Srs Auto Insurance: What You Need To Know

SR-22 auto insurance is a document that proves that you have the minimum amount of car insurance coverage required by law. It is often required for high-risk drivers who have been convicted of driving-related violations, such as driving without insurance, DUI or DWI convictions, or repeated traffic offences. The SR-22 form is filed by the driver's insurance company with the state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and serves as a guarantee that the driver will maintain the required insurance coverage for a specified period, usually three years. While SR-22 is not a type of insurance itself, it affects your car insurance rates and is often associated with higher premiums due to the increased risk perceived by insurance companies.

SR-22 vs FR-44

SR-22 and FR-44 are both certificates of financial responsibility that are filed by your insurance company to confirm that you meet the state's minimum insurance requirements. They are not types of insurance policies. The main difference between the two is that SR-22 is for non-alcohol-related motor vehicle violations, while FR-44 is specifically for DUI or DWI violations.

SR-22

An SR-22 form is a "certificate of financial responsibility" that your auto insurance company files with the state. It is required in various states across the US and is typically mandated by state law or court order following specific driving-related offenses. Some reasons why you might need an SR-22 include:

• Involvement in an uninsured accident
• Repeated traffic offenses
• DUI convictions
• Failure to pay child support
• License suspension
• Serious driving violations

The minimum liability coverage required under an SR-22 varies by state. For example, in Florida, the minimum coverage includes $10,000 for bodily injury or death per person per accident, $20,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more persons per accident, and $10,000 for property damage.

FR-44

An FR-44 form is also a certificate of financial responsibility, but it is only required in Florida and Virginia. It is needed for reinstating a driver's license following a DUI or DWI conviction. The minimum liability coverage required for an FR-44 is significantly higher than for an SR-22 due to its association with DUI convictions. In Florida, the FR-44 mandates a minimum of $100,000 for bodily injury or death of one person per accident, $300,000 for bodily injury or death of more than one person per accident, and $50,000 for property damage.

Cost Implications

There is typically a small fee for filing an SR-22 or FR-44 form, ranging from $15 to $25. However, the main cost implication comes in the form of higher car insurance rates. Auto insurers consider SR-22 and FR-44 carriers to be high-risk drivers and often charge them higher premiums. The increase in insurance rates is also due to the need to purchase more than the minimum required insurance coverage.

Who needs an SR-22 certificate?

An SR-22 certificate is a document that proves an individual has vehicle insurance that meets the state's minimum liability insurance requirements. It is also known as a "Certificate of Financial Responsibility" and is often needed to reinstate a suspended or revoked driver's license. While an SR-22 is not a type of insurance itself, it is a form filed by the driver's insurance company with the state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

So, who needs an SR-22 certificate? Typically, it is required for drivers who have committed serious driving-related violations, such as:

• DUI or DWI convictions: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a common reason for needing an SR-22.
• At-fault accidents while uninsured: If you are found to be at fault in an accident and do not have the required insurance, you may need an SR-22.
• Reckless driving: Citations for dangerous or reckless driving behaviours can lead to the requirement for an SR-22.
• Excessive points: Accumulating too many points on your driving record from various traffic violations may result in the need for an SR-22.
• License suspension or revocation: Reinstating a suspended or revoked license often requires filing an SR-22 to prove financial responsibility.
• Failure to maintain mandatory insurance coverage: If you are found to be driving without the minimum required insurance, you may need to obtain an SR-22.
• Unpaid judgments, including child support: Failing to pay court-ordered child support can result in the need for an SR-22.
• Issuance of a hardship license: A hardship license is issued for temporary driving needs, usually when your regular license has been suspended or revoked.

It's important to note that the requirements for an SR-22 can vary from state to state, and not everyone needs one. If you are required to obtain an SR-22, you will typically be notified by the court or your state's Department of Motor Vehicles.

How to get an SR-22 certificate

An SR-22 certificate, also known as a "Certificate of Financial Responsibility" or "SR-22 Bond", is not a type of insurance but rather a document provided by your car insurance company that verifies you have met your state's requirement for auto liability insurance.

To obtain an SR-22 certificate, you must contact your car insurance company and request that they file the form on your behalf. You will need to pay a fee for this service, which is typically around $15 to $25 but can be higher in some states. Not all insurance companies provide SR-22 certification, so you may need to switch to a new provider if your current insurer does not offer this service.

• Contact your car insurance provider: Get in touch with your insurance company and inform them that you need an SR-22 certificate. They will access your driving record to understand the reason for your request.
• Pay the applicable fees: Your insurance company will charge a fee for filing the SR-22 form on your behalf. This fee varies depending on the state and the insurance provider, typically ranging from $15 to $25 but sometimes higher.
• Submit the required documentation: Provide your insurance company with the necessary information and documentation to process your request. This typically includes your Social Security number, driver's license number, state of issuance, SR-22 expiration date, and details on why the SR-22 is required.
• Purchase a new policy if needed: If your current insurance provider does not offer SR-22 filing, you will need to find a new insurance company that does. Ensure that the new policy meets the minimum state liability requirements.
• Maintain your insurance policy: It is crucial to keep your insurance policy active during the period you are required to hold an SR-22 certification, which is typically about three years. Allowing your coverage to lapse will result in your driver's license being suspended.
• Remove the SR-22 when the requirement ends: Once your SR-22 requirement period has expired, communicate with your insurance company to have the SR-22 removed from your policy.

By following these steps, you can obtain and maintain an SR-22 certificate, ensuring compliance with state requirements and working towards reinstating your driving privileges.

How much does an SR-22 cost?

The cost of an SR-22 filing typically includes a one-time fee for the form itself, as well as higher insurance premiums due to being considered a high-risk driver.

The standard fee for the form is around $25, but this can vary by state and insurance company, ranging from $15 to $50. This fee may need to be paid upfront and will be required with each policy term that the SR-22 is needed.

The increase in insurance premiums due to being considered high-risk varies based on individual factors. On average, drivers with an SR-22 pay around $993 more per year for their insurance, but this can range from $300 to $800, or even higher.

How long do you need an SR-22 certificate for?

The length of time you need to maintain an SR-22 certificate depends on the requirements of the state you are licensed in. While some states require you to have an SR-22 certificate for up to five years, others mandate a shorter period of three years. In Washington state, for instance, the requirement is set at three years.

The starting point of the timeframe also varies. For some states, the window of time begins on the date of your driving offence, while for others, it may not start until you are eligible to reinstate your license. For example, in Washington, the clock starts ticking on the date of license reinstatement.

It is important to maintain continuous coverage during the period you are required to hold an SR-22 certificate. If your insurance policy lapses, your insurer is obligated to notify the relevant state authorities, which could result in your driver's license being suspended or revoked. You may even have to restart the SR-22 process from the beginning.

Frequently asked questions