How to Remove an SR22 from Your Auto Insurance Policy

Getting an SR22 removed from your auto insurance policy can be a complicated process. An SR22 is a form that proves you have the minimum required auto insurance coverage in your state. It is usually required after a serious driving violation like a DUI.

Most states require you to keep the SR22 on your policy for 3-5 years. During this time, your insurance company will file the form with the state as proof you have adequate coverage. Removing the SR22 early could lead to a suspended license.

However, there are a few situations where you can properly remove the SR22 filing:

When Your State-Required SR22 Period Ends

This is the most common way drivers remove the SR22 from their policies. Each state sets the required SR22 period typically 3 years. Once you reach the end of the mandated time frame, you can cancel the SR22 without penalty.

Here are the steps to remove an SR22 after completing the required period:

• Check your court documents – The original paperwork from your hearing will note the SR22 requirement period. Verify you have fulfilled the full time mandated.

• Contact the DMV – Before making any insurance changes, call your local DMV to confirm your SR22 term is complete. Some states notify drivers, but not all do.

• Notify your insurance company – Let your insurer know your SR22 obligation has ended. Request they cancel the filing with the state. This removes the SR22 from your policy.

• Get written confirmation – Ask your insurance provider for written proof that the SR22 was removed. Keep this on file in case the DMV has questions later.

Following this process protects your driving privileges after the SR22 requirement is met.

When Switching Auto Insurance Companies

You may want to shop for lower rates while needing an SR22. Changing insurers is allowed, but requires caution to prevent coverage gaps.

Here are the steps to switch auto insurance companies with an SR22:

• Compare quotes – Get new policy quotes from insurers while disclosing your SR22 situation. Rates and coverage options can vary significantly between providers.

• Start new policy – Purchase a new policy with SR22 coverage before ending your current one. Make sure the new insurer has filed the form with the state before proceeding.

• Cancel old policy – Give your cancellation notice to the old insurer 2-3 days after the new policy starts. This prevents any lapse in coverage as the companies transfer your SR22 filing.

• Verify SR22 transfer – Confirm with both the new and old insurance providers that there was no gap in SR22 filing. Also contact the DMV to validate the updated insurance information.

Switching insurance with an SR22 requires coordination. But you can change companies and get better rates if you plan the transition carefully.

When Your Driver’s License is Fully Reinstated

In some cases, the DMV will reinstate your full driving privileges before the SR22 period ends. This can occur if you complete other court-ordered requirements like an ignition interlock early.

If this happens, you can request the SR22 be removed since your license is restored. Follow the usual process of confirming your status with the DMV, then contacting your insurer to cancel the filing.

Non-Owner SR22 Policies

With a non-owner SR22 policy, you can sometimes remove the SR22 early. These policies only provide liability insurance, without insuring a specific vehicle.

They are issued when your license is suspended but the SR22 is required to get driving restoration. Once the license is fully reinstated, the non-owner SR22 is no longer needed.

The steps are the same – confirm your new license standing with the DMV, then have your insurer cancel the policy and SR22 filing.

How Canceling Your Auto Policy Impacts an SR22

Canceling your auto insurance policy will automatically remove the SR22 filing with the state. But this causes a coverage gap, which can quickly result in another suspended license.

Never cancel your policy outright when an SR22 is required. Instead, line up replacement coverage first, then switch companies.

If your policy gets canceled by the insurance company, such as for non-payment, the same problem occurs. Make resolving the cancellation and maintaining continuous coverage your top priority.

Other SR22 Removal Situations

Beyond the common scenarios, there are a few other rare cases where your SR22 requirement may end:

• Move to a different state – SR22 rules vary by state. If you relocate, check if the new state has different requirements.

• Reinstatement of limited license – Sometimes suspended licenses get reinstated for work purposes only. An SR22 may still be needed for full restoration.

• Appealing the underlying violation – If the violation triggering the SR22 is overturned or reduced, it may shorten or cancel the requirement.

• Completion of probation period – In a few states like Virginia, the SR22 requirement is tied to completing probation. When probation ends, you can remove the SR22.

• Error in violation record – If the DMV made a mistake in recording your violation, you may be able to appeal and get the SR22 canceled.

Always consult your state’s DMV for guidance if you think your situation allows SR22 removal outside the standard time period.

Steps to Remove an SR22 Filing

To summarize, below are the key steps that should be followed any time you need to properly remove an SR22 from your policy:

• Research state laws and check court records for SR22 requirement details
• Contact the DMV to verify SR22 completion and license reinstatement status
• Notify your auto insurance company to cancel the SR22 filing
• Obtain written confirmation of SR22 removal from the insurer
• Keep documentation of completion in case questions arise later

Removing an SR22 incorrectly or too early can put your driving privileges in jeopardy again. But carefully following the proper procedures will ensure you transition smoothly back to regular auto insurance once your requirement is satisfied.

Finding Alternate High-Risk Insurance After SR22 Removal

Once your SR22 requirement is lifted, your regular auto insurance rates may still be higher than average. Insurance companies view drivers who needed an SR22 as higher risk even after it’s removed.

Fortunately there are some options to find more affordable high-risk auto insurance:

• Shop established insurers – Get quotes from large auto insurers, but look for ones catering specifically to higher risk drivers. These include companies like Direct Auto, The General, and National General.

• Consider state risk plans – Many states have programs providing last-resort coverage options for high-risk drivers unable to find affordable regular insurance.

• Improve your driving record – Maintaining a clean driving history after your violation can help lower insurance rates over time. Taking defensive driver courses may also earn discounts.

• Adjust coverage limits – Raising deductibles and dropping collision/comprehensive coverage are ways to reduce premiums significantly. Only do this if you can afford the out-of-pocket costs in a claim.

• Ask about discounts – Even high-risk plans may offer breaks for things like multi-policy, good student, military service, etc. Check with potential insurers.

• Compare quotes frequently – Don’t just renew automatically. Re-shopping rates every renewal period can uncover lower prices as you maintain your clean record.

It can take diligence to find affordable coverage after a period of needing high-risk SR22 auto insurance. But taking advantage of all options available will make getting quality protection at lower premiums possible.

The Takeaway

Having your SR22 requirement removed is usually a multi-year process requiring careful coordination with both the DMV and your auto insurer.

Taking proactive steps like verifying requirements, validating completion dates, obtaining documentation, and safely switching insurers will ensure you transition off SR22 policies smoothly.

With some work, you can get quality auto insurance at reasonable rates, even coming off a major violation. Finding the right specialized high-risk insurer and utilizing available discounts will open up affordable coverage opportunities after your SR22.

Just remember – never cancel an existing SR22 policy until replacement coverage is already in place, to avoid further license suspension. Planning and patience are key to regaining your driving freedom without an SR22.