Many people may be unfamiliar with SR22 insurance. Perhaps you know someone who required it at some point in their life. Or perhaps you are that person. We’ll try to answer some of your queries on this matter. Your state Department of Motor Vehicles may require you to obtain SR-22 paperwork, also known as a Certificate of Financial Responsibility if your driver’s license has been suspended. An SR-22 certifies the acquisition of automobile insurance coverage required by the state for driving privilege reinstatement.
What is SR-22 insurance?
An SR-22 is proof of insurance that shows you have car insurance. It’s also known as SR-22 auto insurance or a certificate of financial responsibility (CFR) filing. An SR-22, whatever you call it, merely states that you have met your state’s vehicle insurance coverage requirements for driving during a specified period.
If you suffer a driving offense, such as a DUI or driving without insurance, your state may require you to obtain an SR-22 to demonstrate that you have minimum auto insurance. But you don’t have time to waste—you need to hurry to your destination. We can assist you by providing your SR-22 immediately and informing the state that you are covered—all with no filing charge.
SR-22 Insurance for Non-owners
If you don’t own a car but are considered a high-risk driver, you can get non-owner SR-22 insurance. Non-owner auto insurance protects drivers who do not own a vehicle, so you are protected even if you drive a rented or loaned vehicle. If you already have nonowner car insurance, contact your provider and request that an SR-22 be filed on your behalf. This will allow you to have your driver’s license reinstated. However, because nonowner car insurance isn’t available from every insurer, you may have difficulty acquiring coverage, especially if you have violations on your driving record.
Who Is Required to Have an SR-22 Certificate?
When an SR-22 is required, the requirements differ by jurisdiction, and not all states need drivers to have one.
In Texas, for example, drivers must submit an SR-22 with the state department of insurance if their license was suspended due to a car accident, they obtained a second or subsequent conviction for driving without liability insurance, or a civil judgment was filed against them. The state of Washington requires SR-22s for individuals who have been convicted of or forfeited bail for certain offenses, failed to pay judgments, or driven or owned a vehicle involved in an accident.
Once again, not everyone requires an SR-22. However, in general, you may be obliged to have one if you:
- Are discovered driving without a valid license or insurance
- Have a conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI)
- Have your license suspended owing to a high number of accidents or moving offenses.
- You owe unpaid child support payments issued by the court.
- Multiple repeat driving violations in a short period of time
- Are seeking a hardship or probationary driver’s license.
Keep in mind that even if you live and drive in another state, you may be obliged to have an SR-22 on file in the state where you have your license. Without proof of SR-22 coverage from your home state, you may be unable to obtain a license issued by another state in which you temporarily reside.
If you let your SR-22 certificate lapse, your license may be suspended. When an SR-22 expires or is canceled, certain states require insurance companies to notify them.
How Can You Get SR-22 Car Insurance?
The procedure for obtaining an SR-22 differs per state. Simply specify that you need to file an SR-22 when purchasing your auto insurance coverage, and we’ll take it from there. For us to file with your state, you must submit your driver’s license number or other identifying numbers.
How Long Do You Have to Have an SR-22 Certificate?
The amount of time you must keep an SR-22 certificate will also be determined by your state’s rules. In some states, for example, you may be able to cancel it within one year of having your license reinstated. Alternatively, you may need to store it for up to five years. Washington state halves the difference and requires three years.
If you require an SR-22, you must be aware of when the clock begins to tick. For example, the time period during which you must have the certificate may begin on the date your license was initially suspended. Or, as in Washington, it may not begin until you are eligible to reinstate your license.
Where Can I Get an SR-22 Certificate?
You cannot obtain an SR-22 certificate unless you first have a regular car insurance policy. This insurance must offer the bare minimum of liability coverage required by your state. You may need at least $25,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person, $50,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per accident, and $25,000 in property damage liability coverage.
Other types of coverage, like as collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, or underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage, may be optional in your state. However, obtaining additional coverage can provide you with more financial protection in the event of an accident.
Many insurance companies provide SR-22 certificates. The certificate itself is inexpensive, maybe no more than a $25 registration charge. However, your auto insurance policy is likely to be significantly more expensive than it was before you were forced to obtain the SR-22. This is because the insurance company regards you as a bigger risk.
If you’re looking for a new vehicle insurance policy, checking around may help you save money. Inform the insurance right away that you require an SR-22, just to ensure that the firm provides them.
The insurance provider will file an SR-22 certificate on your behalf with the state once you have obtained one. If you’ve met any other requirements imposed by your state, you should be eligible to have a suspended or revoked license reinstated at this time.
In Which States are SR-22 Required?
Each state has its unique criteria for SR-22 coverage for drivers, and all are subject to change. Contact your insurance carrier to determine your state’s current regulations and to ensure you have appropriate coverage.
How Long will you Require an SR-22?
Most states require drivers to have an SR-22 (proof of insurance) for three years. This may differ by state or circumstance, so be sure to research your state’s insurance laws and inquire with your insurance provider for specifics.
Which Companies Provide the Cheapest SR-22 Insurance Quotes?
The cost of your premium is determined by insurers based on your perceived risk. And, because SR-22s are typically needed after a significant driving offense, you’ll almost certainly notice increased rates following an SR-22.
Major insurance providers, such as USAA, State Farm, and Progressive, provide the most affordable rates for SR-22 drivers. Regional providers including as Farm Bureau, Erie, and American Family can provide low-cost SR-22 estimates if you live in an area served by these companies.
Any motor insurance company licensed in a state may file an SR-22, but it is not required to do so. Because an SR-22 requirement indicates that you are a hazardous driver, your insurer may opt to terminate your coverage if you require one. Even if your insurer chooses to keep your business, the driving offense that resulted in the SR-22 may cause your vehicle insurance rates to skyrocket.
If your present employer fires you, you’ll need to find a new one to file the SR-22 with, preferably one that won’t penalize you excessively for your conviction.
Non-traditional insurers
Nontraditional insurers, such as The General and SafeAuto, specialize in offering coverage to high-risk drivers, such as those who require an SR-22. Nonstandard insurers are an option to explore if you are unable to obtain coverage from a traditional insurance provider.
Even if it takes more effort to find an insurer that will cover you, it’s worth attempting to receive a quote from a normal insurer.
Nonstandard insurers often do not offer as many coverage options or savings as standard insurance, and their customer service is frequently rated low.
| Company | Annual rate | |
| 1 | Farm Bureau | $886 |
| 2 | Erie | $892 |
| 3 | USAA | $911 |
| 4 | American Family | $1,049 |
| 5 | Country Financial | $1,133 |
What is the Cost of an SR-22 in each State?
The charge for filing an SR-22 varies by state. It normally costs around $25, although it can range from $15 to $50. Because your motor insurance provider will submit the SR-22 for you, the fee will be passed on to you in the form of a bill.
Your SR-22 may be required for several years, but the filing fee is a one-time expense that you will not have to pay each time you renew your auto insurance. If your auto insurance policy lapses and you get new coverage, you must pay the cost again, and your new insurer must send proof of coverage to your state.
Because the same insurer may offer different SR-22 prices in different states, comparing quotes from numerous insurance companies is a smart method to ensure you’re receiving the best bargain.
In general, the impact of an SR-22 on your insurance will be less severe if the cause was minor — for example, a traffic infraction vs a DUI conviction. In some of the states in our survey, rates did not rise significantly after our sample motorist received a speeding ticket. We discovered that the cheapest SR-22 insurance is available in Ohio on average.
| State | Avg. cost per year | Speeding violation | DUI + accident |
| California | $1,830 | $3,060 | $7,794 |
| Texas | $1,230 | $1,242 | $2,298 |
| Florida | $1,576 | $2,424 | $3,384 |
| Illinois | $1,320 | $2,784 | $2,004 |
| Ohio | $824 | $856 | $1,848 |
The Cheapest SR-22 Companies by State
State Farm and USAA are typically the cheapest carriers for SR-22 insurance among the 12 insurers we investigated. Some states require proof of future coverage, which means you must pay your premium in full rather than in monthly installments.
And, while it is uncommon, you may be unable to find coverage at all after severe offenses. Most states provide high-risk insurance plans, which can be obtained through a local insurance agent.
| State | Cheapest insurer |
| Arizona | Progressive |
| California | Mercury |
| Florida | State Farm |
| Illinois | State Farm |
| Indiana | USAA |
| Ohio | Grange |
| Oregon | State Farm |
| South Carolina | State Farm |
What Happens If You Cancel Your SR-22 Policy?
If your coverage expires, your insurance carrier must notify the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Depending on your state of residency, this could result in the loss of your driver’s license or other consequences.
Making timely payments will help keep your policy from being canceled and will keep your insurance company from sending an SR-26 to the state. The state cancels the SR-22 with an SR-26. If you no longer require an SR-22, you must also file SR-26 paperwork to have the SR-22 removed.
Alternatives to SR-22 insurance
You may be required to file separate paperwork proving financial responsibility depending on your state and the severity of the infraction.
#1. SR-21 insurance
An SR-21 is paperwork that your insurer files to indicate that you have adequate coverage. It’s usually required after being involved in an accident or receiving a traffic penalty.
#2. SR-22A insurance
When drivers regularly breach financial responsibility regulations, Missouri, Georgia, and Texas need an SR-22A. This form requires drivers to have active insurance that has been paid in full for at least six months.
#3. FR-44 insurance
The FR-44, also known as the SR-44 in Florida and Virginia, is often required following a DUI conviction. It is essentially the same as the SR-22, except that the driver must carry twice the regular minimum liability coverage.
#4. SR-50 insurance
Only in Indiana is the SR-50 filing required. It functions similarly to an SR-22 in that it gives proof of coverage and allows you to get your license renewed if it has been suspended.
SR-22 Insurance FAQs
How long do you need an SR-22 in Texas?
You must keep a valid SR-22 for two years from the date of your most recent conviction or the date of a judgment against you. Failure to keep an SR-22 on file for at least two years without a break in coverage may result in extra enforcement actions and/or reinstatement fines.
Do I need an SR-22 to reinstate my license in Texas?
Yes. To have your driver’s license reinstated, you must: submit a valid SR-22 to the Department, and Pay the obligatory $100 Reinstatement cost before renewing or obtaining your driver’s license, as well as any other outstanding payments.
How much does SR-22 cost in Texas?
In Texas, SR-22 insurance costs an average of $826 per year, a 7% premium above conventional auto insurance rates. In addition to the additional price, filing an SR-22 form in Texas costs between $15 and $25, depending on the insurance carrier.
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