Where Can I Get an SR-22 Insurance in 2024? | An Affordable Insurance
An SR-22 is a form that is filed with your state to show that you are meeting your state’s minimum auto liability insurance requirements. An SR-22 may also be referred to as a certificate of financial responsibility, “Where Can I Get an SR-22 Insurance” in Virginia and Florida, an FR-44.
People may mistakenly refer to it as “SR-22 insurance.” An SR-22 is not insurance ─ it’s simply a document provided by your insurance company that proves you have liability coverage on your car insurance policy.
Typically, an SR-22 is required when you’ve had a driving violation, such as a DUI, driving without insurance, or multiple traffic offenses that put you in the category of a high-risk driver. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process of obtaining an SR-22, where to get one, and what it means for your insurance and driving record.
Contents
What Is SR-22 Insurance?
An SR-22 is a form your car insurance company files with a state that proves you have the state’s minimum car liability insurance requirements. This form might also be called an “SR-22 bond” or “certificate of financial responsibility.”
The term “SR-22 insurance” is misleading. An SR-22 is not insurance, although it will affect your car insurance. When people refer to SR-22 insurance, it merely means a car insurance policy that includes having an insurer file the SR-22 form for the driver.
To add confusion, the SR-22 in Florida and Virginia is used, but they also have a form called FR-44. The FR-44 is essentially the same as an SR-22 but requires you to carry higher levels of car insurance.
An SR22 is a certificate that your insurance company provides to confirm that you possess the state-mandated minimum liability coverage. The need for an SR22 typically arises from serious traffic violations, such as DUI or DWI convictions, reckless driving, driving without insurance, or multiple at-fault accidents.
Before delving into where to get an SR-22, it’s essential to understand what it is and why it might be necessary. An SR-22 is not an actual insurance policy but rather a document that verifies that you meet your state’s minimum auto insurance requirements. This form is usually required for drivers who have been involved in serious traffic offenses or accidents and need to demonstrate financial responsibility to reinstate their driving privileges.
How Much Does SR-22 Insurance Cost?
The cost to file an SR-22 is relatively inexpensive and typically costs about $25, depending on your state and insurance company.
Having an SR-22 typically increases your auto insurance rates. The increase will be tied to whatever problem brought on the SR-22. For example, if you’ve caused too many car accidents, racked up moving violations, been caught driving without insurance, or have a DUI conviction, you’ll pay more for car insurance based on those specific issues, regardless of the SR-22.
The average SR-22 insurance cost is $3,270 a year for a driver with a DUI conviction, according to our analysis of large insurers.
Here are the average costs of SR-22 insurance by the company for a driver with a DUI conviction. Most of the cost increase is based on the DUI because the SR-22 itself has a relatively small fee.
Which Car Insurance Companies Offer SR-22 Insurance?
Here are some insurance companies that generally are willing to file SR-22s:
- Allstate
- American Family
- Auto-Owners
- Dairyland
- Direct Auto
- Erie
- Farmers
- Geico
- The General
- Progressive
- Nationwide
- Safe Auto
- State Farm
- USAA
Finding the Right Insurance Provider
Finding the right insurance provider is a crucial step in ensuring that your insurance needs are met effectively. Whether you’re seeking auto, health, life, or any other type of insurance, the provider you choose plays a significant role in the quality of coverage and service you receive. To find the right insurance provider, it’s important to consider factors like reputation, financial stability, customer reviews, and the range of insurance products they offer.
Obtaining quotes from multiple providers can help you compare prices and coverage options, enabling you to make an informed decision based on your specific needs and budget. A reliable insurance provider not only offers competitive rates but also delivers excellent customer service and a seamless claims process.
When you need an SR22, the first step is to find an insurance provider that offers SR22 insurance. Not all insurance companies provide this service, so you’ll need to do some research to identify suitable options.
Filing for an SR22
Filing for an SR-22, often referred to as a “certificate of financial responsibility,” is a necessary process for individuals who have had their driving privileges suspended or face specific violations that require them to demonstrate financial responsibility. To initiate the filing, you typically need to contact your insurance company or find an insurer that offers SR-22 services, as not all do.
The insurance company will then submit the required SR-22 form on your behalf to your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or the relevant authority. Once the SR-22 is filed, it’s essential to maintain continuous auto insurance coverage throughout the specified period, which can vary based on your state’s regulations and the reason for the SR-22 requirement.
Failure to maintain coverage can lead to further penalties or an extension of the SR-22 requirement. After completing this process, you’ll receive confirmation from the DMV, allowing you to regain your driving privileges, albeit with potentially higher insurance premiums as a high-risk driver.
How Do I Get an SR-22?
You get an SR-22 from an auto insurance company. The insurer has to make the filing with the state.
Since an SR-22 is a document that shows you have the minimum required car insurance in your state, you’ll need to have car insurance before you can get the SR-22.
If you already have car insurance
Your insurer can file the document with your state. Contact your insurance company to let it know about your need for an SR-22. You’ll be charged a fee for this service, and not all car insurance companies will do SR-22s, so you may have to switch car insurance companies.
If you need to buy car insurance
You’ll have to alert the insurer about the SR-22 requirement. The policy application should have a question like “need an SR-22 or Certificate of Financial Responsibility?” Your new insurer will file the SR-22 on your behalf (for a fee) if they accept SR-22 drivers.
FAQs About Where Can I Get an SR-22 Insurance
What is the cheapest insurance company for SR-22?
The cheapest SR-22 insurance is from Geico and AAA, according to WalletHub’s analysis of 26 major insurers. In addition to relatively low premiums for drivers who need an SR-22, these companies offer discounts that can help policyholders save even more on their high-risk coverage.
How do I get an SR-22 in Texas?
You should contact your local insurance agent or provider to obtain an SR-22. If you do not own a vehicle, you should ask an insurance provider about a Texas Non-Owner SR-22 Insurance policy.
What is SR-22 insurance in California?
An SR-22 is not an actual “type” of insurance, but a form filed with your state. This form serves as proof your auto insurance policy meets the minimum liability coverage required by state law.
How much is SR-22 insurance in SC?
The average cost of SR-22 insurance in South Carolina is $1,099 for minimum coverage, while it’s $2,066 for full coverage SR-22 car insurance. Other offenses like speeding tickets or at-fault accidents may also require you to file this form.
Why is my insurance so high at 22?
Teenagers and young drivers have less experience, so they are more likely to be involved in accidents. When you bring more risk, you’re more expensive to insure. If you want to get the best possible auto insurance rates, make sure to compare quotes from different companies.
Conclusion
Knowing where to get an SR22 and understanding the process is essential if you find yourself in a situation requiring one. By selecting the right insurance provider, filing correctly, and maintaining your SR22, you can fulfill your legal obligation and get back on the road with confidence. Remember that SR22 requirements can vary by state, so always consult with your local DMV or an insurance professional to ensure compliance with your specific situation. Whether you’re looking for a short-term solution or a long-term policy, reliable SR22 insurance is within reach.
