Colorado Drivers: Understanding SR22 Insurance Costs

What Will My Car Insurance Look Like After Getting an SR22?

Once you have an SR22 requirement, your car insurance will likely change in a few ways:

• Higher Premiums: As mentioned earlier, insurance with SR22 typically comes at a premium compared to regular auto insurance. The specific increase depends on factors like the violation leading to the SR22 requirement and your driving history.
• SR22 Filing Fee: There’s a one-time filing fee (usually $15-$25) associated with the SR22 document submitted by your car insurance company to the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
• Limited Insurance Options: Some insurers might not offer insurance for SR22 to drivers. It’s essential to shop around and compare auto insurance quotes from different automobile insurance companies.

Here are some tips for navigating car insurance with an SR22 in Colorado:

• Shop Around: Compare automobile insurance quotes from multiple insurance companies to find the most affordable SR22 insurance.
• Maintain a Clean Driving Record: Avoiding further traffic violations during your SR22 filing period demonstrates responsibility and can lead to lower car insurance premiums when the requirement ends.

How Long Does an SR22 Last on My Driving Record in Colorado?

While the SR22 filing requirement has a specific duration mandated by the court, the violation that led to the SR22 might stay on your driving record for a longer period. Here’s a breakdown for some common violations requiring SR22 in Colorado:

• DUI: Typically requires an SR22 filing for 3 years 
• Multiple Traffic Violations: The filing period may range from 2 to 3 years, depending on the specific violations.

It’s crucial to fulfill the entire SR22 filing period mandated by the court. Failing to do so can result in license suspension.

When I Fill Out Applications, Do I Have to Disclose That I Have a DUI?

Whether you need to disclose a DUI on applications depends on the nature of the application. Generally, you’ll need to disclose a DUI on applications for:

• Employment: If the job involves driving responsibilities, disclosing a DUI might be necessary. However, for non-driving positions, disclosure might not be mandatory.
• Housing: Landlords typically don’t require disclosure of driving records unless you’re applying to rent a parking space or live in a gated community.
• Loans and Insurance: You’ll likely need to disclose a DUI when applying for car loans or other types insurance policies.

Cost-Saving Strategies for SR22 Insurance in Colorado 

• Maintain a Clean Driving Record: Avoiding further traffic violations during your SR22 filing period is crucial. A clean record demonstrates responsibility to insurance companies and can lead to lower car insurance rates when you transition back to car insurance after fulfilling the SR22 requirement.
• Ask About Discounts:  Some insurance companies in Colorado offer discounts for SR22 policies, which can lead to low cost auto insurance. Here are some possibilities:
  • Defensive Driving Courses: Completing a state-approved defensive driving course can potentially lead to the cheapest SR22 car insurance.
  • Good Grades Discount (for Young Drivers): If you’re a young driver (typically under 25) maintaining good grades in school can qualify you inexpensive SR22 insurance.
  • Multi-Policy Discount: Bundling your car insurance with other policies like home insurance or renters insurance with the same company might lead to an affordable SR22 and inexpensive auto insurance.
• Consider Non-Owner SR22 Insurance: If you don’t currently own a vehicle but need to fulfill the SR22 requirement to regain driving privileges, you might be eligible for non-owner SR22 insurance. This option is typically used to get cheap insurance for SR22. However, it’s important to understand that non-owner SR22, which is low cost auto insurance doesn’t fulfill the requirement for driving reinstatement. You’ll need to obtain regular car insurance with SR-22 once you get a vehicle.

Additional Considerations Regarding SR22 Insurance in Colorado

• Financial Responsibility After a DUI: While SR22 insurance demonstrates financial responsibility, it doesn’t cover all potential costs associated with a DUI. You might face court fees, alcohol education programs, or ignition interlock device (IID) installation depending on the circumstances of your DUI.