Everything You Need To Know About SR-22 Insurance
SR-22 insurance isn’t auto insurance, but it’s a certificate that says you have the minimum insurance requirements now and in the future. You’ll need SR-22 certification if your state sends you an order to get it.
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Jeffrey Johnson
Insurance Lawyer
Jeffrey Johnson is a legal writer with a focus on personal injury. He has worked on personal injury and sovereign immunity litigation in addition to experience in family, estate, and criminal law. He earned a J.D. from the University of Baltimore and has worked in legal offices and non-profits in Maryland, Texas, and North Carolina. He has also earned an MFA in screenwriting from Chapman Univer...
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UPDATED: Mar 24, 2022
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Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Mar 24, 2022
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- SR-22 isn’t insurance coverage
- You could pay double the average monthly rate if SR-22 is required
- Florida and Virginia have FR-44 in addition to SR-22
Did you know that SR-22 insurance isn’t car insurance? Your state may require you to have SR-22 if you’re a high-risk driver.
But what is an SR-22 certification? Don’t worry — we’re here to help you understand why some drivers need SR-22.
Read our guide to learn more about SR-22, why you need it, and how much it affects your insurance quotes. We’ll also explain the difference between FR-44 and SR-50.
What is SR-22 insurance?
SR-22 isn’t insurance, but your insurance company can provide an SR-22 form if your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) demands that you obtain SR-22 certification. SR-22, which is sometimes referred to as SR22, confirms that you currently have the minimum car insurance requirements.
Also, you must maintain auto insurance for the entire duration of your SR-22 insurance. If you lose your insurance coverage, you’ll be penalized by your local government. Penalties include a suspended or revoked license as well as a fine.
Why do you need SR-22 certification?
You’ll need SR-22 certification if you’re a high-risk driver that’s been convicted of one or more severe traffic violations. SR-22 is also required if you’ve been involved in too many accidents.
These traffic infractions could lead to mandatory SR-22 certification:
- Multiple serious traffic violations (such as reckless driving)
- Becoming involved in an at-fault accident while uninsured
- Driving with a revoked or suspended license
- A DUI/DWI conviction
Drivers who need SR-22 certification will be notified by their state. Therefore, you don’t need to acquire SR-22 if your state doesn’t send you a notice.
How do you get an SR-22?
You can obtain an SR-22 form from your insurance company. Some of the best car insurance companies in America provide SR-22.
The “SR” in SR-22 certification is an acronym for “safety responsibility.”
However, SR-22 forms have a $25 service fee. Once you pay the fee and complete the form, the insurance company sends your SR-22 certification to your state’s DMV to prove that you have current and future car insurance coverage.
Do you have to file SR-22 even if you don’t own a car?
Yes, you do. You’ll need non-owner car insurance with SR-22 attached if you drive a vehicle that you don’t own.
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How long does SR-22 insurance last?
SR-22 certification lasts for three years. However, some states may extend SR-22 to five years.
Examine the table below to discover how long SR-22 insurance lasts in each state in the nation.
| States | Length of Filing Period |
|---|---|
| Alabama | 3 years |
| Alaska | 3 to 5 years |
| Arizona | 3 years |
| Arkansas | 3 years |
| California | 3 years |
| Colorado | 3 years |
| Connecticut | 3 years |
| District of Columbia | 3 years |
| Florida (FR-44 also required) | 3 years |
| Georgia | 3 years |
| Hawaii | 3 years |
| Idaho | 3 years |
| Illinois | 3 years |
| Indiana | 3 years |
| Iowa | 2 years |
| Kansas | 3 years |
| Louisiana | 3 years |
| Maine | 3 years |
| Maryland (FR-19 also required) | 3 years |
| Massachusetts | 3 years |
| Michigan | 3 years |
| Mississippi | 3 to 5 years |
| Missouri | 2 to 3 years |
| Montana | 3 years |
| Nebraska | 3 years |
| Nevada | 3 years |
| New Hampshire | 3 years |
| New Jersey | 3 years |
| North Dakota | 1 year |
| Ohio | 3 years |
| Oregon | 3 years |
| Rhode Island | 3 years |
| South Carolina | 3 years |
| South Dakota | 3 years |
| Tennessee | 3 years |
| Texas | 2 years |
| Utah | 3 years |
| Vermont | 3 years |
| Virginia (FR-44 also required) | 3 years |
| Washington | 3 years |
| West Virginia | 3 years |
| Wisconsin | 3 years |
| Wyoming | 3 years |
North Dakota has the shortest SR-22 term in the United States, but Alaska and Mississippi have the highest possible terms in America. However, the average term is three years.
How much are insurance rates with SR-22?
Your car insurance rates will increase when you have SR-22 certification. Some insurance companies double your rates per month, and others raise rates by at least 50%.
Let’s examine the average monthly auto insurance rates and compare them to rates with SR-22.
| State | Average Monthly Auto Insurance Rates | Average Monthly SR-22 Insurance Rates | Percent Increase | Dollar Increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $104 | $162 | 56% | $58 |
| Alabama | $109 | $206 | 89% | $97 |
| Arkansas | $130 | $228 | 76% | $98 |
| Arizona | $117 | $298 | 156% | $182 |
| California | $149 | $427 | 187% | $278 |
| Colorado | $140 | $249 | 79% | $110 |
| Connecticut | $165 | $259 | 57% | $94 |
| DC | $157 | $245 | 56% | $88 |
| Delaware | $153 | $294 | 92% | $141 |
| Florida | $188 | $315 | 68% | $128 |
| Georgia | $151 | $282 | 86% | $130 |
| Hawaii | $105 | $372 | 256% | $267 |
| Iowa | $89 | $160 | 78% | $70 |
| Idaho | $85 | $150 | 77% | $65 |
| Illinois | $98 | $185 | 89% | $87 |
| Indiana | $88 | $130 | 48% | $42 |
| Kansas | $118 | $193 | 64% | $75 |
| Kentucky | $134 | $226 | 68% | $92 |
| Louisiana | $186 | $301 | 62% | $115 |
| Massachusetts | $135 | $267 | 98% | $132 |
| Maryland | $128 | $169 | 31% | $40 |
| Maine | $74 | $111 | 51% | $37 |
| Michigan | $197 | $694 | 252% | $496 |
| Minnesota | $112 | $218 | 95% | $106 |
| Missouri | $107 | $186 | 74% | $79 |
| Mississippi | $125 | $211 | 68% | $86 |
| Montana | $132 | $227 | 72% | $95 |
| North Carolina | $98 | $464 | 375% | $366 |
| North Dakota | $94 | $167 | 78% | $73 |
| Nebraska | $107 | $192 | 79% | $85 |
| New Hampshire | $96 | $167 | 74% | $71 |
| New Jersey | $118 | $321 | 171% | $203 |
| New Mexico | $125 | $228 | 83% | $103 |
| Nevada | $132 | $207 | 58% | $76 |
| New York | $101 | $155 | 53% | $53 |
| Ohio | $80 | $142 | 77% | $62 |
| Oklahoma | $122 | $183 | 50% | $61 |
| Oregon | $110 | $191 | 73% | $81 |
| Pennsylvania | $120 | $194 | 62% | $74 |
| Rhode Island | $168 | $302 | 80% | $135 |
| South Carolina | $113 | $198 | 76% | $86 |
| South Dakota | $104 | $187 | 80% | $83 |
| Tennessee | $112 | $196 | 75% | $84 |
| Texas | $137 | $225 | 64% | $88 |
| Utah | $101 | $167 | 66% | $66 |
| Virginia | $83 | $141 | 70% | $58 |
| Vermont | $97 | $149 | 53% | $52 |
| Washington | $109 | $184 | 69% | $75 |
| Wisconsin | $96 | $150 | 56% | $54 |
| West Virginia | $122 | $231 | 89% | $108 |
| Wyoming | $131 | $229 | 74% | $98 |
North Carolina had the highest increase on average and Oklahoma had the lowest. But don’t worry — each situation varies. Your SR-22 insurance increase will be different.
Multiple factors determine your auto insurance rates. You can acquire cheaper rates based on other factors, such as your vehicle make and model, your location, how often you drive, and your coverage level.
Can you get car insurance discounts with SR-22?
Yes, you can. SR-22 certification doesn’t disqualify you from discounts. If you have good credit, you can save at least 15% on car insurance.
Remember to stack car insurance discounts to save hundreds of dollars per year.
Homeowners and renters can save an additional 10% if you bundle home or renters insurance with auto insurance. Your car’s anti-theft and safety features can also provide up to a 10% savings on insurance rates.
What’s the difference between SR-22 and FR-44?
SR-22 requires you to carry the minimum car insurance requirements, but FR-44 necessitates that a driver have double the minimum requirements.
Also, FR-44 certification focuses on drivers with DUI convictions and driving violations that have injured pedestrians and other drivers. Florida and Virginia are the only states with FR-44.
Similar to SR-22, FR-44 lasts for three years, but we recommend that you examine your FR-44 certificate to ensure that you don’t have to renew after three years.
What is SR-50?
SR-50 is Indiana’s safety responsibility certification that requires drivers to show proof of car insurance after an accident or driving conviction (such as a moving violation). Indiana sends a driver a compliance certificate, acknowledging the driver’s current insurance policy.
What is FR-19?
FR-19 certification proves that a Maryland and Delaware driver has the minimum or greater car insurance requirements. An FR-19 request typically occurs when you change auto insurance companies, total your vehicle, or experience a coverage gap.
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SR-22 Insurance: The Bottom Line
SR-22 can raise your car insurance rates by 50% or more. However, you can use discounts to save money and obtain the cheapest full coverage auto insurance rates.
You can’t cancel SR-22 insurance, so you’ll have to wait until the term expires. But if your car insurance company still considers you a high risk, you may have to sign up for SR-22 for another three years.
When SR-22 insurance rates become too expensive, start shopping around for more affordable coverage. Use our free online tool to compare multiple insurance companies near you and acquire affordable rates today.
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Jeffrey Johnson
Insurance Lawyer
Jeffrey Johnson is a legal writer with a focus on personal injury. He has worked on personal injury and sovereign immunity litigation in addition to experience in family, estate, and criminal law. He earned a J.D. from the University of Baltimore and has worked in legal offices and non-profits in Maryland, Texas, and North Carolina. He has also earned an MFA in screenwriting from Chapman Univer...
Insurance Lawyer
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.