How long do you need sr22 insurance after a dui

An SR-22 insurance policy is a certificate of insurance that shows the department proof of insurance for the future, as required by law (AS 28.20.230). You may be required to obtain an SR-22 policy for reinstatement after your privileges to drive have been suspended or revoked. If you are required to show proof of SR-22 insurance filing before having your driver's license reinstated, you must obtain a copy of the SR-22 insurance binder (dated within the last 30 days) or application for the binder (dated within the last 30 days).

SR-22 is a motor vehicle liability insurance which requires the insurance company to certify coverage to the Division of Motor Vehicles, and the insurance company must notify DMV any time the policy is canceled, terminated or lapses.

You do not need to own a car to buy this kind of insurance. If you do not own a car, ask your insurance company about a non-owner SR-22 policy.

For most offenses, you must carry this kind of insurance policy for three years from the ending day of any revocation.

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Being required to file an SR-22 doesn’t mean you’re a “bad driver,” but it does mean you are considered a high-risk driver.

There are some very common reasons why you might be considered a high-risk driver and need to file an SR-22. For example, a DUI conviction or not paying court-ordered child support could land you in SR-22 territory.

If you’ve been told by your state that you must get an SR-22, you’re probably wondering how to do it—and when you can get out from under it.

What Is an SR-22?

The term “SR-22 insurance” is misleading. An SR-22 is not insurance, although it will affect your auto insurance. It is a form the insurer files with your state that proves you have the state’s minimum car liability insurance requirements. This form might also be called an “SR-22 bond” or “certificate of financial responsibility.”

To add confusion, some states (such as Florida and Virginia) call this form an FR-44, though it is essentially the same document.

Who Needs an SR-22?

An SR-22 is typically ordered by a court or state. You’ll either be notified by the judge or you’ll get a letter from your state DMV. Here are some common reasons you might be required to file an SR-22:

  • Conviction for driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs
  • Serious traffic offenses (like reckless driving) or repeat traffic offenses
  • Causing too many car accidents
  • Causing a car accident while driving without insurance
  • Having your license revoked or suspended
  • Having a hardship license, such as a temporary license that restricts your driving hours because of a license revocation or suspension
  • Not paying court-ordered child support

How Do I Get an SR-22?

Since an SR-22 is a document that shows you have the minimum required car insurance in your state, you’ll need to have car insurance before you can get the SR-22.

  • If you already have car insurance your insurer can file the document with your state. You’ll be charged a fee for this service, and not all car insurance companies will do an SR-22, so you may have to switch insurers.
  • If you need to buy car insurance you will have to let the insurer know about the SR-22 requirement. The policy application should have a question like “need an SR-22 or Certificate of Financial Responsibility?” Your new insurer will file the SR-22 on your behalf (for a fee), if they accept SR-22 drivers.

Which Companies Offer SR-22s?

Here are some insurance companies that will generally be willing to file SR-22s:

In some states, you may be required to file an SR-22 even if you don’t own a car or before the state restores your driving privileges if your license was suspended. You may be able to purchase a non-owners car insurance policy to meet this requirement and get the SR-22.

How Much Does an SR-22 Cost?

The cost to file an SR-22 is relatively inexpensive and typically costs about $25, depending on your state and insurance company.

Where you’ll likely see a cost increase is in your auto insurance rates. The increase will be tied to whatever problem brought on the SR-22.

For example, if you’ve caused too many car accidents, racked up moving violations, been caught driving without insurance or have a DUI conviction, you’re going to pay more for car insurance regardless of the SR-22.

Here are cost examples of SR-22 insurance for a driver with a DUI conviction. Most of the cost increase is based on the DUI.

Average Cost of SR-22 Insurance With a DUI

If your SR-22 was not related to driving conviction or a lapse in your insurance history, an SR-22 might not have a huge impact on your car insurance rates. For example, if a judge orders you to file an SR-22 because you didn’t pay child support, that won’t affect your auto insurance rates.

How to Get a Cheap SR-22 Insurance Quote

The problem that brought on your SR-22 requirement will factor into your car insurance rates, but not all car insurance companies treat these problems the same. For example, a DUI conviction might be a modest bump at one insurer yet cost you thousands of dollars more at another.

That’s why it’s crucial to compare car insurance quotes from multiple companies. You can get free quotes online or by speaking with an independent insurance agent.

How Long Do I Need to Have an SR-22?

The requirements for an SR-22 will vary by state, but generally you’ll have to retain both your SR-22 and car insurance policy for at least three years. Here are some things to keep in mind:

  • Failure to comply with the terms of an SR-22 could result in your driver’s license being suspended.
  • If your car insurance policy lapses or expires during the term of your SR-22, your insurance company is required to notify your state’s DMV. Your license will remain suspended until your insurance is reinstated.

Once you meet the terms of the SR-22 for the time period required, your SR-22 status will be removed.

How Do I Get My SR-22 Removed?

You will likely need to have an SR-22 for three years or longer, depending on your state. But once your SR-22 requirement is fulfilled, it might not automatically drop from your insurance. Make sure to call your insurance company and ask them to remove the SR-22 (and fee) from your policy.

SR-22 Insurance FAQ

What’s the difference between an SR-22 and proof of insurance?

An SR-22 is technically a proof of insurance, but it’s different from a standard proof of insurance.

An SR-22 is a form that you must file with your state that proves you have at least the state’s required minimum auto insurance. A state or a court could order you to file an SR-22 for reasons such as a DUI conviction, at-fault accidents or driving without insurance.

What if I don’t own a car but I’m ordered to file an SR-22?

If your state or a judge orders you to file an SR-22 form but you don’t own a car, look into non-owner car insurance. With a non-owner policy, you’ll have your state’s minimum liability car insurance and be able to show proof of insurance.

Is an FR-44 the same thing as an SR-22?

An FR-44 is essentially the same form as an SR-22, but with a different name. An FR-44 form is used in Florida and Virginia.

How much will an SR-22 increase my insurance?

The fee for the SR-22 filing itself is nominal but the problem that caused the SR-22 requirement will usually result in higher insurance rates.

For example, if your state requires an SR-22 because of a DUI conviction, you can expect a pretty big increase in insurance costs due to the DUI. Our analysis of insurance rates shows a driver with a DUI and SR-22 can expect an average annual increase of $1,500 per year compared to a driver with a clean driving record and no SR-22.

How long is SR

In most cases, the State of Louisiana will require you to maintain an SR-22 for a minimum of three years. If you fail to maintain proof of future financial responsibility, your driving privileges may be suspended.

How long does SR

The DOL can require the SR-22 certificate to be on file for up to three (3) years. It is imperative that you do not cancel your policy or allow it to lapse during the three-year requirement.

How long do I need SR

In Wisconsin, You Have to Have an SR-22 for a Minimum of Three Years. There is a lot of confusion surrounding both SR-22s and OWI offenses in general. An SR-22 is a form that your insurance company files with the DMV to certify that you are insured after being classified as a high-risk driver.

How much is an SR

Minimum coverage SR-22 insurance in California costs about $1,857 per year on average when an SR-22 form was filed due to a DUI. In contrast, a similar California auto insurance policy without an SR-22 form costs an average of only $643. If you're looking for cheap SR-22 insurance in California, you have options.