To reinstate your driver’s license in Colorado, you may be required to file an SR22 certificate proving that you carry the state-required liability insurance coverage.
The state commonly requires high-risk drivers to submit an SR22 filing after:
- DUI or DWAI convictions
- Driving without insurance
- Too many license points
- Serious traffic violations
- License suspension or revocation
In many situations, drivers must also complete court or DMV requirements before the state will approve reinstatement.
What Is an SR22 Filing?
A state-licensed high-risk insurance provider files the SR22, a certificate of financial responsibility, with the Colorado DMV. The filing confirms that you carry the minimum liability insurance required by the state.
The SR22 itself is not a separate insurance policy. It is attached to a qualifying auto insurance policy.
Colorado generally requires these drivers to maintain continuous SR22 coverage for 3 years after their license reinstatement.
Owner vs Non-Owner SR22 Insurance
The type of SR22 policy you need depends on whether you currently own a vehicle.
Owner SR22 Insurance
Owner SR22 insurance is a certificate for drivers who own a vehicle and need insurance coverage attached to that vehicle.
Non-Owner SR22 Insurance
Non-owner SR22 insurance is for drivers who:
- Do not own a vehicle
- Need license reinstatement
- Drive a borrowed vehicle occasionally
Learn more about non-owner SR22 insurance.
Colorado Minimum Liability Insurance Requirements
Colorado drivers filing an SR22 must carry at least the state-required minimum liability coverage.
- $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $15,000 property damage liability per accident
Failure to maintain the required liability coverage may result in another suspension or additional penalties.
How to Reinstate Your License With SR22 Insurance
The Colorado SR22 reinstatement process typically involves several steps.
- Purchase an SR22-compliant insurance policy
- Have an insurance provider file the SR22 with the Colorado DMV
- Pay all reinstatement fees
- Complete any court or DMV requirements
- Maintain continuous SR22 coverage for the required filing period
Once the state receives the SR22 filing and the driver completes all other requirements, license reinstatement can take place.
How Long Do You Need SR22 Insurance in Colorado?
In most cases, Colorado SR22 requirements remain active for 3 years. The exact filing period depends on the original violation and DMV requirements.
Maintaining continuous coverage during the entire filing period is critical. If the policy lapses, the insurance company will notify the Colorado DMV by filing an SR26 form. The SR26 filing results in another suspension of the driver’s license.
Learn more about how long you need SR22 insurance in Colorado.
What Happens If Your SR22 Insurance Lapses?
If your SR22 policy lapses or is canceled before the filing requirement ends, Colorado may suspend your license again and restart the compliance period.
A lapse may also lead to:
- Additional reinstatement fees
- Longer SR22 filing requirements
- Higher insurance rates
- Additional DMV penalties
Learn more about Colorado SR22 insurance lapses.
How Much Does Colorado SR22 Insurance Cost?
The SR22 filing itself is usually inexpensive, but the underlying insurance policy may cost more because drivers with SR22 requirements are considered high-risk.
Several factors affect SR22 insurance costs, including:
- DUI or DWAI convictions
- Driving history
- Coverage lapses
- Vehicle type
- Age and driving experience
- Prior suspensions
Learn more about Colorado SR22 insurance costs.
Does Colorado Require FR44 Insurance?
No. Like most other states, Colorado requires SR22 filings for license reinstatement, not FR44 filings.
Only Florida and Virginia use FR44 filings, which typically require higher liability limits due to serious alcohol-related driving offenses.
Learn more about FR44 insurance requirements.
Get Help With Colorado SR22 License Reinstatement
UltraCar Insurance helps high-risk drivers quickly compare Colorado SR22 insurance options, including owner and non-owner policies.
Our team works with drivers dealing with:
- License suspensions
- DUI-related SR22 requirements
- Coverage lapses
- Non-owner SR22 filings
- High-risk insurance situations
For more information about filing requirements and reinstatement coverage, visit our Colorado SR22 insurance page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reinstate my Colorado license without SR22 insurance?
If the Colorado DMV requires an SR22 filing, you generally cannot reinstate your license until you submit the filing and the state accepts it.
Can I switch SR22 insurance companies during the filing period?
Yes, but the new policy should take effect before you cancel the old one to avoid a lapse in coverage.
Can I get SR22 insurance without owning a car?
Yes. Non-owner SR22 insurance for drivers who need an SR22 filing but do not currently own a vehicle.
How long do I need SR22 insurance in Colorado?
Most drivers are required to maintain SR22 coverage for several years, depending on the original violation and DMV requirements.
What happens if my SR22 insurance policy lapses?
The Colorado DMV may suspend your license again if you cancel the SR22 filing before the required filing period ends.
