Due to some unfavorable driving habits, you might’ve been told you need to get an SR 22. Great. What’s that? And what does it have to do with my car insurance or insurance coverage?

In basic terms, an SR-22 is a certificate of insurance that shows you’re meeting your state’s car insurance requirements for a specified amount of time. It shows you’re carrying at least the minimum liability coverage that’s required by the state.

SR-22 form

When seeking an SR22, there are no SR 22 forms you have to fill out personally. Your insurance provider will fill it out for you, and likely also file the SR22 form for you with the state.

SR22, SR-22, SR 22, SR22 form: Is it all the same?

Yes, no matter how you reference SR22, all the above examples refer to SR-22 car insurance for drivers. Insurance companies may have a preference in how they use the term SR22 in print and online, but it’s all referring to the certificate of financial responsibility (CFR) filing you need to do to meet your state’s insurance requirements.

Who needs an SR22?

You may need SR22 coverage if you have one of the following driving violations (your state might also require them for reasons not listed below):

• DUI or DWI
• Reckless driving
• At-fault accidents
• Driving without insurance coverage
• Driving with a suspended license

You might also need an SR-22 if you have a bunch of small incidents pile up over time. Again, it’s different for every state. Good drivers who don’t have any traffic violations don’t have to get an SR22 to be legal on the road.

Is an SR-22 considered car insurance?

An SR 22 means you’re meeting your state’s car insurance minimum requirements for driving and is NOT considered car insurance itself. We, as your policy provider, inform the state that we’re covering your driving for certain car insurance-related circumstances.

What does an SR-22 cost?

At Dairyland^®, most often [they] file your SR22 for free as part of your policy. Some companies and agencies might charge you additional fees or surcharges.

What do I need to do to get SR-22 insurance?

The additional information varies by state, but in general, simply indicating you’re a driver in need of an SR 22 filing when purchasing your auto insurance policy is enough. Your insurance carrier can take it from there. You’ll need to provide your driver’s license number or other identification number for us to file with your state.

How long does an SR 22 last?

Most states require drivers to have SR22 coverage along with an insurance policy for about three years. This may vary by state or by circumstances, so be sure to check your state’s requirements and ask your insurance carrier for specifics.

What if my policy cancels?

If your SR-22 lapses, your insurance company is required to contact the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This could result in loss of your driver’s license or, depending on your state of residence, other consequences. Making payments on time will help keep a policy from canceling and prevent an SR26 from being sent to the state. An SR26 cancels the SR22 with the state.

In turn, if an SR22 is no longer needed, an SR-26 form is also filed to remove the SR22 requirement.

What types of SR 22 certificates are there?

There are three types of SR22 insurance:

• Operator: An Operator’s Certificate is designed for drivers who borrow or rent a car, but don’t own a car. This is sometimes used with a non-owner car insurance policy
• Owner: An Owner’s Form is for those who own and drive their own car.
• Operator/Owner: An Operator/Owner Form is a combination form that applies to those who own their own car, but also borrow or rent one to drive occasionally.

Can I get an SR-22 if I don’t own a car?

Yes. You can get SR22 insurance if you don’t own a vehicle with our non-owner car insurance policy. Non-owner car insurance protects you in the event you’re found to be at fault in an accident while driving a vehicle not owned by you. It’s a secondary coverage that pays for damages above and beyond what might be covered through the car’s primary insurance.

Does my state require an SR 22?

Each state has its own SR-22 coverage requirements for drivers, which are subject to change. If you’re not sure of these requirements, we recommend contacting your state’s Department of Insurance.