for that coverage. And if a serious infraction, like a DUI, led to you needing SR-22 coverage, your insurer may drop you midterm because of the violation.
A few major national insurance companies that provide coverage for SR-22s include State Farm, GEICO, Progressive, and Allstate. Many regional insurers also offer to file state-ordered SR-22 forms if you purchase the minimum amount of liability insurance. As long as it meets your state laws, you can purchase an auto insurance policy through any reputable company.
See how the average monthly cost of liability car insurance from different insurers compares for drivers with a clean record and people with an SR-22 below.
The below national rates are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, November 1 at 12:28 AM PDT.
Data reviewed by Konstantin Halachev)
Konstantin HalachevVP of Engineering & Data Science
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Cost: Clean Record | Average Monthly Cost: With SR-22 |
|---|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | $48 | $61 |
| State Farm | $54 | $68 |
| GEICO | $79 | $100 |
| American Family | $83 | $105 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Average cost of SR-22 insurance by state
The average cost of car insurance varies by state due to a number of location-based factors, like state-minimum requirements, accident rates, and more. These states don’t require SR-22 insurance: Delaware, Kentucky, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia.
Compare average liability insurance rates for drivers with an SR-22 by state below.
State | Average Monthly Liability Quote: No SR-22 | Average Monthly Liability Quote: With SR-22 |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $184 | $200 |
| Arizona | $223 | $275 |
| Arkansas | $191 | $222 |
| California | $216 | $273 |
| Colorado | $227 | $236 |
| Connecticut | $285 | $327 |
| Georgia | $288 | $364 |
| Idaho | $136 | $147 |
| Indiana | $137 | $170 |
| Iowa | $143 | $182 |
| Kansas | $177 | $189 |
| Louisiana | $386 | $397 |
| Maine | $142 | $154 |
| Maryland | $308 | $349 |
| Massachusetts | $174 | $215 |
| Mississippi | $201 | $205 |
| Missouri | $221 | $307 |
| Nebraska | $178 | $234 |
| Nevada | $356 | $406 |
| Ohio | $152 | $215 |
| Oregon | $192 | $230 |
| South Carolina | $250 | $339 |
| South Dakota | $197 | $207 |
| Tennessee | $159 | $165 |
| Texas | $237 | $301 |
| Utah | $175 | $208 |
| Virginia | $185 | $226 |
| Washington | $201 | $251 |
| Wisconsin | $172 | $212 |
| Wyoming | $148 | $196 |
Disclaimer: Table data is based on real-time quotes from Insurify’s network of 500+ insurance partners. Actual rates may vary depending on the policyholder’s individual profile and coverage needs.
What’s the difference between an FR-44 and an SR-22?
An FR-44 form is also a document that shows you’re carrying liability insurance. Florida and Virginia are the only states that use FR-44 forms. These forms are only required for drivers with a DUI or a conviction for driving with a suspended license.
In Florida and Virginia, drivers may need to file an FR-44 form instead of an SR-22. Although the filing process is very similar, an FR-44 includes liability insurance coverage requirements higher than the state minimums.
In Virginia, drivers must file an FR-44 form to confirm their insurance policy has double the minimum coverage requirements for the state.[2]
You can see how FR-44 and SR-22 forms differ in the table below.
Feature | SR-22 | FR-44 |
|---|---|---|
| States that use it | All states except DE, KY, NC, NJ, NM, NY, MN, OK, PA, RI, WV | Florida and Virginia |
| Common reasons to file | DUI or DWI conviction, driving with suspended license, driving without insurance, multiple accidents or driving violations, repeat offenses, not paying court-ordered child support | DUI conviction or driving with suspended license |
| Liability coverage required | Must meet your state’s minimum liability insurance requirements | Florida: $100,000/$300,000 bodily injury liability; $10,000 PIP; $10,000 property damage liability Virginia: $60,000/$120,000 bodily injury liability; $40,000 property damage liability |
| How long you need it | Varies by state, but typically 3 years | Typically 3 years |
How long do you need an SR-22?
Most states require you to maintain an SR-22 for three years after a DUI or other serious traffic violation, but time requirements can vary.
Generally, you’ll need to get one right away after a DUI conviction, even with a suspended license. States often require an SR-22 form before they’ll begin the process of reinstating your license or registration.
You’ll need to maintain the SR-22 and the required amount of coverage for as long as the state requires. If you experience a lapse in coverage, you might need to re-file an SR-22. But keep in mind that coverage gaps could increase the time you have to carry it.
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How to remove an SR-22
Your insurance company will have to remove your SR-22 from your policy. First, confirm with your state’s DMV or financial responsibility office that your SR-22 requirement has ended. Then, contact your insurance company to ask it to remove the SR-22.
An SR-26 form is a form that your insurer files with the state to let it know that your SR-22 filing is no longer active. If you cancel your policy, or if it lapses while you’re still under an SR-22 requirement, your insurer will also notify the DMV, which triggers a license suspension.
SR-22 insurance FAQs
The following information can help answer your remaining questions about filing and maintaining an SR-22 form.
Which company has the cheapest SR-22 insurance after a DUI?
Country Financial offers the cheapest minimum-coverage SR-22 insurance after a DUI, according to Insurify data. NJM and Auto-Owners also have low SR-22 rates for drivers with DUIs. The cheapest insurance company with SR-22 coverage will depend on the state and ZIP code you live in, the details of your violation, and your full driving record, claims history, and other common rating factors.
Can you avoid buying SR-22 insurance?
Most drivers don’t need to file an SR-22 form. The best way to avoid having to file an SR-22 is to not commit a violation that can result in license suspension, such as driving without insurance or under the influence. If you don’t plan to ever drive again, you can simply stop driving and start relying on rides from others, rideshare services, or public transportation.
What if you don’t own a car but need an SR-22?
If you don’t own a car but need an SR-22, you can purchase a non-owner SR-22 policy from an insurance company. This coverage provides liability coverage for drivers who don’t own a vehicle.
What information is on an SR-22 form?
The main purpose of an SR-22 form is to provide proof that you have the minimum liability insurance your state requires. The form may include the driver’s date of birth, Social Security number, license number, state, license suspension date, expiration or relief date, and the reason for SR-22 filing and conviction information.[3]
Can you switch insurance companies when you have an SR-22?
Yes. But you need to make sure you avoid a lapse in coverage. If your coverage lapses when you’re carrying an SR-22, you’ll likely have to start the process over again. Make sure you talk with your new insurance company about filing the SR-22 form for you, and never cancel your old policy until your new one is active.
How much does SR-22 insurance cost after a DUI?
On average, drivers with DUIs and SR-22 requirements face monthly rates of $268 for full coverage and $142 for liability-only coverage, according to Insurify data. Your actual rate will depend on many other factors, too, such as your age, gender, and where you live, so your rate may be higher or lower than the national averages.
Does an SR-22 mean you have a DUI?
No. Not everyone who needs an SR-22 needs it because of a DUI conviction. States can require SR-22s for other reasons, such as driving uninsured, driving without insurance, or having other major violations.
How does an SR-22 affect your credit score?
An SR-22 doesn’t directly affect your credit score. Car insurance companies don’t report SR-22 filing information to the credit bureaus, so it won’t appear on your credit report.
How do you know if you have SR-22 insurance?
If you have an SR-22 insurance requirement, a court or your state will order you to file one. Either a judge should tell you at a hearing, or you’ll receive a letter from your state DMV notifying you of the SR-22 requirement.
Sources
- Insurance Information Institute. "What determines the price of an auto insurance policy?."
- Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. "Financial Responsibility Certifications."
- USAA. "Everything you need to know about the SR-22."
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 250 million quotes served to car insurance applicants in Insurify’s proprietary database to calculate the premium averages displayed on this page. These premiums are real quotes that come directly from Insurify’s 500+ partner insurance companies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quote averages represent the median price for a quote across the given coverage level, driver subset, and geographic area.
Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for drivers between 20 and 70 years old with a clean driving record and average or better credit (a credit score of 600 or higher).
Liability-only premium averages correspond to policies with the following coverage limits:
- Bodily injury limits between state-minimum rates and $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
- Property damage limits between $10,000 and $50,000
- No additional coverage
- Comprehensive coverage with a $1,000 deductible
- Collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible
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Writer: Sarah SharkeyInsurance Writer
Writer: Sarah SharkeyInsurance Writer
Qualifications:
7+ years writing insurance and personal finance content
Contributor to top media, including USA Today
A passionate personal finance advocate, Sarah’s writing has graced the pages of many of the personal finance and insurance industries’ top web publications.
Editor: Katie PowersLicensed P&C Agent, Senior Insurance Editor
Editor: Katie PowersLicensed P&C Agent, Senior Insurance Editor
Qualifications:
Licensed auto and home insurance agent
4+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing
NPN: 20564519
Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.
Reviewer: Mark FriedlanderSenior Director, Media Relations, Insurance Information Institute
Reviewer: Mark FriedlanderSenior Director, Media Relations, Insurance Information Institute
Qualifications:
Media relations director for Insurance Information Institute
20+ years in insurance and communications
Impartial, independent expert
As Senior Director, Media Relations, for Insurance Information Institute, Mark serves as the non-profit’s national spokesperson, sharing information and education on a wide array of insurance issues.
Data reviewer: Konstantin HalachevVP of Engineering & Data Science
Data reviewer: Konstantin HalachevVP of Engineering & Data Science
Qualifications:
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.