Our experts answer readers' insurance questions and write unbiased product reviews (here's how we assess insurance products). In some cases, we receive a commission from our partners; however, our opinions are our own.
Image Source/Getty Images
- SR-22s may be required if you're caught driving without insurance.
- Drivers with DUIs and other high-risk incidents may be subject to an SR-22.
- The state decides how long you'll be required to provide an SR-22.
What is an SR-22?
If you have had a major accident or DUI, your state may require you to get an SR-22 from your car insurance company.
Although it is commonly referred to as SR-22 insurance, it is not insurance. SR-22 is a certification typically required for high-risk drivers that states they've secured the minimum insurance coverage required by law. This form has to be renewed regularly until your state specifies otherwise. The car insurance provider files it with the state's DMV, declaring that the driver has minimum coverage.
Whether you stick to the minimum liability or buy collision and comprehensive car insurance coverages, you should expect the cost of car insurance to rise substantially. It's sometimes referred to as "proof of financial responsibility. While an SR-22 is often related to one mistake, the state can require updated forms for years.
Who needs an SR-22?
An SR-22 is only required once something happens that makes you a high-risk driver. It's not needed at routine traffic stops in the way your insurance card might be. A few examples of contributing incidents include:
- DUI or DWI: Even one DUI could result in years of SR-22 requirements. While many people are prone to the belief that the drive is "not that far" or they're "not that drunk," an SR-22 is just one of the potential costs of being wrong.
- Reckless driving: Reckless driving is typically determined by police on the scene. Some departments classify it as multiple incidents occurring in the same timeline or separate offenses beyond a certain threshold (ex: speeding in a school zone or going more than 20 mph over the speed limit).
- At-fault accidents: Generally, an accident alone does not trigger an SR-22. Accidents will likely trigger an SR-22 if some other named errors apply.
- Driving without insurance: Unfortunately, more uninsured or underinsured drivers are on the road yearly. If you're caught driving without insurance, it's virtually guaranteed that you'll need to get an SR-22. This applies to adults who don't buy insurance or parents who fail to add their teen drivers to an existing auto insurance policy.
- Driving with a suspended license: If your license is suspended, you may already need an SR-22 when the suspension is lifted. But driving while your license is suspended is an easy way to ensure you'll be stuck with the extra cost and burden of an SR-22 in the future. Remember that your current insurance will not cover you even if you have collision and comprehensive car insurance if you drive without an active driver's license.
How much does SR-22 cost?
Some car insurance providers charge a nominal fee for an SR-22 certification form. Other car insurance providers offer it free to customers. However, the cost most people think of is not for the paper but rather in your monthly rates. Even at this stage, you can compare car insurance quotes to find the most competitive options.
| Company | Average Annual Rates | Annual Rate with SR-22 DUI |
| GEICO | $1,016 | $2,982 |
| Nationwide | $1,628 | $3,364 |
| Farmers | $1,666 | $2,727 |
| State Farm | $1,186 | $1,889 |
| Allstate | $1,898 | $2,931 |
| Progressive | $1,156 | $2,246 |
Data from Insurance.com
How do you get an SR-22 certification?
The only way to get an SR-22 certification is through your car insurance provider. However, if your provider does not cover high-risk drivers, you may need to find a new insurance company that offers SR-22 certification and insurance. This is especially common with smaller carriers due to the limited risk said companies can take on.
Many auto insurance companies allow you to request this form over the phone or online. However, we caution all readers to refrain from calling their insurance company to get an idea of the cost ahead of time. Unfortunately, many car insurance companies include contract clauses that allow agents to file claims or adjust your policy based on phone calls.
This applies even when you do not ask them to file the claim or make the change. If you present this type of warning, your auto insurance company could raise your rates preemptively or choose not to renew your policy.
If your state requires an SR-22 certification, your insurance premium rates will likely increase because SR-22 drivers are considered high-risk. Comparing quotes is still essential, but you'll have fewer companies to compare. Do not be surprised if you are asked to contact an agent.
How much coverage do I need with an SR-22 certification?
An SR-22 verifies that you meet the state minimums. In short, the state wants to confirm you'll protect other parties if you cause an accident. If you're leasing or financing your car, your lender may require full car insurance coverage. However, any coverage beyond state minimums is at your discretion if your loan is paid off.
In this situation, cutting coverage may seem like an easy way to get cheap car insurance. We caution against this. Having medical coverage for yourself can save you a lot of hassle later. Even if you have an older car, don't overestimate your ability to replace your vehicle without comprehensive or collision coverage. All these things will determine how much coverage you need compared to the coverage required by an SR-22.