Complete Guide to State Farm SR-22 Insurance Coverage

Drivers with a suspended license may be required to file an SR-22 form letting their state know they have auto insurance. While not all auto insurance companies offer the coverage, State Farm provides SR-22 insurance coverage.

There are several reasons the state requires you to carry SR-22 insurance. You will probably need high-risk auto insurance in addition to your SR-22 coverage.

High-risk auto insurance is costly, so shop around for the best coverage at the lowest rates. Compare multiple companies to find your best deal.

Keep reading to learn more about State Farm SR-22 insurance and how you can save if you need high-risk auto insurance.

What is State Farm SR-22 insurance?

While auto insurance companies offer coverage to several types of drivers, not many have SR-22 coverage. State Farm is one of the few top insurance companies that offer SR-22 insurance.

So, what is SR-22 insurance? Your state usually requires SR-22 if you are considered a high-risk driver.

However, the term SR-22 insurance is misleading. You don’t need special coverage if your state requires an SR-22. Instead, you’ll need to file a special form.

The SR-22 form proves that you have the minimum amount of auto insurance mandated by your state. Your insurance company files the form, which lasts up to five years.

However, each state creates its own rules about who needs SR-22 coverage and how long it has to be in place. When you reach a specific point, your state tells you that you can remove the coverage, and you’ll probably need to follow up with State Farm to inform them of the change.

Remember, not all auto insurance companies offer SR-22 coverage. If you have coverage and need an SR-22, your insurance company may drop your coverage if they deem you too risky to insure.

If you can’t find auto insurance, your state could help. According to the Insurance Information Institute, each state has an assigned risk pool where high-risk drivers must get coverage. However, assigned risk coverage is more expensive than a private auto insurance company.

Who needs State Farm SR-22 coverage?

Your state will tell you if you need SR-22 coverage and how long you have to keep it. Fortunately, you don’t need SR-22 insurance if you have a couple of tickets or accidents, meaning your infractions must be more severe to warrant SR-22 coverage.

Drivers need State Farm SR-22 insurance if they have:

• Multiple traffic offenses in a short amount of time
• DUIs, DWIs, or reckless driving charges
• A suspended or revoked driver’s license
• Failed to carry the minimum amount of auto insurance

Charges must be severe to require SR-22 coverage. For example, you will only receive a traffic ticket for texting and driving. However, if you cause an accident or death while texting, you could get charged with reckless driving.

Although the SR-22 form is typically less than $30, high auto insurance rates will ensue. While many factors affect auto insurance rates, your driving record is one of the most significant.

This table shows average auto insurance rates from top companies — including State Farm — based on driving records.

While one accident with State Farm raises rates by about $50 a month, one DUI raises rates around $70 a month. Those rates will skyrocket if you have multiple accidents, tickets, or DUIs.

Your state will require high-risk auto insurance if you have to get an SR-22 form. If you need high-risk auto insurance, expect to incur high rates.

What are the types of SR-22 forms?

Your insurance company can file three types of SR-22 forms on your behalf. All three forms revolve around your vehicle type.

The first form is an owner certificate, which basically shows that you have insurance on your vehicle.

Next is the owner-operator certificate that covers any vehicle you drive. For example, you would need this form if you drive a car you don’t own, such as a company vehicle.

The third form is the non-owner certificate. This certificate goes with non-owner car insurance, covering you if you don’t own a vehicle but still drive. So, for example, non-owner insurance would cover you if you borrow a friend’s car often.

Your car insurance company will determine the type of form you need and file it for you.

How can you save on State Farm auto insurance?

Several factors affect auto insurance rates, including age, driving history, vehicle, credit score, and coverage amount.

Full coverage auto insurance provides the most protection, but it also comes with higher rates. Fortunately, we can give some tips on getting the cheapest full coverage auto insurance.

First, take advantage of discounts. Auto insurance discounts significantly lower rates and consider more than just your driving. So while you won’t get a good driver discount with an SR-22, you could still be eligible for savings such as multi-policy or good student discounts.

This table shows State Farm discounts. Look carefully to see if you are eligible for more than one discount.

Next, clean up your driving record. While there isn’t much you can do about the infractions already on your record, obey traffic laws and practice safe driving to avoid adding more to your record.

In addition, take a defensive driving course. Not only do you learn safe driving skills, but you may be able to remove points from your license, depending on your state.

It might surprise you that raising your credit score will also lower auto insurance rates. Most insurance companies believe that drivers with a higher credit score are more likely to pay for damages out of pocket and avoid filing a claim.

Finally, lower your State Farm rates by raising your deductibles and lowering coverages. While this means higher costs if you are in an accident, your auto insurance rates are lower.

State Farm SR-22: The Bottom Line

State Farm SR-22 insurance coverage is available to drivers, but you will have higher rates. In addition, drivers may need to file an SR-22 form if they have DUIs, multiple accidents, tickets in a short amount of time, or get caught driving without insurance.

While not all auto insurance companies offer SR-22 coverage, State Farm is one of the top insurance companies that provide this coverage to high-risk drivers.

High-risk drivers will encounter high auto insurance rates for up to five years. However, each state is different and will notify you when you can drop SR-22 coverage.

The best way to find cheap SR-22 insurance is to shop around. Each insurance company will evaluate personal factors differently and offer various rates.

Although State Farm is one of the few top insurance companies that offer SR-22 coverage, smaller companies near you may also provide coverage.