What Is an SR-22? (And What It's Not)
An SR-22 is not a type of car insurance. It's a certificate—technically a "Certificate of Financial Responsibility"—that your insurance company files with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency.
The SR-22 proves that you carry at least the minimum liability coverage required by state law. It's a way for the state to monitor high-risk drivers and ensure they remain insured. If your policy lapses or is canceled during the mandated SR-22 period, your insurer is legally required to notify the state—and your license will be suspended.
Key distinction: You don't "buy" SR-22 insurance. You buy a standard car insurance policy and request that your insurer file an SR-22 on your behalf.
Some states use different forms with similar purposes—SR-22A in California (for insurance companies), FR-44 in Florida and Virginia (higher coverage minimums), or Certificate of Insurance in other states. The concept is the same: proof of continuous coverage for high-risk drivers.
Who Needs an SR-22?
You'll typically be required to file an SR-22 if you commit one or more serious traffic violations or insurance-related offenses:
- DUI or DWI — driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Reckless driving — willful disregard for safety
- Driving without insurance — being caught uninsured
- At-fault accident while uninsured — causing a crash without coverage
- Too many points on your license — accumulating violations within a short time
- Multiple at-fault accidents in a short period
- License suspension or revocation for other reasons
- Habitual traffic offender status
The exact circumstances vary by state. Your state's DMV or court will notify you if you're required to file an SR-22.
Important: Even if you don't own a car, you may still need an SR-22 to reinstate a suspended license. In that case, you'd file a non-owner SR-22 (see below).
How Much Does SR-22 Insurance Cost?
The SR-22 filing itself is a modest one-time or annual fee—typically $15 to $50. However, the real cost is the increased premium you'll pay because you're now classified as a high-risk driver.
Drivers who need an SR-22 often see their car insurance premiums increase by 50% to 80% or more. In some cases, especially after a DUI, rates can double or triple. The exact increase depends on:
- The violation that triggered the SR-22 requirement
- Your driving record before the violation
- Your age, location, and vehicle
- The insurance carrier's risk model
- Your credit score (in states where it's used)
For context, the average cost of full-coverage car insurance in 2026 is projected around $2,158 per year nationally. A driver with a DUI requiring an SR-22 might pay $3,200 to $5,000+ annually, depending on the state and other factors.
Money-saving tip: Not all insurers charge the same rates for high-risk drivers. Shopping around is critical. Some carriers specialize in SR-22 filings and may offer more competitive rates than your current insurer.
How to Get an SR-22: Step by Step
1. Check your state's requirements. Confirm how long you need to maintain the SR-22 (usually 3 years) and what minimum coverage levels are required. Your court order or DMV suspension notice should specify this.
2. Find an insurer that offers SR-22 filing. Not all carriers file SR-22s. Contact your current insurer first. If they don't offer it or drop you, shop around. Some insurers specialize in high-risk coverage.
3. Purchase a car insurance policy. You must buy at least your state's minimum liability coverage. If you own a car, you'll need a standard policy. If you don't own a car, ask about a non-owner SR-22 policy.
4. Request SR-22 filing from your insurer. Once your policy is active, tell your insurer you need an SR-22. They'll file the certificate electronically with your state's DMV, typically within 24–48 hours.
5. Maintain continuous coverage. Do not let your policy lapse, cancel, or drop below minimum coverage during the entire SR-22 period. If you do, your insurer must notify the state, and your license will be suspended—often restarting the SR-22 clock from zero.
Pro tip: Set calendar reminders well before your policy renewal dates. Missing even one payment can trigger a lapse and a new suspension.
What Is Non-Owner SR-22 Insurance?
If you don't own a vehicle but still need to reinstate your driver's license, you can file a non-owner SR-22. This type of policy provides liability-only coverage when you drive someone else's car.
Non-owner policies are cheaper than standard policies because they don't include collision or comprehensive coverage. Average cost is typically $300 to $800 per year, though it can be higher for drivers with serious violations.
Non-owner SR-22 policies are ideal for:
- Drivers who use public transit or ride-sharing
- Drivers who occasionally borrow a friend's or family member's car
- Drivers waiting to buy a vehicle but needing to reinstate their license
Important: A non-owner policy does not cover vehicles you own, rent regularly, or have regular access to. If you live with someone who owns a car, that vehicle may need to be listed on a standard policy.
How Long Do You Need an SR-22?
Most states require you to maintain an SR-22 for 3 years, though the period varies from 1 to 5 years depending on your state and the violation.
Here are some common timeframes:
1 year: Alaska (some violations)
2 years: Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, South Dakota
3 years: Most states (the majority)
5 years: California (DUI), Illinois (some violations)
The clock starts when your SR-22 is filed and your license is reinstated. If your policy lapses or you cancel it during the mandated period, the clock restarts from zero once you file a new SR-22.
Good news: Once your SR-22 period ends, your insurer will stop filing the certificate. Your rates should decrease (assuming no new violations), though you'll still be considered higher-risk for several more years.
What Happens If Your SR-22 Insurance Lapses?
Letting your SR-22 insurance lapse is one of the worst things you can do. Here's what happens:
Your insurer notifies the state. Within 10–30 days of cancellation or non-payment, your insurance company is legally required to file an SR-26 (or equivalent) with your state DMV, notifying them that your coverage has ended.
Your license is suspended—again. The state will automatically suspend your driving privileges. You may face additional fines and penalties.
The SR-22 period restarts. When you eventually file a new SR-22, the entire 3-year (or however long) period starts over from scratch.
Your rates go up even more. A lapse signals to insurers that you're an even higher risk. Expect another rate increase when you reinstate.
Bottom line: Treat your SR-22 policy like your license depends on it—because it does. Set up automatic payments, track renewal dates carefully, and never let coverage lapse.
Shopping for SR-22 Insurance: What to Know
Finding affordable SR-22 insurance takes work, but it's worth it. Here's how to shop smart:
Get quotes from multiple carriers. Rates for high-risk drivers vary dramatically. One insurer might charge $4,000/year while another offers $2,500 for identical coverage.
Look for high-risk specialists. Some carriers focus on high-risk drivers and may offer better rates than mainstream insurers. Examples include The General, Direct Auto, Acceptance, and Bristol West.
Ask about discounts. Even high-risk drivers can qualify for discounts like bundling (home + auto), defensive driving courses, telematics programs, and paying in full.
Consider higher deductibles. Raising your collision and comprehensive deductibles from $500 to $1,000 can reduce premiums by 15–25%. Just make sure you can afford the deductible if you need to file a claim.
Improve your credit (if allowed in your state). In most states, credit is a major rating factor. Paying down debt and correcting credit report errors can lower your premium over time.
For more strategies, see our guide to car insurance for high-risk drivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
An SR-22 is a certificate filed by your insurance company with your state's DMV proving you carry at least the minimum required liability coverage. You typically need one after serious violations like DUI, reckless driving, driving without insurance, or accumulating too many points on your license.
The SR-22 filing itself costs $15–$50, but your car insurance premium will increase substantially—often 50–80% or more—because you're classified as high-risk. Drivers with DUIs may see premiums double or triple.
Most states require 3 years, though some mandate 1–5 years. The clock restarts if your policy lapses or is canceled during that period, so continuous coverage is critical.
Yes. You can file a non-owner SR-22 if you don't own a vehicle but need to prove financial responsibility to reinstate your license. Non-owner policies provide liability coverage when you drive someone else's car.
Your insurer is legally required to notify the state. Your license will be suspended immediately, and you'll have to start the SR-22 filing period over from scratch when you reinstate coverage. Your rates will also increase further.
Not all carriers offer SR-22 filings. Some insurers will drop you after a serious violation. Contact your current insurer first, but be prepared to shop around—especially with carriers that specialize in high-risk coverage.