What SR-22 insurance is and why you need it
An SR-22 is a certificate that proves you have liability insurance. You don't buy SR-22 insurance itself — instead, you ask your insurance company to file an SR-22 form with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles on your behalf. The state requires this certificate when you've had certain driving violations, like a DUI, reckless driving, or driving without insurance.
The SR-22 tells the DMV that you carry the minimum liability coverage your state requires. It's a way for the state to monitor that you stay insured. If your insurance lapses, your insurer must notify the DMV when ready, and your license can be suspended again. This is why SR-22 is sometimes called "high-risk" insurance — you're being watched more closely than a typical driver.
How long you need to carry an SR-22 varies by state and by violation. Most states require it for three years, though some require five or seven years for serious violations. Your state's DMV website will tell you the exact length for your situation.
Key Takeaways
- You obtain an SR-22 by contacting an insurance company, getting a policy, and asking them to file the SR-22 form with your DMV — you cannot file it yourself.
- Not all insurance companies offer SR-22 filings, so you may need to call several or use an agency that specializes in high-risk drivers.
- SR-22 insurance costs more than standard insurance because you are considered higher risk, but the price varies widely by company and your driving history.
- If your insurance lapses even for one day while you need an SR-22, your insurer reports it to the DMV and your license suspension can restart.
- The SR-22 requirement lasts a set number of years depending on your state and violation type — typically three to seven years.
Finding an insurance company that files SR-22 forms
Start by calling your current insurance company and asking whether they file SR-22 forms. Many standard insurers do, but some do not. If yours does not, or if they dropped you after your violation, you'll need to find a new company.
Look for insurers that specifically advertise SR-22 filing. Companies like Dairyland, Acceptance Insurance, Bristol West, and National General are known for insuring high-risk drivers, but availability and pricing vary by state. Your state's insurance commissioner's office can provide a list of licensed insurers in your state — search "[your state] insurance commissioner" online to find their website.
You can also contact an independent insurance agent who works with multiple companies. Agents often have relationships with insurers that specialize in SR-22 and can shop rates for you. This usually costs you nothing — the agent is paid by the insurance company, not by you.
What information you'll need to provide
When you contact an insurance company to get a quote, have your driver's license ready and be prepared to describe the violation that triggered the SR-22 requirement. You'll also need to provide your vehicle identification number (VIN), which is on your registration or dashboard, and your driving history.
The insurer will ask about any accidents or violations in the past three to five years. Be honest — insurers check your driving record anyway, and lying can void your policy later. They'll also ask how you use your vehicle (commute, pleasure, business) and how many miles you drive per year, because these affect the rate.
Have your Social Security number available. The company will run a credit check as part of underwriting, which may affect the quote they give you.
How the SR-22 filing actually happens
Once you've purchased a policy, tell your insurance agent or company that you need an SR-22 filed with your DMV. The company will file the form electronically or by mail — you don't do this yourself. Ask the company for confirmation that the SR-22 has been filed and when the DMV should receive it. This usually takes a few business days.
Some companies charge a small fee to file the SR-22, typically $15 to $25. Ask about this when you get your quote so there are no surprises. The fee is separate from your insurance premium.
Once filed, the SR-22 stays active as long as your policy stays active. If you switch insurance companies later, your new insurer can file a new SR-22, and your old insurer will file a cancellation notice with the DMV. You don't need to do anything — the insurers handle the paperwork.
What happens if your insurance lapses
This is the most important thing to understand: if your insurance policy lapses for even one day while you're required to carry an SR-22, your insurer must report the lapse to the DMV within a set timeframe (usually 10 to 30 days, depending on your state). The DMV will then suspend your license again.
To avoid this, set up automatic payments for your premium so you never miss a due date. If you're having trouble affording the premium, contact your insurer when ready to discuss payment plans or other options — don't just stop paying. Some companies offer monthly payment plans that make the cost more manageable.
If you do miss a payment and your license gets suspended, you'll have to go through the reinstatement process again, which may include paying a reinstatement fee to your DMV and proving you have insurance once more.
Cost and how long you'll need SR-22
SR-22 insurance costs more than standard insurance because insurers view you as higher risk. How much more depends on your state, your specific violation, your age, your driving record, and the company you choose. Some drivers pay 50 percent more; others pay double or triple. The only way to know is to get quotes from multiple companies.
The length of time you must carry SR-22 is set by your state and the type of violation. A first DUI in many states requires three years of SR-22. A second DUI might require five or seven years. Reckless driving or driving without insurance typically requires three years. Check your DMV's website or call them to confirm the exact requirement for your situation.
After the required period ends, you can drop the SR-22 filing, but you still need to maintain insurance. Your rates may gradually decrease as time passes and you build a clean driving record, but they won't return to pre-violation levels when ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get SR-22 insurance if I don't own a car?
Yes. You can purchase a non-owner SR-22 policy, which covers you when you drive any car you don't own. This is useful if you use rental cars or borrow vehicles regularly. Non-owner policies are typically cheaper than owner policies because they cover less risk, but availability varies by state.
What if I can't afford the SR-22 insurance premium?
Contact your insurer and ask about payment plans, discounts for bundling policies, or discounts for completing a defensive driving course. Some states allow you to request a hardship waiver from the DMV if you genuinely cannot afford insurance, though this is rare and the process varies by state. Call your DMV to ask whether this option exists where you live.
Do I need to tell my employer about the SR-22?
Only if your job involves driving or if your employer requires you to maintain certain insurance. If you drive for work, your employer's insurance policy may have specific requirements. Otherwise, the SR-22 is between you and your state — it doesn't appear on your personal credit report or background check.
Can I switch insurance companies while I have an SR-22?
Yes. When you switch, your new insurer files a new SR-22 with the DMV, and your old insurer files a cancellation. Make sure your new policy is active before your old one ends so there's no gap in coverage. Contact your new insurer to confirm they've filed the SR-22 before you cancel the old policy.
What happens after the SR-22 requirement ends?
Once the required period is over, you can ask your insurer to stop filing the SR-22 form. You still need to maintain insurance — that requirement doesn't end. Your rates will likely still be higher than they were before your violation, but they should begin to decrease over time as your driving record improves.