The question “Do I Need SR22 And Regular Insurance” often arises for drivers facing license issues or at-fault accidents; understanding how SR-22 requirements interact with standard auto insurance is crucial for legal compliance and cost management.
Direct Answer
An SR-22 is not a separate form of car insurance; it is a certificate your insurer files with the state to prove you carry the required liability coverage after certain driving violations.
You do not need two separate “policies”—SR-22 coverage is regular car insurance plus the SR-22 filing attached to it.
If you are mandated to have an SR-22, your insurer updates your existing policy and files the SR-22 with your DMV or licensing authority (varies by state).
Driving without both required insurance and SR-22 filing can result in license suspension or additional penalties.
The SR-22 comes with higher premiums (“sample/illustrative” increase: often $900+ annually), reflecting added risk.
Not all insurers file SR-22s, so you may need to switch companies if yours does not offer this service.
State minimum liability requirements still apply; confirm coverage meets or exceeds these limits via your state insurance department (official homepage).
SR-22 duration typically lasts three years but varies by state; confirm required timeframe on official channels.
Who This Policy Is For & Eligibility
Drivers ordered by a court or DMV to file an SR-22 after offenses such as DUI/DWI, driving uninsured, license suspension, or serious at-fault accidents.
Eligibility requires you obtain and maintain state-mandated minimum liability coverage; higher risk drivers may face stricter underwriting or be denied by some companies.
Your driving record, state regulations, and the specific violation determine the need for an SR-22 filing and for how long it must be maintained.
Non-owner SR-22 filings are available if you do not own a car but need to regain licensure.
SR-22 rules, filing fees, and minimum insurance requirements vary by state—always check with your state’s insurance department (official homepage) for current details.
Key Facts (At-a-Glance)
Item
Details
SR-22 Purpose
Certifies to the state that you maintain minimum liability insurance after violations.
Coverage Types
Liability (BI/PD), plus optional collision, comprehensive, UM/UIM, PIP/MedPay.
SR-22 Policy
Not a separate insurance policy; it is a rider or certificate on a regular policy.
Cost Impact
Premiums increase due to high-risk status; sample/illustrative increase: $900+ per year.
State Minimums
Vary by state (e.g., $30,000/$60,000/$15,000 in California); verify on your state’s insurance department page.
Filing Fee
One-time fee; amount varies, typically $15–$50 (sample/illustrative).
Filing Duration
Most states require SR-22 for three years; confirm specific period with DMV or state regulator.
Non-Owner SR-22
Available for drivers without vehicles but needing to reinstate driving privileges.
Exclusions
Failing to maintain coverage may result in automatic license suspension.
Pros
Allows drivers to regain or keep driving privileges when mandated by law.
Serves as proof of compliance with court or DMV orders for high-risk situations.
May help reduce penalties or maintain access to work and essential travel.
Non-owner SR-22 options allow for compliance even without personal vehicle ownership.
Cons
Premiums for SR-22 policies are significantly higher due to high-risk driver status.
Not all companies file SR-22s, limiting insurer choice.
Failure to pay premiums or dropping coverage will trigger license suspension notification to the state.
Maintaining SR-22 is mandatory for several years, requiring consistent payment and compliance.
Some states require additional fees or documentation, further increasing the cost and complexity.
Costs & How Pricing Works
Premium: The annual cost rises substantially after an SR-22 filing, reflecting increased risk and state-mandated coverage limits (sample/illustrative: $900+ increase per year).
Deductible: Applies to optional coverage (collision/comprehensive), not liability—the SR-22 impacts liability coverage minimum only.
Liability Limits: Each state sets its required minimums. SR-22 compliance means coverage must meet or exceed these levels.
Filing Fee: Insurers may charge a one-time administrative fee to file the SR-22 (sample/illustrative: $15–$50).
Other Pricing Factors: Age, driving history, credit-based insurance score (where permitted), vehicle type, and location all affect the total premium.
Non-Owner SR-22: Cheaper than owner policies, but only valid when you do not own a car—never misrepresent your status.
Payment Frequency: Some states require all premiums to be paid up front; lapses result in immediate notice of non-compliance to state authorities.
Claims & Repair Process
Report any accident or covered loss to your insurer immediately.
An adjuster reviews damage, gathers statements, and compiles documentation.
Repairs proceed at approved shops, or the vehicle may be declared a total loss based on actual cash value.
Rental coverage (if included) may apply during repairs, but check coverage type and policy limits.
Any lapse in filing, even if an accident is not your fault, can jeopardize license status and means immediate notification to the state.
State Rules & Minimums
Each state sets its own required minimum car insurance limits and SR-22 requirements. For example, California mandates $30,000 bodily injury per person, $60,000 per accident, and $15,000 property damage per accident.
States differ on how long SR-22 filings must be maintained and what triggers them (e.g., DUI/DWI, uninsured driving, etc.).
Some states use FR-44 (with higher coverage limits) instead of SR-22 for certain violations.
For up-to-date, state-specific guidelines, consult your state insurance department (official homepage) or the NAIC consumer resources (official).
Alternatives & Comparisons
Standard Liability Policy: For drivers not required to file SR-22, traditional policies suffice, often at lower premiums.
Non-Owner SR-22 Policy: For those needing to maintain coverage without owning a car, often less expensive but offers limited coverage only while driving vehicles not owned by the policyholder.
High-Risk Pool Coverage: In some states, drivers denied by standard insurers may access residual markets; these policies typically cost more than traditional options.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Feature
Standard Policy
SR-22 Attached Policy
Non-Owner SR-22
Coverage Scope
Meets state minimums or above; no state filing needed
Meets state minimums with SR-22 filing to DMV
Liability-only when driving non-owned cars; SR-22 filed
Typical Premium
Sample: $900/year
Sample: $1,800/year
Sample: $700/year
Deductible
Collision/Comp only
Collision/Comp only
Usually N/A; liability only
Exclusions
Standard exclusions, no DUI, uninsured, or suspension triggers
Same as standard, but stricter compliance
No coverage in owned vehicles, no physical damage
Claims Process
Standard insurer protocols
Same as standard, but lapse triggers DMV notice
Same, but limited to third-party liability
Quotes & Cost Drivers
Coverage limits required by your state and whether you add optional collision or comprehensive.
Location: rates and regulations vary greatly between states and even ZIP codes.
Vehicle factors: age, make/model, theft risk.
Discounts: Defensive driving, bundling, loyalty—may be limited for high-risk drivers.
Payment method and policy duration (month-to-month vs. annual up front).
Coverage Optimizer Checklist
Ensure your liability limits meet or exceed your state’s minimum requirements for SR-22 compliance.
If you require broader protection, consider adding collision and comprehensive coverage.
Check for exclusions unique to high-risk or SR-22 policies.
Choose deductibles based on your budget and ability to pay out-of-pocket if needed.
Ask about non-owner SR-22 if you need to keep a license valid but don’t own a car.
Important
This content is for educational purposes only. It is not insurance, legal, or tax advice.
SR-22 laws, requirements, and premiums change frequently—always confirm details with your state’s insurance department (official homepage) or DMV for the most current information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SR-22 insurance the same as regular car insurance?
No; SR-22 is a certificate proving you have at least the minimum liability coverage, not a separate insurance policy.
Your policy must meet state minimums and include the SR-22 filing if mandated.
Can I get SR-22 filing on any auto policy?
Only insurers authorized to file SR-22s in your state can provide this service—some may not offer it.
You may need to switch insurers if your current company will not file an SR-22.
What happens if my policy lapses while under SR-22?
Your insurer must notify the state, usually resulting in immediate license suspension.
Re-filing and reinstatement may involve additional penalties and costs.
How long do I need to keep an SR-22 on file?
The typical requirement is three years, but this varies by state and violation.
Check with your local DMV or state insurance department (official homepage).
What if I move to a different state during my SR-22 period?
Your requirement usually follows you; verify with both the old and new state together with your insurer.
Coverage minimums and SR-22 filing rules may differ between states.
Conclusion & Next Steps
If required by the state or court, you need your standard auto insurance with the SR-22 certificate attached—there is no need for two separate policies.
Confirm your required coverage levels and specific SR-22 obligations with your state insurance department (official homepage) or NAIC consumer resources (official).
Shop among authorized insurers if your current one does not offer SR-22 filings.
Maintain payments and strict compliance for the duration mandated by your state to avoid further penalties or loss of driving privileges.
