SR-22 insurance is a certificate of financial responsibility that is usually filled with the state you reside in other to prove that you are meeting your state’s minimum auto liability insurance requirements.
An SR-22 can be likened to Fr-44 as they are both similar in literally all ways. An SR-22 is a form of fiscal responsibility crucial for some drivers by court order or from the state, this sort of insurance is not like the general type of insurance as this form can only be filed with your state as proof that your auto insurance policy meets the minimum liability coverage required by state law.
Generally, if you have a few issues like a suspended licence or if you have been convicted of DWI or DUI, you will need to get an SR-22 certificate to keep your driving privileges.
This overview will give you a clear view of everything you need to know about SR-22 insurance and how to apply easily for them.
Table of contents
- What Is SR-22 Insurance
- How Does SR-22 Work?
- Why Do I Need To Have An SR-22 Insurance?
- Is There a Fee Associated With An SR-22/Fr-44?
- What Is The Average Cost Of SR-22 Insurance
- Do I Need An SR-22?
- What’s The Difference Between SR-22 And Regular Insurance?
- What’s The Difference Between SR-22 And Fr-44
- Where To Get An SR-22 Certificate
- How To Get SR-22
- How Long Do You Need To Have An SR-22?
- How Much Does SR-22 Insurance Cost
- How Do I Obtain An SR-22/Fr-44?
- Do I Still Need To File An SR-22 If I Don’t Own A Car?
- Why Is SR-22 Insurance Important?
- FAQS
- Conclusion
- References
- Recommendations
What Is SR-22 Insurance
In some cases, SR-22 insurance is often misinterpreted as car insurance but it is wrong because an SR-22 is a license/document that is demanded by the state to verify that you are holding a state-mandated amount of car insurance that can prove your financial responsibility.
SR-22 insurance simply shows that you have bought a liability insurance coverage on your vehicle that is relevant and meets up with the basic requirements in your state.
Normally, in the United States, an SR-22 is a vehicle liability insurance endorsement for most state Department of Motor Vehicles offices for “high-risk” drivers.
SR-22 insurance stands as a certificate affirming to the state that you’re up to with the coverage and you are financially responsible for any accidents, and it will let the state know if you do not. In Florida and Virginia, a similar form is called an FR-44.
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How Does SR-22 Work?
SR-22 works if you have issues like a suspended licence or a conviction of DWI or DUI, you will need to get an SR-22 certificate to keep your driving privileges.
If you have way too many driver’s license points for moving violations you’re convicted of a major driving infraction, or if your license has been revoked or suspended temporarily.
You will be asked to obtain an SR-22 certificate as proof of insurance coverage before you can get back on the road.
An SR-22 may be required for three years for conviction of driving without insurance or driving with a suspended license and up to five years for a DUI.
Many states have different processes for reinstating a driver’s license after revocation or suspension, and some of these processes can be frustrating but it is important to get your SR-22 insurance if you want to hit the road again.
If an SR-22 should expire or be cancelled, the insurance company is required to issue an SR-26 form, which certifies the cancellation of the policy.
Why Do I Need To Have An SR-22 Insurance?
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) may require SR-22 insurance from a driver to reinstate his or her driving privileges following an uninsured car accident or conviction of another traffic-related offence.
Having an SR-22 will serve as a certificate showing that you have an adequate amount of liability coverage on your auto insurance policy.
Not all drivers need an SR-22, drivers may need to have their insurance company file an SR-22 form with the state department for different reasons.
Although laws normally vary by state, usually you need to have an SR-22 if you are convicted for driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated, or if your license is suspended or revoked or you repeat traffic offences and other serious offences.
Because an SR-22 is needed for these types of offences, it might result in extra fees on your auto insurance.
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Is There a Fee Associated With An SR-22/Fr-44?
SR-22 is expensive insurance for defaulters. Most states charge a flat fee of $15 to $50 for the application fee for the form, but the SR-22 insurance cost more and this cost usually varies depending on your state.
The average cost of SR-22 per month is $66-$125 depending on the state and why you are applying for the SR-22.
What Is The Average Cost Of SR-22 Insurance
SR-22 insurance costs may vary from state to state, and the average cost per month might range from $62 to $122, depending on the agent and the offence that led to the SR-22 requirement.
The application filling form may vary from $15 to $50 depending on the state. Here is the average cost of SR-22 insurance per year
State SR-22 Average cost
- Alaska $1,570
- Alabama $1,166
- Arkansas $1,267
- Arizona $1,180
- California $3,336
- Colorado $1,317
- Connecticut $2,097
- DC $1,058
- Delaware $1,687
- Florida $1,530
- Georgia $1,563
- Hawaii $1,255
- Iowa $842
- Idaho $780
- Illinois $1,176
- Indiana $1,057
- Kansas $1,412
- Kentucky $1,103
- Louisiana $2,228
- Massachusetts $1,616
- Maryland $1,541
- Maine $884 – $1,331
- Michigan $2,368
- Minnesota $1,272
- Missouri $949
- Mississippi $1,027
- Montana $1,137
- North Carolina$4,393
- North Dakota $1,123
- Nebraska $1,287
- New Hampshire $852
- New Jersey $2,432
- New Mexico $1,237
- Nevada $911
- New York $640
- Ohio $741
- Oklahoma $729
- Oregon $971
- Pennsylvania $892
- Rhode Island $1,616
- South Carolina $1,026
- South Dakota $997
- Tennessee $1,009
- Texas $1,057
- Utah $797
- Virginia $700
- Vermont $620
- Washington $904
- Wisconsin $647
- West Virginia $1,300
- Wyoming $1,170
Do I Need An SR-22?
SR-22 is not for everyone although laws vary from state to state. You can only file for SR-22 if you are required by the court or demanded by the state/court for certain driving-related violations.
These are general DUI convictions, a conviction for driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated, or if your license is suspended or revoked, reckless driving or accidents caused by uninsured drivers.
If you need an SR-22, your state Motor Vehicle Department or the courts will notify you.
In some states, drivers are demanded to file an SR-22 with the state department of an insurance company for these reasons;
- If as a driver, their license was suspended because of reckless driving.
- If they received a repetitive conviction for not having liability insurance,
- If a civil judgment has been filed against them more than once
- If they are caught driving without a license or insurance
- If they are driving under the influence DUI or DWI conviction
- If they failed to pay judgments
- If they have a license suspended
- If they’re applying for a hardship or probationary driving permit
- If they encounter multiple repeats driving offences in a short time frame
- If you commit Serious moving violation conviction
- If you commit Several traffic offences in a short time period
- If you are driving without insurance conviction
- If you are involved in an accident while driving without insurance
- If you are caught by the state for not carrying car insurance on your registered vehicle
- If they owe outstanding court-ordered child support payments
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What’s The Difference Between SR-22 And Regular Insurance?
Unlike other insurance SR-22 is not for everyone, SR-22 insurance is for high-risk drivers who are convicted of major moving violations, such as a conviction for driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated, or if your license is suspended or revoked.
Regular insurance is for anyone who drives a car. And the SR-22 is quite more expensive than the regular insurance.
SR-22 is a legal document affirming that you have received the state-mandated minimum level of liability insurance.
An SR-22 affirm the State officials that a driver will have it for an extended period by confirming your insurance with the State’s motor vehicle registration and the court.
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What’s The Difference Between SR-22 And Fr-44
SR-22 and FR-44 are quite similar as they serve the same purpose. SR-22 is a legal document guaranteeing that you have received the state-mandated minimum level of liability insurance.
Regarding your driving record, you may be asked to get an FR-44 instead of an SR-22 In Florida and Virginia.
SR-22, an FR-44 is a document confirming that you hold valid vehicle insurance. The only difference between an SR-22 and FR-44 is that with an fr-44, you might need to show your liability coverage limits to be significantly higher than the state minimum.
You may be asked to submit an SR-22 or FR-44 certificate to your state’s insurance or motor vehicle department as a condition of having a suspended or revoked driver’s license reinstated. You’ll also have to pay any applicable fees to your state.
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Where To Get An SR-22 Certificate
First, you need to know that SR-22 is not regular insurance. A lot of insurance companies offer SR-22 certificates and the actual cost of the insurance varies but the application filling ranges from $15 to $50 or more.
Note, you can’t obtain an SR-22 certificate without first having a regular car insurance policy, and this car insurance policy has to include at least the minimum amount of liability coverage required in your state.
If you are just getting your regular car insurance, ask your insurer for SR-22 insurance because not all insurance company provides them.
When you deal with your insurer, you will learn to save more funds in other to meet up with the expenses.
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How To Get SR-22
SR-22 insurance is the sort of licence required by most state and federal authorities in an accident, and it is not available to all insurance firms, it is important to know if your agent(insurer) offers SR-22.
To make buying SR-22 insurance easier, you can get the price list from various insurance companies online to know the cost of the insurance.
Although, some state fees may be confusing because they differ from one State to another.
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How Long Do You Need To Have An SR-22?
SR-22 is technically a document provided by your insurance company that proves you have liability coverage on your car insurance policy.
You might need to have an SR-22 showing constant insurance coverage for about three to four years or more depending on the state.
And if your licence is temporarily invalid or expires during this period, your insurance company is required to notify the state/court as failure to comply with the terms of your SR-22 may result in the suspension of your license.
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How Much Does SR-22 Insurance Cost
Once you acquire your insurance certificate, it will be posted on your driving record and as long as you do not drive recklessly or commit any issues, your SR-22 insurance will last longer.
SR-22 or FR44 is not for everyone and to find how much it will cost you to get this insurance, you’ll need to get ask your agent because the car insurance company will make sure you buy the appropriate amount of coverage to comply with your mandated insurance requirements.
And if the appropriate amount your coverage, then you’ll need to pay more than the usual requirement.
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How Do I Obtain An SR-22/Fr-44?
SR-22 insurance is a certificate of financial responsibility that is usually filled with the state you reside in other to prove that you are meeting your state’s minimum auto liability insurance requirements.
If you are not currently insured, you’ll need to start by obtaining a free car insurance quote.
You need to be sure if your insurer is offering SR-22 before dealing, you can obtain SR-22 online or other means available.
Do I Still Need To File An SR-22 If I Don’t Own A Car?
Although SR-22 is not for everyone, you can still fill out an SR-22 certificate. You may be able to purchase a non-owner SR-22 policy.
If you drive a borrowed car or rent a car and get into an accident, you could still be held responsible for personal injury or property damage claims.
And if your license was revoked or suspended, in most cases you’ll be required to obtain a non-owner SR-22 to reinstate your driving privileges.
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Why Is SR-22 Insurance Important?
SR-22 is important because it serves as a certificate showing that you have an adequate amount of liability coverage on your auto insurance policy.
Not all drivers need an SR-22, drivers may need to have their insurance company file an SR-22 form with the state department for various reasons. Many associates see the need for an SR-22 form with drivers who have a DUI on their record.
FAQS
Yes, you can still obtain an SR-22 even if you don’t have car of your own
You can obtain an SR-22 if you are convicted for driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated, if your license is suspended or revoked or you repeat traffic offences and other serious offences.
The average cost is $15 to $50
An SR-22 duration lasts for as long as three to four years.
From an insurance company offering SR-22
Conclusion
SR-22 is a vehicle liability insurance endorsement required by most state Department of Motor Vehicles offices for “high-risk” drivers. It is advisable to obtain your licence from an insurance company offering SR-22. I hope this overview gives you the answers to your questions.
References
- https://www.geico.com- SR-22 details
- https://www.insurance.com- SR-22 Insurance
- https://www.investopedia.com- SR-22 Insurance and what it does
- https://en.m.wikipedia.org- SR-22 Insurance
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