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Last Updated on January 25, 2026
An SR-22 is a state-required certificate that proves you carry at least the minimum auto liability insurance your state requires. Your insurance company files it with the DMV (or a similar agency) on your behalf—usually after a serious driving violation.
Despite the nickname “SR-22 insurance,” an SR-22 is not a special type of car insurance policy. It’s proof you’ve met your state’s minimum coverage rules—often required after a DUI, driving without insurance, or a license suspension.
Below is what SR-22 coverage is, how it works, what it covers, how to get it, and how to keep it active until your requirement ends.
| What it is | A state filing that proves you carry at least the minimum required auto liability coverage. |
|---|---|
| Who files it | Your insurance company files the SR-22 with your state (DMV or similar agency). |
| Why it’s required | Usually after serious violations (DUI/DWI, driving uninsured, license suspension, reckless driving, etc.). |
| How long it lasts | Varies by state and violation; many drivers carry it for about 3 years. |
| Typical filing fee | Often $15–$50 (the bigger cost is usually the premium increase from the violation). |
| Biggest mistake | Letting coverage lapse—this can trigger penalties or restart the SR-22 requirement. |
An SR-22 filing is a way for the state to track that you’re maintaining required liability insurance. After you purchase a policy, your insurer files the SR-22 with the state DMV (often electronically) and keeps the filing active as long as your policy stays in force.
The SR-22 certificate verifies your financial responsibility. In plain English, it shows you have insurance in place to cover damages you might cause in a crash—at least up to your state’s minimum limits.
Once the state accepts your SR-22 and you meet any other reinstatement requirements (fees, suspension period, ignition interlock rules, etc.), you can typically restore your license or driving privileges.
Important: If your policy cancels, lapses, or expires, your insurer may notify the state. That can trigger a new suspension, reinstatement fees, or even restarting your SR-22 clock—so continuous coverage is critical.
Quick tip: Even with a suspended license, you may still be able to get SR-22 coverage—many insurers can file an SR-22 for a non-owner policy if you don’t currently drive. Learn more about SR-22 insurance with a suspended license.
You may be required to file an SR-22 if you:
Typically, you’ll learn about the SR-22 requirement from the court, the DMV, or both. If you’re unsure, contact your state DMV—requirements can vary based on the violation and whether it’s a first offense.
SR-22 requirements vary by state and by violation. Many drivers need to maintain an SR-22 for about three years, but some states require shorter or longer periods depending on the situation.
If you want a deeper breakdown of timelines (and what can extend them), see how long an SR-22 lasts.
An SR-22 does not change what your policy covers—it simply proves you carry the minimum coverage required by your state. Most SR-22 policies are built around liability coverage (and any other coverage your state requires).
Depending on your state, SR-22 filings are commonly tied to:
Bodily Injury Liability Coverage: Bodily injury liability coverage helps pay for injuries you cause to others in an accident, including medical costs and related damages (up to your policy limits).
Property Damage Liability Coverage: Property damage liability coverage helps pay for damage you cause to someone else’s property—like their vehicle, fence, or building.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (When Required): Some states require uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, which can help protect you if you’re hit by a driver who has little or no insurance.
Other State-Required Coverage Options: If your state requires personal injury protection (PIP), medical payments coverage (MedPay), or other no-fault coverages, you’ll typically need those as part of your SR-22-compliant policy.
In many states, you can add extra protection beyond the minimums—even with an SR-22. Whether you can buy “full coverage” depends on the insurer and your eligibility, but these add-ons may be available:
Yes. If you need an SR-22 to reinstate your license and driving privileges but you don’t own a vehicle, you can often purchase a policy designed for drivers who borrow or rent cars.
This is commonly called a non-owner SR-22. It typically provides liability coverage (not coverage for damage to the vehicle you’re driving) and helps satisfy the state’s SR-22 filing requirement.
If your license is suspended or revoked, don’t drive any vehicle—including a friend’s or family member’s car—until your privileges are legally reinstated.
To get an SR-22, you buy a policy that meets your state’s minimum requirements and ask the insurer to file the SR-22 on your behalf. Many national and regional carriers can file SR-22s, but eligibility and availability vary by state. Use the table below to compare common options.
| Insurance company | Best for | Typically offers | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allstate | Drivers who want a local agent | Owner SR-22 | Availability and filing process vary by state and agency. |
| GEICO | Online shoppers | Owner SR-22 (and sometimes non-owner, state-dependent) | SR-22 options can differ by state; check eligibility during quote. |
| State Farm | Bundling + agent support | Owner SR-22 | Good fit if you prefer in-person help with forms and reinstatement steps. |
| USAA | Military members and eligible families | Owner SR-22 | Only available to eligible members; state availability still applies. |
| Liberty Mutual | Policy customization | Owner SR-22 | SR-22 filing and underwriting rules vary by state. |
| Progressive | High-risk drivers in many states | Owner SR-22 (often non-owner too, state-dependent) | Frequently used for SR-22 needs; availability depends on driver profile and state. |
| The General | Drivers with serious violations | Owner SR-22 (often available where mainstream carriers decline) | Designed for higher-risk profiles; pricing can be higher. |
| AAA | Drivers who prefer membership-based coverage | Owner SR-22 (club/state dependent) | AAA offerings vary by region and local club—SR-22 availability isn’t uniform. |
| Nationwide | Drivers looking for a large national carrier | Owner SR-22 | Not available in every state for every driver; check filing options when quoting. |
Tip: If you don’t own a car but still need an SR-22, ask specifically about a non-owner policy (not every carrier offers it in every state).
Start by figuring out whether you can keep your current policy or need a new one. In most cases, getting an SR-22 is simply a paperwork filing that your insurer submits to your state after you buy (or update) a policy that meets the minimum coverage requirements.
If you’ve been turned down by standard carriers or your quotes are extremely high, you may need a provider that specializes in serious violations. Start here: high-risk auto insurer.
Important: If your insurer plans to cancel your policy, start shopping immediately. Even a short gap can lead to extra penalties and delays in getting your license fully reinstated.
Which SR-22 policy you need depends mostly on whether you own a vehicle. Here’s a quick way to choose the right setup.
| Type | Best for | What it usually covers | Common limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Owner SR-22 | You own and insure a car you regularly drive | Liability (plus any state-required coverages); optional comp/collision may be available | Not ideal if you don’t own a vehicle |
| Non-Owner (Operator) SR-22 | You don’t own a car but need reinstatement and may borrow/rent | Liability while driving cars you don’t own | Doesn’t cover damage to the car you’re driving; not for household vehicles you regularly use |
| Owner-Operator SR-22 | You own a car but also drive other vehicles regularly | Liability that can apply in multiple driving situations (policy details vary) | Not offered everywhere; eligibility varies by insurer/state |
There are two “cost” pieces to understand:
The best way to control the price is to compare quotes from multiple carriers and keep your policy active without any lapses. You can start here: cheaper SR-22 insurance options.
Some states use different proof-of-insurance forms. SR-22 is the most common, but a few states require other filings for certain violations. Use the table below to understand the difference.
| Filing | What it is | Usually required for | Coverage requirements | Where you’ll see it |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SR-22 | A certificate your insurer files to prove you carry at least the state’s minimum required auto liability coverage. | DUI/DWI (in many states), driving uninsured, license suspension, serious violations, or reinstatement situations. | Typically state minimum liability limits (plus any state-required coverages). | Most states. |
| FR-44 | A similar certificate to an SR-22, but generally tied to stricter requirements after certain DUI convictions. | Certain DUI/DWI convictions where the state requires higher liability limits than usual. | Often higher liability limits than an SR-22 (exact limits vary by state). | Commonly associated with Florida and Virginia. |
| Other state forms | Some states use additional forms for certain reinstatement or proof-of-insurance situations. | State-specific situations (varies widely). | Depends on the form and the state’s rules. | Example: Indiana previously used SR-50 in certain situations. |
Tip: If you’re not sure which filing you need, check your court/DMV paperwork or call your state DMV. The required form and limits depend on your state and violation.
An SR-22 is proof you have the minimum required auto liability insurance—filed with the state so you can restore (and keep) your driving privileges. The key to finishing your SR-22 period smoothly is simple: maintain continuous coverage, avoid lapses, and confirm your end date with the DMV before removing the filing.
