Everything You Need to Know About SR22 Insurance — Explained Simply

Facing an SR22 requirement can feel overwhelming. Whether you’ve had a DUI, been caught driving without insurance, or had your license suspended — you’re in the right place. We break it all down in plain English.

✓ All 50 States Covered
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✓ Updated 2026

What is SR22 Insurance?

SR22 is not actually an insurance policy — it’s a certificate of financial responsibility that your insurance company files with your state’s DMV on your behalf.

It proves to the government that you carry the minimum required auto insurance. Think of it as your insurer vouching for you — telling the state you’re covered and legal to drive.

Most drivers are required to maintain SR22 for 2–3 years depending on their state and the violation that triggered the requirement.

You May Need SR22 If You Have:

✓  A DUI or DWI conviction

✓  Been caught driving without insurance

✓  Had your license suspended or revoked

✓  At-fault accident without coverage

✓  Received a reckless driving charge

✓  Too many points on your driving record

Browse By Topic

Everything you need to know about SR22 insurance — organized by topic

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SR22 by State

Every state has different SR22 rules, costs, and filing requirements. Find your state for accurate local information.

Browse All States →

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SR22 Costs & Fees

Find out exactly how much SR22 insurance costs, what affects your rate, and how to get the most affordable coverage.

See Cost Guides →

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SR22 Filing Process

Step-by-step guidance on how to file an SR22, how long it takes, and what to expect from your insurer.

Learn How to File →

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SR22 for DUI

Specific guidance for drivers who need SR22 following a DUI, DWI, or reckless driving conviction.

Read DUI Guides →

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SR22 FAQs

Quick answers to the most common SR22 questions — from what it is to what happens when your requirement ends.

Browse FAQs →

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Start Here

Never heard of SR22 before? Start with our complete beginner’s guide that covers everything from scratch.

Read Beginner’s Guide →

How SR22 Insurance Works

The process is simpler than you think — here’s what happens step by step

1

Get Notified

Your state DMV or court notifies you that you need to carry SR22 insurance.
2

Contact Insurer

Call your insurance company and tell them you need an SR22 certificate filed.
3

SR22 Filed

Your insurer files the SR22 certificate directly with your state DMV — usually same day.
4

Stay Covered

Maintain your policy without any lapses for the full required period (usually 2–3 years).

Why Trust SR22 Insurance Guide?

We built this site because finding clear, accurate, and unbiased SR22 information online is surprisingly difficult. Our goal is simple — give you the facts without pressure or confusion.

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SR22 Insurance by State

SR22 requirements vary significantly from state to state. Find your state below for specific cost, filing, and duration information.

Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California
Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia
Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa
Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland
Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri
Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey
New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio
Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina
South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont
Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming

Common SR22 Questions

❓ How much does SR22 insurance cost?
The SR22 filing fee itself is typically $15–$50 as a one-time charge. However your overall premium will increase because you are now considered high-risk. Most drivers pay an extra $50–$200 per month. See our full cost breakdown →

❓ How long do I need SR22 insurance?
Most states require SR22 for 2 to 3 years. The exact duration depends on your state and the violation that triggered the requirement. The clock starts from your license suspension date — not from when you filed. See duration by state →

❓ What happens if my SR22 lapses?
If your SR22 lapses your insurer is legally required to notify the DMV immediately. Your license will be suspended again and you may have to restart your SR22 period from scratch. Never let your policy lapse even for a single day. Learn more →

❓ Can I get SR22 insurance if I don’t own a car?
Yes. If you don’t own a vehicle you can get a non-owner SR22 policy which provides liability coverage when you drive someone else’s car. It is typically cheaper than a standard SR22 policy. Read the non-owner SR22 guide →

SR22 Insurance Guide is an independent informational resource. We are not licensed insurance agents and do not sell insurance. Content is for educational purposes only. Always consult a licensed insurance professional in your state.