We save you money by finding the best & cheapest SR-22 car insurance quotes
Looking for cheap SR-22 car insurance? We have you covered!
If you have committed a serious offense, you will need SR-22 insurance.
Cheap Insurance believes that anyone should be able to access high-quality, cheap car insurance.
We search hundreds of insurance firms and their policies to find the best deal for you.
Most people who go online for “SR22 insurance near me” have been in an accident or had a traffic conviction recently. As a result, a court could order you to hold an SR22 insurance endorsement.
SR22 (also called SR-22, and in some states FR-44) is a special type of insurance for “high risk drivers.” It doesn’t work exactly like other forms of car insurance, so it can be confusing to find the best SR22 insurance online.
Here’s what you need to know about SR22 insurance:
What is SR22 Insurance?
An SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility required for some drivers by their state or a court order. It is not an actual type of insurance, but a form filed with your state.
It is a car insurance provider’s guarantee to the state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) that you have obtained and will maintain the legally required auto insurance coverage.
Serious offenses that require SR-22 insurance include DUI, vehicular assault, or other serious violations involving negligence or severe endangerment of other drivers or pedestrians.
As soon as the SR-22 is filed and accepted by the DMV, your license suspension will be lifted and you will be able to drive again legally.
Although you’ll usually hear it called “SR22 insurance,” SR22 is different from regular car insurance policies. It serves as a special policy endorsement, proving you are holding car insurance coverage that meets the legal standards for financial responsibility in your state.
In effect, even the best insurance with SR22 probably doesn’t offer you any more protection than a basic car insurance policy. It simply verifies that you have enough insurance to meet your obligations if you are in an accident. Unfortunately, it can be very expensive. It is not unusual for SR22 to be twice as costly as regular insurance.
What is an FR-44
An FR-44 form is a document of financial responsibility used in Florida and Virginia that proves you’ve purchased car insurance.
If your driver’s license is suspended, your state might require you to prove that you have car insurance before your license gets reinstated.
An FR-44 form shows that you carry more than the bare minimum coverage required for the SR-22 certificate. It actually requires you to carry at least double the amount of liability coverage needed for the SR-22.
What is a certificate of financial responsibility?
An SR-22 form is sometimes referred to as a certificate of financial responsibility. Your insurance company files the document after you have had your license suspended or revoked.
What are the different types of SR-22 forms?
There are three main types of SR-22 certificates and your insurance provider should help you determine which one you need:
- Owner certificate: This form covers any motor vehicles you own.
- Owner-operator certificate: This form covers any motor vehicles you drive, regardless of the owner.
- Non-owner certificate: This form covers you when you do not own a motor vehicle but are required to have an SR-22.
What is the difference between SR-22 and regular insurance?
The main difference between SR-22 and regular insurance is that SR-22 insurance is for high-risk drivers who are convicted of major moving violations.
Regular insurance, on the other hand, is for anyone who drives a car. The underlying insurance coverage is the same, but the SR-22 designation will make that coverage more expensive.
With an SR-22 insurance policy, the insurance provider also promises to keep the state informed of the status of your insurance policy.
Once your SR-22 filing is no longer needed, you can have it removed and continue your regular insurance policy.
Do I need SR22 insurance?
You might be ordered to hold an SR22 insurance endorsement if you have recently been in a car accident. An SR-22 form lets you keep or get back your driving privileges after committing serious or repeated crimes.
SR22 insurance is very common in these situations – You might need one if:
- You were found responsible for a car accident that caused bodily injury
- You’ve been convicted of DUI, DWI, or another major traffic offense
- You were driving without an auto insurance policy when you were involved in an accident
- You were pulled over by law enforcement and did not have car insurance, or have received a high number of traffic violations in a short period of time (such as three or more speeding penalties within six months)
- Your driving license has been suspended or revoked
- You failed to pay court-ordered child support
SR22 insurance designates that someone is a high risk driver. The best insurance with SR22 will help you keep your costs down until you are no longer required to maintain SR22. Then, you have the option of going back to standard coverage at a lower rate.
What if I don't get SR22 insurance?
If you are required to have SR-22 insurance but you don’t make the payments to keep it, you could face serious fines and penalties.
If this happens, the insurance provider must report it to the DMV under state law. The DMV will suspend your license almost immediately.
The DMV can also take away your license permanently, which means you will not legally be allowed to drive.
So get your SR-22 insurance as soon as possible! With Cheap Insurance, you can search online for cheap SR-22 insurance by comparing rates from all the top insurers.
Get started now or contact us at (800) 486-1866 to find out more.
How to get SR22 auto insurance
As long as your insurance company offers SR-22 form filings, all you have to do is call them and they’ll take care of everything for you.
If your state requires that you have SR-22 insurance, they’ll add it to your existing policy and then file the SR-22 insurance document with the state that requires it.
If your current insurer doesn’t offer SR-22 insurance or you don’t already have car insurance, you’ll need to buy a new policy.
Because many insurance companies don’t cover SR-22s, it’s a good idea to let them know right away that you need it to save yourself a lot of time.
How long does it Take to get SR22 insurance?
Getting an SR-22 can take a long time. It could take 30 days or more.
It will be granted to you once you pay for the certificate. It will then be sent to the Secretary of State. This can take up to 30 days to finish.
Until the certificate is done, you won’t be able to get your driving privileges back because your license will still be suspended in the computer system.
Do I need an SR-22 to reinstate my license?
Yes, you usually need SR-22 insurance after a suspended license.
Filing an SR-22 is often a requirement for a driver to reinstate their suspended license, but it does not allow them to drive while the suspension is still in effect.
SR-22 insurance is proof that your insurance company will send to the DMV on your behalf. It states that you meet the minimum auto insurance coverage requirements.
If you don’t have insurance, you need to get it first and then get the SR-22 insurance on top of that.
How long do you need SR22 insurance coverage for?
You will need an SR-22 for between one and five years. However, most states require you to have it for three years.
You must be continuously insured during this timeframe, since any lapse in coverage will cause the SR-22 clock to reset.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- You’ll probably need to have an SR-22 showing that you’ve had insurance for roughly three years. In some states this could be longer.
- If your insurance policy lapses or ends during this time, your insurance provider must tell the state.
- Your driver’s license could be suspended if you don’t follow the rules of your SR-22.
- Once you meet all of your state’s time requirements, your SR-22 status is usually removed.
- The only situation where most people are allowed to cancel SR22 insurance is if you no longer drive. You may be required to surrender the license plate of your vehicle and take other steps to verify it will not be used.
What happens if an SR22 policy is canceled?
When your SR-22 insurance is canceled or lapses, your insurance carrier must send the state an SR26 form.
This form lets the state that requires the SR-22 insurance filing know that the policy has been canceled or the coverage has lapsed.
This means that your driver’s license will be revoked. You may also be fined or have your insurance rate go up.
It also doesn’t matter if your policy was not in effect for one week or four months. If an SR26 is filed, you’ll have to pay for everything again.
The good news is you can get another SR-22 policy and have the state file it again.
What is an SR26 form?
An SR26 form notifies the local DMV that an offending driver no longer has an SR-22 certificate with a specific insurance company.
This means either the driver held the SR-22 form for the required time period, or the driver no longer has an SR-22 for other reasons.
How much does SR22 insurance cost a month?
SR-22 insurance will cost you an average of between $62 and $122 per month, depending on the insurer and the nature of the offense that resulted in the requirement for SR-22 insurance.
The DMV in your state will additionally charge a one-time fee to process the relevant documents. In most states, submitting an SR-22 form to the DMV will cost between $15 and $50 (typically $25), depending on the state.
The insurance policy that comes with an SR-22 doesn’t have a set premium. It’s based on standard rating factors, including:
- Your driving record
- Your geographical location
- The type of vehicle you drive
You’ll pay more for insurance if your driving record shows that you’re a “risky driver,” even if you don’t need an SR-22.
Why Is SR22 Insurance Expensive?
SR-22 insurance is expensive because it is only required for “high-risk” drivers. It is for drivers who have recently been convicted of a significant driving violation, such as DUI or reckless driving.
Drivers who are deemed high-risk will naturally face higher insurance premiums as a result of the increased possibility that they will file a claim.
Insurance companies have broad power to decide just how expensive SR22 insurance will be. Not all insurance firms even offer it. From the perspective of a car insurance company, people with SR22 insurance are more likely than others to have an accident, so they are charged extra to defray potential costs in the future.
Remember, even though you might hold SR22 car insurance as part of a court order, it is not the job of your car insurance company to “punish” you. Most people are still allowed to change SR22 insurance providers if they find a better deal. Just be sure there are no gaps in your coverage period when you switch!
What insurance company has the cheapest SR22 insurance?
The cost of SR-22 insurance will depend on the actual violation a driver incurred that resulted in the state requiring an SR-22.
Nationally, the United Services Automobile Association (USAA) has the cheapest SR-22 insurance at an average cost of $838 per year.
But this insurance provider is only for people who serve or have served in the military, as well as their spouses and children.
For non-veterans, Progressive is the second-cheapest SR-22 insurance company. It’s also very affordable, with an average annual rate of $1,058 for people who have been convicted of a DUI.
The third-cheapest SR22 insurance is offered by State Farm, at an average annual rate of $1,208.
These insurance rates represent the averages for a minimum coverage policy and don’t include the cost of filing an SR-22.
As mentioned before, these costs vary by state but are usually around $25.
Cost per state
Insurance costs can vary based on which state you live in. The cheapest insurance provider in the country may not be the cheapest in your state.
Different insurance companies charge varying rates based on where you live, and they may also punish DUIs and other violations differently in different states.
According to MoneyGeek, if you have a DUI conviction State Farm is the cheapest SR22 insurance provider in 21 states, and USAA is the cheapest in 15 states.
You should be sure to get personalized quotes from different insurers, because insurance can vary due to:
- Where you live
- Your age
- Your driving history
- Various other factors
How to get a cheaper SR22 deal
Every high-risk driver can make their car insurance more affordable and get the best deal for SR22 insurance. You can do the same thing too!
How?
By taking steps to improve your driving record and keeping your records clean through safe driving.
Here are a few ways you can lower your SR22 insurance rates over time:
- Enroll in a driver’s improvement course
- Maintain a clean driving record
- Buy a cheaper, less risky vehicle
- Consider non-owner car insurance coverage
- Compare companies that accept SR-22 policies
Get started today!
Call us immediately at (800) 486-1866 and get your cheap SR22 insurance.
You can also get an online quote and we will deliver your information and policy to your inbox within minutes.
This process is simple and with our friendly staff, all of your questions can be answered.
We can help you get your freedom back on the road.
Additional Requirements For DUI/DWI Convictions
- If your license was suspended for a DUI/DWI then you will also need to comply with a few more DMV requirements. On the first conviction your driving privilege will be suspended for 6 months and you will be required to complete a DUI program. For access to the required forms and list of DMV Alcohol and Drug Programs.
- If your BAC is 0.20% or higher and the court refers you to an enhanced DUI treatment program, your DL will be suspended for 10 months. You could also be required to install an ignition interlock device (IID) on your vehicle. An IID prevents you from starting your vehicle if you have any alcohol on your breath. If anyone is injured as a result of your DUI, the suspension period is 1 year.
- Effective July 1, 2010, through July 1, 2017, all first time and repeat DUI offenders convicted in Alameda, Los Angeles, Sacramento or Tulare Counties are required to install and maintain, for a specific period of time, an IID on all vehicles they own and operate and pay a $45 administrative service fee to reinstate their driving privileges
- All DUI convictions will remain on DMV’s records for 10 years. The courts and/or DMV may impose more stringent penalties for subsequent violations during that period.
SR22 documentation is “proof of financial responsibility” for drivers who have had their licenses
revoked or suspended for any number of reasons, including:
- DUIs.
- Excessive violations within a certain time frame.
- Driving without insurance.
- Outstanding traffic or parking fines.
- At-fault accidents while uninsured.
- Reckless driving.
- The first thing you need to do is contact your car insurance company. In most states there is a $15 to $25 fee to file the SR22.
- To obtain an SR22 filing, you must purchase minimum liability coverage on all vehicles registered to you, whether they are operational or non-operational. For those who do not own a vehicle, “non-owners” liability coverage is required.
- The minimum period for SR22 filing is three years, though it may be longer, based on the severity of the violation(s), and whether or not your liability policy stays active. During this time period you must keep your insurance active by making all your payments on time. You must also keep your driving record clean. If your insurance lapses, or you get another driving violation, your license will be suspended and you will have to begin the process over again.
- The DMV determines when and if your driver’s license may be reinstated. DMV fees, typically a $10 reinstatement fee, are required to reactivate your driver’s license. In addition, any parking or moving violation judgments or fines will need to be resolved before reinstatement as well.
Even though you have a rough patch when it comes to driving, now you are getting back out on the road. You will need the right kind of insurance to go along with your SR22 filing.
There are state minimum requirements.
For example, the California state minimum requirement for auto insurance is as follows:
- Bodily Injury Liability Limits: $30,000 per occurrence/ $15,000 per person
- Property Damage Liability Limits: $5,000 per occurrence
The above minimum requirements only cover the other party involved if you are in an accident. Most likely, if you have had some trouble with the law and are now needing auto insurance, you should probably obtain full coverage.
Here are the other options for full coverage:
- Collision coverage will cover you and your car in case of an accident.
- Comprehensive coverage will cover theft and other types of damages.
- Uninsured Motorist coverage will still cover you even if the other party fails to have insurance.
- Towing and Roadside Assistance are great option when searching for insurance. This could covered tows as well as battery jump starts and emergency key entry.
- Glass coverage is an added coverage for any broken glass on your car.
Here are some ways that you can prevent needing SR22 insurance.
- Don’t drink and drive. This may seem like a simple and easy concept, but millions of people still do it every year. Just one drink could put you over the legal limit. Find out what your alcohol limit is according to your weight and make sure you stay under. Try to get a designated driver and bring drinking alternatives. If you have already had a DUI or DWI, make sure you find responsible ways to have fun when driving that DO NOT include alcohol.
- Do not drive without insurance. This is not only risky for you but for other drivers on the road.
- Pay your tickets and fines so that your drivers license is not revoked. Make sure anytime you get a ticket, you deal with it promptly. You may even have to attend traffic school. This is always a better option than having your drivers license taken away.
- Avoid reckless driving. This might mean racing, driving illegally, road rage and a plethora of other things. You should obey traffic laws and try to drive as safely as possible. Reckless driving can be dangerous and will also result in your license being revoked.
- Always have you proof of insurance and car registration available. It is illegal to not have proof of insurance while driving.
Here are the states that do not require SR22 : Even if these states do not require this filing, you must keep SR22 insurance if you are moving to a state that requires it. Deleware, Kentucky, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania.
SR22 Cost
When you get your drivers license suspended or revoked, this is a “red flag” according to the Department of Motor Vehicles. Anytime you need to have SR22 insurance, you are considered a “high-risk” driver.
Because of this your insurance policy may be more expensive. You fall short of any “good-driver” discounts. You may have to pay more for your insurance for the next few years. However, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
When you make the correct choices, file for SR22 and keep a good driving record, you will once again get your life back on track.
The fee for this filing is usually under $50. But this is not the part that will cost you. The premiums on your auto insurance will no doubt go up.
You will need this insurance for three years. Even though this might cost you more, in the end, you will be pleased to know that your SR22 insurance can be dropped and you can continue on as a normal driver.
A DUI however does take up to ten years to leave your record. Remember this when calculating how a revoked license could effect your life.
Here are the top few questions you should ask your Cheap Insurance agent.
Which coverage is right for me based on my circumstances?
What are some ways I can save money on my cheap car insurance?
How much will SR22 insurance?
Am I considered a “high-risk” driver?
When do I need to file for SR22?
How long will I need to have my SR22 insurance?
Do I need to take any driver safety courses?
How will this affect my premiums?
We all go through rough patches. Getting your license revoked is a hardship on not only you, but your family. There are ways we at Cheap Insurance can help make the process a little easier.
You can fill out a quote online or talk to one of our helpful representatives.
We have been dealing with SR22 filings for many years and know what to expect. You need someone in your corner during this time.
Driving with the correct insurance can be the difference between spending thousands out of pocket, or being covered for your families medical needs.
It is always better to be over insured than underinsured. But it doesn’t always have to cost you more.
We at Cheap Insurance believe that you deserve the best possible rate even if you have had some trouble with the law.
Here are some terms you may want to know:
- Broker- someone who compares and finds insurance policies for the consumer. They do not represent a particular agency but rather the consumer.
- Carrier is another name for an insurance company.
- Defensive driving course- a traffic safety course which improves driving. It may be taken to prevent a citation from going onto your records.
- Driving under the influence- Driving a motor vehicle when under the affects of drugs or alcohol. Each state has it’s own legal limit for alcohol use. If you are above this limit, you will be given a citation. Every state has their own penalties for this action and costs vary as well.
- Financial responsibility laws- Laws that make it illegal to not have the minimum state standards of insurance.
- Licensed driver- is someone who has fulfilled the states requirement for driving a vehicle and has been issued a valid license.
- Proof of coverage is a written document which shows insurance coverage for a specific property for a specific time.
- Risk ratio- are all risk factors associated with a policy holder and their property that determines the insurance premium.
Call us today and get your cheap SR22 insurance (800) 486-1866
You can also get an online quote and we will deliver your information and policy to your e-mail within minutes.
This process is simple and with our friendly staff, all of your questions can be answered.
We can help you get your freedom back on the road.