What Is SR-22 Insurance and Why Is It Important?

SR22 insurance requirements follow you from state to state.

Most states require the filing of a SR22 certificate with the Department of Motor Vehicles prior to reinstating a suspended or revoked license. Other common reasons for a SR22 filing are frequent or serious traffic violations, driving without insurance or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Check with the local Department of Motor Vehicles for a complete listing of all violations that require the filing of a SR22.

Identification

SR22 filings---also known as SR22 insurance, bonds, forms, or certificates of financial responsibility---are guarantees filed by the insurance company that the driver holds the proper liability coverage in place required by law. This filing also certifies that the insurance company will inform the Department of Motor Vehicles in the case of an insurance lapse or termination in required coverages. Those who do not own vehicles must obtain a non-owner SR-22 policy in order to reinstate their licenses. These filings can be done directly by some insurance companies electronically, or drivers may need to hand-carry a paper copy of the filing with them to the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Time Frame

The most common penalty term for required SR22 filings is three years, although increased infractions can extend the term depending upon the state you reside in. As stated by the Alaska Department of Administration, DWIs and Refusal convictions require a 5 year term for a first offense, 10 years for a second and up to 20 years for a third. Further offenses, including an unsatisfied judgment, can carry a lifetime requirement to carry a SR22.

Considerations

Five states do not require SR22 filings as of June 2010: Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Delaware and Kentucky. This does not mean--according to the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles--that once the SR22 is issued, the driver can then move to another state to escape the term imposed by the state of the offense. Continued compliance is required, including keeping the minimum state liability coverages in place from the originating state---even if the state relocated to has lesser state minimum requirements for liability insurance.

Requirements

In addition to a filing with the Department of Motor Vehicles, a paper copy of the SR22 must be carried in the vehicle at all times until the required term expires. If pulled over by a law officer, drivers must present the SR22 in addition to a driver's license, registration and insurance card. Although there is no law against switching insurance carriers during the imposed time period, even a lapse of a single day of insurance coverage can result in the suspension of a license and the requirement to begin the entire process all over again. Always get the new insurance coverage in place before canceling the other policy.

Warning

The National Driver Registry, Commercial Driver License Information System and the Problem Driver Pointer System share information that extends to all 51 states. Suspension of licenses or revocations must be cleared and satisfied in the originating state and can remain on a driving record for a lifetime until properly satisfied. Once cleared of the requirement, most states will notify you by letter.

References

• Alaska Department of Administration: SR-22 Insurance Information
• State of Oregon: SR-22 Information
• Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles: License Suspensions & Revocations
• Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles: SR22 and Insurance Information

Resources

• Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles: Fifty State DMV Links
• DUI Arrest Help: Arizona SR22 Insurance Quotes & General SR22 Information
• SRR22 Guide: SR22 Insurance by State