Many people requiring SR-22 insurance have never heard of it until they need to file this certificate. If this sounds like you, here’s a quick rundown of what SR-22 insurance is and what it does.
If you’ve made some mistakes behind the wheel, you may find yourself needing to file an SR-22 form to regain your driving privileges. This can be an intimidating process, leaving you with many questions about SR-22 insurance requirements.
Fortunately, The General specializes in providing high-risk drivers with affordable auto insurance along with SR-22 filing assistance. Keep reading to learn all about SR-22 insurance and how The General can help if you need SR-22 coverage.
What is an SR-22 Form?
An SR-22 is not an actual auto insurance policy Rather, it is a certificate that proves you have the minimum liability insurance required by your state SR-22 filings are sometimes called SR-22 bonds, certificates, or forms.
You’ll generally need to file an SR-22 if you’ve been convicted of serious traffic violations like DUI driving with a suspended license or driving without insurance after an at-fault accident. An SR-22 filing is often mandated for 3 years but can be longer depending on your specific offense.
Without SR-22 insurance on file, you won’t be able to reinstate your driver’s license or vehicle registration. The SR-22 form is filed by your insurance company to certify you now have the state-required insurance.
When Do You Need SR-22 Insurance?
Common reasons for needing SR-22 coverage include:
- Multiple traffic tickets or accidents
- DUI/DWI conviction
- Driving with a suspended or revoked license
- Lapses in insurance coverage
- At-fault accidents without insurance
The court or DMV will notify you if you must file SR-22 insurance. The exact length of time you’ll need to maintain SR-22 coverage varies by state and offense. But failing to obtain SR-22 insurance means you won’t legally be able to drive.
How Does Non-Owner SR-22 Work?
Non-owner SR-22 insurance is for high-risk drivers who don’t own a personal vehicle. It meets state SR-22 requirements if you frequently borrow someone else’s car or rent vehicles.
With non-owner SR-22, you have liability coverage when driving non-owned cars. However, the car owner’s policy pays first for any claim. Your non-owner policy covers additional damages beyond the owner’s coverage limits.
Comparing SR-22 to FR-44
In some states like Florida and Virginia, drivers may need to file both SR-22 and FR-44 forms. FR-44 filings also prove financial responsibility but are required after more serious offenses.
Whereas SR-22 only demands state minimum liability limits, FR-44 requires higher liability coverage amounts. Check with your state DMV to see if FR-44 filings apply to your situation.
How Much Does SR-22 Insurance Cost?
Filing an SR-22 form only costs around $25 in fees paid to the state. However, SR-22 requirements raise your auto insurance rates considerably. With violations on your record, you’re now considered “high-risk.”
Exactly how much your premium increases with an SR-22 requirement depends on:
- Your state
- Specific driving offense(s)
- Your previous record
- Years licensed
- Level of liability coverage
- Deductible
Expect at least 50-90% higher premiums, sometimes more. Once your violations drop off your record, rates should gradually decrease.
Tips to Save on SR-22 Insurance
While SR-22 coverage is expensive, here are some tips to keep your rates affordable:
- Compare quotes from specialized high-risk insurers like The General
- Opt for older vehicles – you likely just need basic liability
- Ask about discounts – multi-policy, safe driver, etc.
- Choose higher deductibles
- Limit your mileage
- Maintain a good credit score
- Enroll in defensive driving courses
- Pay premiums annually to avoid fees
Finding the right insurer that offers SR-22 filings along with competitively priced auto insurance is key.
Why Choose The General for SR-22 Insurance?
The General specializes in insuring high-risk drivers. We provide SR-22 filing assistance along with affordable liability coverage.
As an established national insurer since 1963, The General makes it quick and easy to get SR-22 auto insurance.
Key benefits of SR-22 insurance from The General include:
Simple Quoting Process
Get a fast free quote online or over the phone. Just let us know you need SR-22 filing.
SR-22 Certificate Included
Your SR-22 form is automatically sent to the DMV when you purchase a policy.
Available in Most States
The General handles SR-22 filings in nearly every state. Check requirements for yours.
Rates for Any Budget
We’ll find you the most affordable SR-22 coverage possible.
Policy Cancelation Notifications
We’ll promptly notify the state if your policy is canceled.
Helpful Customer Service
Our agents assist you through every step of the SR-22 process.
Convenient Payment Options
Pay monthly or make a one-time annual payment.
Access Online Account Center
Manage your policy and track SR-22 status through our portal.
SR-22 Removal Assistance
We’ll confirm when you’ve satisfied the SR-22 requirement.
In just minutes, you can get a free quote for SR-22 insurance from The General and be on your way to restoring your license.
What is Covered Under an SR-22 Policy?
An SR-22 form simply verifies that you’ve purchased the minimum required auto liability coverage in your state. It does not provide any actual coverage itself.
You’ll need to buy a standard auto liability policy to comply with SR-22 mandates. This covers injuries or damage you cause to others when an accident is your fault.
However, you can add other optional coverages to an SR-22 policy like comprehensive and collision if you wish. These pay for damage to your own vehicle from incidents like vandalism, weather, or collisions.
But liability-only policies are most common since they satisfy SR-22 insurance requirements at the lowest cost.
How Long Do You Need to Maintain SR-22 Insurance?
In most states, SR-22 insurance must be kept for 3 years before it can be canceled. But this timeframe varies based on:
- Type of violation
- Number of repeat offenses
- Your state’s regulations
- When the clock starts ticking – conviction vs. reinstatement date
For instance, a first DUI offense may require SR-22 coverage for 3 years from the conviction date. But a second DUI offense within 5 years may mandate 5 years of SR-22 insurance.
If you let your SR-22 auto insurance lapse or cancel early, the SR-22 requirement starts over. So maintain continual coverage for the entire mandated length of time.
Can SR-22 Insurance Be Canceled?
Technically yes – but canceling SR-22 insurance prematurely leads to suspension of your driver’s license. Plus, you’ll have to re-file SR-22 forms and start the timeline again.
Your auto insurance company must immediately notify the state if you cancel an SR-22 liability policy before the required period ends. Once the state is alerted, they will revoke your driving privileges.
To legally drive again, you’ll have to re-file SR-22 proof of insurance and wait out the full mandated time frame. There are no exceptions if you decide to cancel SR-22 coverage early.
How Can I Check the Status of My SR-22 Insurance?
To verify your SR-22 filing is active and valid, you can:
- Call The General’s customer service line – they’ll lookup your status
- Contact your local DMV office directly
- Review your policy documents and SR-22 certificate
- Check your online account with The General
As long as your policy is paid and up-to-date, your SR-22 filing should remain fulfilled. The General will notify you in advance of any pending policy cancellation that could jeopardize your SR-22 status.
Does SR-22 Insurance Ever Lapse?
SR-22 insurance can lapse if you stop paying your premium. If this happens, The General will send you cancellation notices informing you that we must cancel your policy.
Once the cancellation takes effect, The General is required to notify the state that your SR-22 insurance is no longer active. This results in suspension of your license again.
To avoid SR-22 lapse, carefully review any billing notices from The General and keep your account up-to-date. Set up autopay or make annual payments to ensure continual coverage.
How Do I Cancel SR-22 Insurance Once My Term Ends?
About two months before your mandated SR-22 term ends, The General will send you a notice asking if you’d like to renew your policy or cancel.
If you opt to cancel, we will automatically file the appropriate SR-26 form confirming that your SR-22 obligation has been satisfied. This prevents your license from being suspended when the policy cancels.
You can also contact The General’s customer service team
What If I No Longer Own a Vehicle?
Maybe the accident that made you need to file an SR-22 also totaled your car, and you still haven’t gotten a new one. For example, you might not have your own car but can use someone else’s and drive it often. If that person lives with you, the rules are different. But if they are a friend lending you their car, you will still need insurance and an SR-22. In this situation, you should buy a non-owner insurance policy, which typically only covers liability.
If you borrow a car from a family member, like a parent, most insurance companies will want your name on their policy.
Common Misconceptions Around SR-22 Insurance
First, it’s important to note that an SR-22 is not a type of auto insurance, even though it’s called that. It’s actually a certificate showing proof that a driver has car insurance. In some states, the SR-22 is also called a certificate of financial responsibility. It tells the state Department of Motor Vehicles that the driver has the required minimum liability insurance.
Is SR-22 just a form name, or does it mean something? SR stands for “safety responsibility,” which is a good way to describe the document. It’s also known as an SR-22 bond or certificate. Another acronym for the SR-22 is “CFR,” which stands for certificate of responsibility.
People who have committed certain crimes or traffic violations are the only ones who need to fill out an SR-22 form (or have their auto insurance company do it for them). If you have to have an SR-22 and then cancel your car insurance, your insurance company has to tell the state right away that you no longer have coverage with them. The same may hold true if you miss an insurance payment that results in a lapse in coverage. The insurer files an SR-26 form, which cancels out the SR-22 filing. In turn, the state may suspend your license right away.
Note that an SR-26 form is also filed when the SR-22 filing is no longer needed. In this case, filing an SR-26 does not lead to a license suspension because you are now a normal driver. You still need to have car insurance, but you usually don’t have to file an SR-22 anymore unless you get into another serious violation.
SR-22 regulations are not uniform. They can vary greatly from state to state while some states may not require SR-22 certificates at all. For example, when your SR-22 filing starts is very much a state matter. You may need to file an SR-22 form as soon as you’ve been convicted of a traffic violation. Other states may require that the filing occur soon after an accident or license suspension. In some states, the driver doesn’t have to file the SR-22 form until they get their license back and can drive again.
Contact your state’s Department of Insurance if you have any questions about the SR-22 laws in your state.
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FAQ
What company has the cheapest SR-22?
How long is SR-22 Missouri?
Why is general insurance so expensive?
Who typically has the cheapest car insurance?
Does the general® file SR-22 auto insurance?
You can count on The General® to take care of your SR-22 auto insurance filing requirements. In some states, we can even file the SR-22 form with the state electronically, often on the day you buy your policy from us. The General® includes the SR-22 insurance form when you purchase our car insurance online.
What does SR-22 mean in car insurance?
It’s actually a certificate showing proof that a driver has car insurance. Also known as a certificate of financial responsibility, the SR-22 shows the state Department of Motor Vehicles that the driver currently carries the state’s minimum amount of liability insurance. Does SR-22 mean anything, or is it simply a form name?
Do I need SR22 insurance?
SR-22 insurance policies only require drivers to purchase the state minimum, which will vary depending on where you live. Learn about SR22 insurance from The General® Car Insurance. Do you need SR22 car insurance to get back on the road? Request an SR22 insurance quote today!
Who has the cheapest SR-22 insurance quotes?
USAA, State Farm and Country Financial have the cheapest SR-22 insurance quotes. An SR-22 is a document that proves to the state that you have enough car insurance.