Auto Insurance SR22

Overview Of SR22 Auto Insurance

by Jessica Caine

Auto Insurance

If you are a high risk driver required by your state to carry SR22 auto insurance coverage, you might have a more difficult time obtaining auto insurance, especially at an affordable rate. Many companies are reluctant to provide coverage for DUI, DWI, or other high risk drivers, while others specialize in this market. You want to find a good auto insurance rate, but you’re also looking for a company that will treat you with dignity, regardless of your high risk status.

Auto Insurance SR22 Background

An SR22 is a certification issued by your auto insurance company which provides verification to your state that you carry auto insurance that meets the state’s minimum liability requirements. You will be notified by your state if you are required to obtain an SR22 filing. It provides certification for high risk insurance customers if you are involved in an auto accident and don’t have insurance, or if the accident is deemed to be a result of excessive violations. SR22s are also associated with:

DUI, DWI, or other serious moving violations
Suspended or revoked drivers license

How Long You Will Be Required To Carry SR22 Certification

The requirements vary from state to state, and also by the seriousness of your offense. Typically, you will be required to maintain cheap SR22 auto insurance coverage for three years. You are required to carry continuous coverage during the period of time before your SR22 status is removed. If you cancel the auto insurance policy prior to the termination date, your insurance company will be required to file an SR26 form to notify your state that you do not have auto insurance any longer.

If you are required to carry auto insurance SR22 certification in one state and move to a different state, you must still fulfill the period for the first state. The insurance policy for the new state must meet the first state’s minimum liability requirements.

What You Need

If you are required to obtain an SR22 certification, you want an auto insurance company that helps you:

Obtain proper documentation to satisfy your state’s SR22 filing requirements
Find an affordable auto insurance policy
Get back on the road as quickly as possible

In some states, you will be required to pay a fee to file SR22. Although the requirement is similar across different states, check with your insurance agent to verify the requirements for your particular state.

SR22 Filing Services

First, look for an auto insurance company that provides SR22 Filings in your state. When you are obtaining the auto insurance quote, inform the company that an SR22 filing will be required. The form will be provided with your policy documents, whether you have applied for your auto insurance policy online or in-person with an agent. If you purchase the policy online, you should be able to obtain the form in minutes. However, be aware that some auto insurance companies will not provide SR22 forms online, requiring that you purchase the insurance in person or by phone.

Comparison Shopping

Insurance rate increases can be extremely high following a DUI/DWI or other mandatory SR22 offense. Most major carriers either drop coverage for these drivers or drop them to a high risk carrier subsidiary. Your rates can increase dramatically, as much as 400%. It’s important to comparison shop so you can learn what standard and non-standard insurance companies charge for an SR22 filing.

What To Do If You No Longer Own a Car

If you are required to complete a SR22 filing but will no longer be driving, you can purchase a non-owners policy. Even if you no longer own a car, you will still be required to follow the SR22 requirement; however, this does not have to be purchased in conjunction with an auto insurance policy.