SR22 Insurance
(sometimes referred to as a certificate of insurance or a financial responsibility filing)
is a vehicle liability insurance document required by most state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offices for "high-risk" drivers.
SR-22 DMV Filing: 3 things you should know
1. It’s not really insurance.
While many refer to “SR-22 insurance,” an SR-22 is actually just a certificate your car insurer files with your state to vouch for you. Basically, it verifies you have coverage. You only need an SR-22 if a judge says you do—this can happen after certain violations, like DUI, reckless driving or car accident.
2. It’s not (too) expensive.
Having an SR-22 filing might cost you a little extra (again, temporarily):
There’s a fee to file it, generally around $25.
Your insurance rate might go up if you need the SR-22 because of a moving violation or accident.
3. It’s not forever
In three years—give or take, depending on your state—you won’t need your SR-22. At that point, call your insurer and ask to have the filing removed from your policy.
Three years is also how long it takes, generally, to clear your driving record. So, any violations that triggered your needing an SR-22 have cleared from your record, too.
In the meantime, keep your head up, know we’ve all been there, and remember that, It’s not forever.