One of the first questions that come to mind after your driver’s license suspension is, how long will I need SR22 insurance? Each person’s case is different, considering the violation or circumstance that led to their license suspension. In most cases, states require you to carry high risk insurance for one to three consecutive years. In some cases the requirement can be five years with no lapse of coverage.
Eight states do not have an SR22 program or require it for license reinstatement: Delaware, Kentucky, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania.
Reasons you may need SR22 insurance
Some of the most common situations that require filing an SR-22 certificate include:
- Driving without insurance
- DUI / DWI
- A court judgment
- Child support
- Unpaid fine
- Missing a court date
- Excessive speeding
- Reckless driving
- Uninsured accident
- Too many tickets within a specific time
When does an SR22 requirement expire?
Most insurance policies renew in six or twelve months increments. The SR22 certificate, however, does not have an expiration date. As long the policy is active, the SR22 filing remains active. Suppose the policy that’s tied to the SR22 filing lapses for any reason. In that case, the insurance carrier will notify the DMV, and the state will suspend your license.
Once you no longer need SR22 insurance, you can maintain a standard policy without an SR22 endorsement. At that time, your premium will probably decrease slightly.
Types of SR22 insurance
- SR22 vehicle owner insurance is a standard auto policy with an SR22 endorsement. With the endorsement, your insurance premium may increase.
- Non-owner SR22 insurance is a policy written to cover one person, with an SR22 certificate attached. This policy provides secondary insurance coverage when you drive a borrowed vehicle. Non-owner insurance rates are lower than auto insurance policies.
- Motorcycle owner insurance can be written with or without an SR22 rider.
How will I know when I no longer need SR22 insurance?
Your state DMV will notify you when your SR22 requirement is complete. Notification is usually by mail or email. In most cases, your original SR22 notice or document includes a specific date to maintain this coverage. You can also request this information from the DMV by mail, in person, or by phone. However, over the phone may be the least reliable option. The most accurate information is typically through the mail in writing.
If your SR22 certificate has been on file with the DMV with no lapse coverage for three years, you have likely fulfilled your SR22 requirement. In rare cases, the state can extend an SR22 obligation to five years. Only the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)* – not your agent – can tell you when your requirement expires. Your agent can only inform you of the length of time your policy has been active.
* Some state DMV’s are also called a Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) or Department of Public Safety (DPS).
UltraCar Insurance is ready to help when you need SR22 insurance. We’re licensed in 34 states, specializing in issuing and filing SR22 insurance policies. Our friendly agents give free, no-obligation quotes for cheap affordable SR22 insurance or FR44 insurance in Florida and Virginia.
This article was last updated on August 24th, 2023 by UltraCar Insurance
