In most situations, Colorado requires drivers to maintain SR22 insurance for 1 to 3 years, depending on the original violation, court requirements, and Colorado DMV rules.
The SR22 filing allows insurance companies issuing high-risk auto insurance policies to monitor those policies to confirm continuous financial responsibility coverage for the period the state requires the driver to maintain an SR22 filing.
Common reasons Colorado drivers may be required to carry SR22 insurance include:
- DUI or DWAI convictions
- Driving without insurance
- Too many license points
- Serious traffic violations
- License suspension or revocation
When Does the Colorado SR22 Filing Period Start?
Many drivers mistakenly believe the SR22 clock begins immediately after a suspension or conviction. In many cases, the filing period does not begin until the SR22 certificate is active with the Colorado DMV.
If there are delays with reinstatement, unpaid fees, or lapses in coverage, the state may extend the driver’s SR22 requirement.
Learn more about Colorado SR22 license reinstatement requirements.
Why Continuous SR22 Coverage Matters
Colorado requires uninterrupted SR22 coverage during the full filing period. If the policy lapses or is canceled early, the insurance company may notify the Colorado DMV by filing an SR26 form.
A lapse in coverage may lead to:
- Another license suspension
- Additional reinstatement fees
- Extended SR22 filing requirements
- Higher insurance premiums
- Additional DMV penalties
Even a short lapse can create major delays during the reinstatement process.
Learn more about what happens if your Colorado SR22 insurance policy lapses.
Can the Colorado SR22 Filing Period Restart?
Yes. If your SR22 insurance policy lapses before you complete the filing requirement, Colorado may restart the compliance timeline entirely.
Failing to make timely SR22 payments is one of the biggest mistakes drivers make during the reinstatement process.
Common reasons for someone’s filing period to restart include:
- Missed insurance payments
- Policy cancellations
- Expired payment methods
- Switching insurance companies incorrectly
- Removing the SR22 filing too early
Maintaining continuous coverage until the DMV officially removes the SR22 requirement is critical.
Owner vs Non-Owner SR22 Insurance in Colorado
The type of SR22 insurance you need depends on whether you own a vehicle.
Owner SR22 Insurance
Owner SR22 insurance is for drivers who own and insure a vehicle.
Non-Owner SR22 Insurance
Non-owner SR22 insurance is for drivers who:
- Do not own a vehicle
- Need license reinstatement
- Borrow vehicles occasionally
Learn more about non-owner SR22 insurance.
How Much Does SR22 Insurance Cost During the Filing Period?
SR22 insurance generally costs more than standard auto insurance because drivers with SR22 requirements are considered high-risk.
Several factors affect the overall cost during the filing period, including:
- DUI or DWAI convictions
- Driving history
- Coverage lapses
- Vehicle type
- Age and driving experience
- Prior suspensions
Most insurance companies also charge a separate SR22 filing fee. UltraCar Insurance, on the other hand, does not charge an SR22 filing fee or any other type of fee.
Learn more about Colorado SR22 insurance costs.
What Is the Difference Between SR22 and FR44 Insurance?
Colorado primarily uses SR22 filings rather than FR44 insurance requirements.
FR44 filings are required in Florida and Virginia after serious alcohol-related driving offenses, and often require higher liability limits.
Learn more about FR44 insurance requirements.
How to Stay Compliant During the SR22 Filing Period
Drivers can reduce the risk of additional suspensions or penalties by maintaining continuous insurance coverage throughout the required filing period.
Helpful steps include:
- Setting up automatic payments
- Monitoring policy renewal dates
- Avoiding additional violations
- Confirming SR22 filings remain active
- Keeping contact and billing information updated
Even one lapse can significantly delay the reinstatement process.
Get Help With Colorado SR22 Insurance
UltraCar Insurance helps high-risk drivers by providing Colorado SR22 insurance policy comparisons, 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
How long do most Colorado drivers need SR22 insurance?
Most Colorado drivers are required to maintain SR22 insurance for 1 to 3 years, depending on the original violation and DMV requirements.
Can my SR22 filing period restart?
Yes. A lapse in SR22 coverage may cause Colorado to restart the filing period and suspend your license again.
Does the SR22 filing period start immediately after suspension?
In many cases, the filing period begins upon completion of one’s reinstatement requirements, and the SR22 filing becomes active with the DMV.
Can I get SR22 insurance without owning a car?
Yes. Non-owner SR22 insurance is for drivers who need an SR22 filing but do not currently own a vehicle.
What happens if I cancel my SR22 insurance early?
The insurance company may notify the Colorado DMV, which can lead to another suspension, extended filing requirements, and additional penalties.
