SR-22: Filing SR-22 Forms, Requirements, Offenses and Cost
Common questions arise when someone is unsure of whether they need to file SR-22, why they need to file, and for how long. Since the requirements for filing SR-22 vary from state to state, including the offenses that mandate the filing, it was easier to just put all of this information on one page for reference.
This is just a brief explanation of what SR-22 is, the offenses that require filing and the overall length of the SR-22 requirement. Only your insurance agent/company can legally give you advice on insurance in your state, including filing an SR-22 form - this article is only for general reference. Ask your insurance agent/company about filing SR-22, including how to obtain an SR-22 form. Also, contact your local DMV about the proper methods of filing the SR-22 form (remember, in some states you also have to file a form after you’ve fulfilled your SR-22 obligations) and verify the length in which you will be required to file.
What is SR-22?
Basically, SR-22 is a form (a rider) that is filed with the DMV as a requisite to reinstating a driver’s license. What this form does is guarantee that you will carry the proper liability insurance for a period determined by the state (typically, 3 years). If you fail to keep the required liability insurance, your insurance company may be required by law to notify the DMV.
Typical Offenses That Require Filing of SR-22
- DUI: If you were convicted of a DUI/DWI
- License revoked or suspended
- Failure to provide proof of insurance (or an insurance lapse in some states)
- Repeat traffic offenses/tickets (if it garners suspension)
- Driving while uninsured (includes causing an accident)
Keep in mind. Some, all or more of these offenses may trigger a necessary filing of SR-22 in your state. You must check with your local DMV to get the exact types of offenses for your state.
SR-22 Length Requirements
Unless the DMV states otherwise, the typical length of a SR-22 filing is 3 years. However, only your local DMV can accurately state how long you’re required to file, and when you can discontinue filing SR-22 and maintaining the required liability coverage.
Is Filing SR-22 Expensive?
Filing isn’t necessarily the expensive part, paying the newly adjusted premium for the required period of time often can be. As an individual that now is required by law to file SR-22 for a specific period you’ve now just upped your risk factor to prospective insurance companies. And with increased risk, often comes increased premiums. Car insurance premiums will vary from each individual and by each insurance company. If you must file SR-22, it’s imperative you shop around for the best car insurance rates possible - because yes, SR-22 can be expensive for certain people.
Again, this article is for general reference. It’s not a specific, or definitive account of SR-22 insurance. At the minimum, this article should give you a great starting point to seek the individual and specific answers you’re looking for.
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I had to file sr-22 in Arizona for letting my car insurance lapse. That sucked! 3 years of paying expensive SR22 rates.
filing sr-22 is such a waste of money. I swear it’s just the governments way of saying “Pay more money for insurance because we don’t want you driving”…unfair.
Anyone have info on filing SR-22 in New York?
I know fighting a DUI can cost around $10k in some states.
A lot of people have to file SR22. I personally have had too and other peple that have had DUI’s have had to as well (I didn’t get mine from a DUI), and it’s an expensive process. It will take years for your insuranc company to give you a break on rates.
Filing SR-22 in California is very expensive. That doesn’t even count the classes you ahve to take if it’s a DUI
DUI’s in Washington cost at minimum $10k…your car insurance is already expensive, wait for that bill after sr222 filing
I’ve had to file sr22. You’ll have to remember the 3 years because the insurance company isn’t going to call you and say “Hey it’s been three years time to drop SR12 off your record”…
where do you get SR22 forms? The DMV takes forever in CA, I don’t want to just walk-in without an appointment just to ask for SR22 forms.
SR22 in arkansas is a big one too. The rates aren’t bad if you file normally, but once you hit the SR status it gets spendy.
it would be great if filing sr22 was more straightforward. If you’re not dealing with an insurance agent, you can ask your insruance company but I think you need to go to the DMV.
florida Sr-22 is expesive too
best one yet… a teenager in ny needs an sr-22 has no hisory of any violations and is 2 months shy of 18
best one yet. 18 in 2months no history of any problems at all and I have to have a sr-22 for 3years? Its true, ny wants you to pay pay PAY
I agree completely. NY is incredibly expensive to insure an automobile. NJ and MA aren’t that much better though…if better at all.
SR-21 shouldn’t even apply if you haven’t been involved in a DUI. I mean, to let your insurance lapse and be in the same boat as a DUI driver is embarrassing and unfair.