Do You Need SR-22 Insurance After a DUI?
After a drunk driving conviction (DUI), you’ll know if you are required to obtain a SR-22 certification, or other type of insurance form, through either a court order or a notice from your state DMV.
What is SR-22?
Commonly mistaken as a type of insurance, the SR-22, or Statement of Responsibility, is an official form that proves you meet your state’s auto insurance requirements.
Who is required to get an SR-22?
Drivers who have had their licenses suspended or revoked are required to get a SR-22 form. Common violations that require an SR-22 include:
- DUI/DWI/OWI
- Driving without car insurance
- Cited for multiple traffic offenses within a short period of time
- Responsibility for an accident that resulted in a serious injury or death
Certain states do not require an SR-22, but they might require their own proof-of-insurance forms such as an FR-44 or FR-19.
How do you get the SR-22 form?
Your auto insurance provider must file the SR-22 form on your behalf. However, not all insurance companies provide SR-22 forms as some do not sell policies to high-risk drivers. Some insurance providers will cancel your existing insurance policy or will choose not renew your policy if it you are required to have the SR-22 form due to your status as a high-risk driver.
If this happens, you will need to locate a new insurance provider who offers SR-22 certification. When you’ve purchased an insurance policy that offers Sr-22, you will work with your insurance agent, and your insurance company will file the form for you. Note that this may take up to 30 days, and your license will still be flagged as suspended or revoked until the form is processed.
How long do you need the SR-22?
Each state has its own laws regarding how long you need to carry SR-22 certification and high-risk insurance. On average, states require drivers to carry SR-22 for about three years, but that time varies according to different states laws, the severity of your violation, and if you’re a repeat offender.
Are there different types of SR-22 forms?
There are three types of SR-22 forms:
- Owner: For drivers who own and drive their own car exclusively
- Operator or non-owner: For drivers who borrow or rent a car but do not own their own car; this form protects the policyholder instead of a vehicle
- Operator-owner: For drivers who own their vehicle and rent/borrow occasionally
When does the SR-22 form expire?
Your SR-22 certification will expire automatically, and the DMV or your insurance provider will notify you when the period is about to end. However, you still could benefit from contacting your insurance company to confirm details:
- Ensure they know the date the certificate expires
- Inquire about how your rates and coverage needs will change when the certificate expires
Renew your insurance policy 15–30 days before it expires to prevent lapsed coverage in case you are denied coverage.
If you cancel or forget to renew your insurance policy while required to have SR-22 certification, your insurance company will notify the DMV that the certificate has lapsed. You will not only be an uninsured driver, but you also could face penalties such as court fees, reinstatement fees, jail time, additional penalties on your driver’s license and more.
Maintain clean driving record and pay your insurance premium on time to avoid further problems while having a SR-22 certificate. If you’re required to install an ignition interlock device as part of your drunk driving conviction, call Intoxalock at 833-623-0200 to help schedule a convenient installation appointment.
