If you’ve been charged with a DUI or have a history of other driving violations, you may need to sign up for SR-22 insurance. An SR-22 is a form you submit to confirm you have the minimum amount of car insurance needed in your state. Most states require certain types of high-risk drivers to file an SR-22 to ensure they’re covered in case of an accident. However, not all states have the same SR-22 requirements. If you’re wondering when SR-22 insurance is required and what having an SR-22 means in your state, read on to learn more.
Why Might You Need SR-22 Insurance?
You might need SR-22 insurance if you have been convicted of a driving-related infraction like DUI. SR-22 insurance refers to insurance policies that meet your state’s minimum liability requirements. Specifically, it’s for drivers who are required by the state to submit proof of insurance. There are several reasons that you might need to secure SR-22 insurance:
- Having a DUI, DWI, or a similar charge
- Being convicted of driving without insurance
- Driving without a valid license
- Accumulating several driving and traffic violations
Some states may also require you to have an SR-22 as a penalty for unpaid child support. If your license was suspended because of a DUI or other driving violations, filing an SR-22 is one of the requirements for getting it reinstated.
States That Require SR-22 Insurance
So which states require SR-22 insurance? Here are the states and districts where you’re required to file an SR-22 form in certain situations:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oregon
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Each of these states has its own specifications for what situations require SR-22 insurance and the length of time you’ll need to maintain your SR-22.
Here are the states that don’t currently require SR-22 insurance for high-risk drivers:
- Delaware
- Kentucky
- Maryland
- Minnesota
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- West Virginia
Keep in mind that even if your state doesn’t require you to submit an SR-22 form, you may still be required to carry minimum liability insurance for your car. Some states will also require you to have SR-22 insurance in their state if you had a major violation in another state. Carefully review your state’s laws surrounding high-risk drivers to ensure you understand your insurance obligations.
Find Cheap SR-22 Auto Insurance Quotes
SR-22 Laws and How They Vary by State
When comparing SR-22 laws from state to state, you may wonder which states have the toughest DUI laws. The main difference is not the laws so much, but the length of time you’ll need to keep your SR-22 active. The most common filing period is three years, with 26 states requiring drivers to maintain their SR-22 insurance for three years. Here’s a breakdown of the filing requirements for states that don’t have the standard three-year requirement:
- In Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Ohio, and Tennessee, you need an SR-22 for three to five years, depending on the severity of the offense.
- Connecticut and North Dakota only require SR-22 insurance for one year.
- Texas and Iowa have a two-year filing period.
- Missouri has a two- to three-year filing period.
- Kansas has a one- to three-year filing period.
- Massachusetts only requires you to file an SR-22 if you have an SR-22 requirement in another state, and the period can range from one to five years.
- In Alaska, the period can range from three to 20 years, with each subsequent offense involving a longer filing period.
Some states may require you to file additional forms depending on your situation. For example, Florida only requires an SR-22 for certain driving violations. If you get a DUI, you’ll need to file a similar form called an FR-44, which involves higher minimum insurance requirements compared to an SR-22.
Unraveling SR-22 Requirements
When the state asks you to have an SR-22 on file, you are being asked to prove that your car insurance meets minimum requirements. In most states, minimum coverage involves liability insurance for property damage and bodily injury. Your SR-22 requirement may also include elements like:
- Uninsured motorist coverage
- Personal injury protection
- Medical payments coverage
The exact amount of coverage you need varies by state, but here are some general ranges you can expect:
- $15,000 to $50,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person
- $30,000 to $100,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per accident
- $5,000 to $25,000 in property damage liability coverage per accident
Review your state’s laws to learn how much coverage you need to fulfill your SR-22. Insurance companies that have experience with SR-22-compliant policies can also help you find a policy that meets the requirements of your state.
The Impact of SR-22 on Your Car Insurance
Being required to file an SR-22 usually makes your insurance rates go up. When you have an SR-22, you’re considered a driver who needs high-risk auto insurance, whether it’s due to repeated traffic violations or a DUI. This means that insurance companies are taking on more risk by offering you a policy, so they’ll typically charge you a higher premium. You should prepare to have increased rates for the entire SR-22 requirement. However, you can still find ways to make your insurance more affordable.
Driving a car that’s more affordable to insure and comparing SR-22 policies in your area can help you find an option you can afford. You may even start driving a scooter or moped, which often have cheaper insurance policies than cars.
Secure Affordable SR-22 Insurance With SR-22 Adviser
If you need SR-22 insurance for your car, work with a knowledgeable insurance provider like SR-22 Adviser. Reach out to our partner today for a quote that meets your state’s requirements and fits in with your budget.