What is an SR-22 Form?

Picture of Written by <a href="https://rateretriever.com/about/katie-dee/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Katie Dee</span></a>

Written by Katie Dee

Picture of Edited by <a href="https://rateretriever.com/about/alyssa-dicrasto/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Alyssa DiCrasto</span></a>

Edited by Alyssa DiCrasto

Last updated October 16, 2024

If you are a high-risk driver, you may be required to obtain an SR-22 Form – also known as an SR-22 Bond or a Certificate of Financial Responsibility – in order to obtain car insurance. Your insurance company files this form with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles, and it serves as proof that you have the right amount of liability insurance for your state.

You may be considered a high-risk driver if you have been involved in several at-fault accidents, or have a history of severe violations like a DUI or a DWI, or even if you have a lapse in insurance.

How do I know if I need an SR-22?

It’s important to note that not every state requires drivers with serious infractions to acquire an SR-22 Form. As of 2024, if you live in Delaware, Kentucky, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, or Pennsylvania, you won’t need an SR-22 even after a serious driving violation.

If you’re in any other state, you will usually receive a court order to notify you if you are required to obtain an SR-22 Form from your insurance company. You can also talk with an insurance agent, and they can walk you through the process and ensure you’ve checked all your boxes.

Unfortunately, not every insurance company will want to cover a driver that requires an SR-22 because of the risk involved. That being said, you may end up needing to shop around for a new policy.

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Why would I need an SR-22?

Some reasons you might be required to get an SR-22 Form include:

You have a DUI, DWI, or other serious driving violation
You have been found driving without insurance
You have had a lapse in insurance
You have several traffic violations or at-fault accidents in a short time period
You are driving a car that is not properly registered
You need to reinstate a revoked or suspended license

While the rules and regulations around SR-22 Forms vary from state to state, the majority of these qualifying violations will look the same.

How much will an SR-22 cost me?

While the cost to file an SR-22 is typically pretty inexpensive (around $25), there will also be an impact on your car insurance premium. The severity of this financial impact is more about the infraction that led to the SR-22 than the form itself. Car insurance companies set rates based on a number of factors, including your driving record, so having severe infractions on your record will inevitably raise your rates.

For example, if you need to file an SR-22 Form because you got a DUI, the increase in your insurance costs will be a result of the DUI, not the SR-22.

How long will I need an SR-22?

The duration of your SR-22 requirement will vary depending on your state as well as the infraction that led to it. On average, an SR-22 Form is required for 2-3 years (as long as you maintain a safe driving record in that time period), but your state’s DMV will be able to let you know the exact length of your requirement.

Frequently asked

What factors affect your car insurance rates?

There are dozens of factors that affect car insurance rates. Some of the most notable factors are your location, age, gender, credit score, driving record, claim history, vehicle type, coverage limits, coverage types, and deductible. Additionally, the car insurance company you select can affect your car insurance premium.

Does your lifestyle affect your car insurance?

There are several lifestyle-related factors that can impact the cost of your auto insurance policy. For example, if you have a long commute to work or take road trips frequently, you might pay more for car insurance than someone who drives less often. Similarly, if you live in a city or urban area, your rate might be higher than someone who lives in a rural area. However, factors like your job, hobbies, or health don’t have any impact on your car insurance.

How does where you live influence the cost of auto insurance?

Where you live has a significant impact on the cost of your car insurance policy. Insurance companies look at things like the severe weather risks in your area, the rate of vehicle thefts in your neighborhood, the number of uninsured drivers in your location, and the cost of car repairs and labor. If you live in an area with few risks, you will probably pay less for car insurance.

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