What an SR-22 filing company does
An SR-22 filing company is a business that submits a form called an SR-22 to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles on your behalf. The SR-22 itself is not insurance — it is a certificate of financial responsibility that proves to the state you have auto insurance that meets the legal minimum. When a court or DMV orders you to file one, you cannot straightforward buy insurance and call it done. Your insurance company has to file the SR-22 form directly with the state, and a filing company handles that step for you if your regular insurance agent does not offer the service.
Most people do not need a filing company. If you already have auto insurance, your insurance agent can file the SR-22 for free as part of your policy. A filing company becomes useful only when your insurance company will not file it, or when you need to file one before you have found an insurance company yet. Some filing companies also help you understand what the SR-22 means and what happens next, though that is a service you can get for free from your state's DMV website or a local insurance agent.
Key Takeaways
- An SR-22 is a form your state requires after certain driving violations or license suspensions, and your insurance company files it with the DMV at no extra cost.
- A filing company charges a fee to submit the SR-22 form if your insurance company will not do it, typically between $15 and $50 depending on your state.
- You must have an active auto insurance policy before an SR-22 can be filed, whether you file it yourself through your insurer or through a filing company.
- The SR-22 stays on file for the length of time your state requires, usually three years, and you must maintain continuous coverage or the filing lapses and you may face penalties.
When your state requires an SR-22
Your state orders an SR-22 filing after specific driving events. The most common reason is a DUI or DWI conviction. A reckless driving conviction, multiple traffic violations within a short time, or driving without insurance can also trigger the requirement. Some states order an SR-22 after you accumulate too many points on your license. A few states require one if you cause an accident and cannot pay the damages out of pocket.
The court or DMV will tell you directly that you need to file one. You will receive a written order, usually called a notice or citation, that states the requirement and the important date. That important date is often 10 to 30 days from the date of the order, though it varies by state and by the specific violation. If you miss the important date, your license suspension continues or your driving privileges do not get restored.
How to get an SR-22 filed
The standard route is to contact your current auto insurance company and ask them to file the SR-22. Tell them the date the state ordered it and provide the order itself if you have it. Your insurance agent will submit the form to the DMV at no charge. This takes one to three business days in most states. Once the DMV receives it, you will get a confirmation letter in the mail.
If your insurance company refuses to file it — which is rare but can happen if they are dropping your policy — you have two options. First, find a new insurance company that will insure you and ask them to file the SR-22 as part of setting up your policy. Second, use a filing company. A filing company will charge you a fee, usually $15 to $50 depending on your state, and will submit the form once you provide proof of insurance. You still need an active policy; the filing company does not provide insurance itself.
To use a filing company, search online for "SR-22 filing" plus your state name. You will find several options. They will ask for your driver's license number, the date of your violation, your state, and proof that you have insurance. Provide your insurance policy number or a declarations page from your insurer. The filing company then submits the SR-22 to your state's DMV. Keep a copy of the confirmation for your records.
What happens after the SR-22 is filed
Once the DMV receives the SR-22, your license suspension typically ends and you can drive legally again. You will receive a letter from the DMV confirming that the filing was received. This letter is important — keep it with your insurance documents. Your insurance company will also send you confirmation that they filed it.
The SR-22 stays active for the length of time your state requires, most commonly three years from the date it was filed. During this time, you must keep your auto insurance active without any lapses. If your policy cancels or lapses for even one day, the insurance company must notify the DMV, and your license suspension restarts. You will have to file a new SR-22 to restore your driving privileges again. For this reason, pay your insurance premiums on time and contact your insurer when ready if you have any changes to your policy.
The cost of using a filing company versus your insurance company
Using your insurance company to file the SR-22 costs nothing. They file it as a service included with your policy. Using a filing company costs between $15 and $50, depending on your state and the company you choose. Some filing companies charge a flat fee; others charge per filing if you need to file more than once.
The fee is worth paying only if your insurance company will not file it for you. If you are shopping for a new insurance company after a violation, ask each company whether they will file the SR-22 before you buy a policy. Most will, and you will avoid the filing company fee. If you are in a situation where your current insurer will not file it and you cannot find another company quickly, a filing company can get the form submitted within a day or two, which may prevent your license suspension from continuing.
How to find an insurance company that will work with you
After a DUI, reckless driving conviction, or other serious violation, some mainstream insurance companies will not insure you. You may need to look for a company that specializes in high-risk drivers. These companies charge higher premiums, but they will insure you and will file the SR-22 at no extra cost.
Start by calling your current insurance company and asking if they will keep you or if they are dropping you. If they are dropping you, ask for a list of companies they recommend for high-risk drivers. You can also search online for "high-risk auto insurance" plus your state name, or call your state's insurance commissioner's office for a list of companies licensed to write policies in your state. Once you find a company willing to insure you, ask them to file the SR-22 as part of your new policy.
What to do if the filing company or insurance company makes a mistake
If you file the SR-22 and your license does not get restored within two weeks, contact the DMV directly to check the status. Ask whether they received the filing and whether it was processed correctly. If the filing company or insurance company made an error — such as filing it under the wrong name or driver's license number — you will need to have them file a corrected form. This usually takes another one to three business days.
If your insurance lapses and the company notifies the DMV, your license suspension restarts when ready. You will need to file a new SR-22 to restore your driving privileges. This is why it is critical to keep your insurance active and to pay your premiums on time. If you are having trouble affording your insurance, contact your insurance company to discuss payment options or discounts you may not know about.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file an SR-22 without having insurance?
No. You must have an active auto insurance policy before the SR-22 can be filed. The form itself is proof that you have insurance; it cannot exist without it. If you do not have insurance yet, find a company that will insure you first, then have them file the SR-22.
How long does an SR-22 stay on my record?
Most states require the SR-22 to stay on file for three years from the date it was filed. Some states require it for longer or shorter periods depending on the violation. Check with your state's DMV to find out the exact length of time for your situation.
What happens if my insurance lapses while I have an SR-22?
Your insurance company must notify the DMV when ready if your policy lapses. The DMV will suspend your license again, and you will have to file a new SR-22 to restore your driving privileges. This is why paying your premiums on time is critical.
Do I need a filing company if my insurance company will file the SR-22?
No. If your insurance company will file the SR-22 for you at no cost, there is no reason to pay a filing company. Ask your insurance agent to file it before you contact a filing company.
Can a filing company help me get insurance?
No. A filing company only submits the SR-22 form to the DMV. They do not provide insurance or help you find an insurance company. You must find insurance on your own, then use the filing company only if your insurance company will not file the SR-22.