What is SR22 Car Insurance?

SR22 car insurance is a type of auto insurance policy that is specifically designed for individuals who have been convicted of certain traffic violations or who have been deemed high-risk drivers. The SR22 form is a document that is filed by the insurance company with the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to prove that the driver has the required amount of liability coverage. This form is often required by the state as a condition of reinstating a driver’s license after it has been suspended or revoked.

What Does SR22 Car Insurance Cover?

SR22 car insurance covers the same types of damages and injuries as traditional auto insurance policies. This includes liability coverage for injuries and property damage to other drivers or passengers in the event of an accident where the policyholder is at fault. It may also include comprehensive and collision coverage, which pays for damage to the policyholder’s own vehicle, as well as personal injury protection (PIP) or medical payments coverage for medical expenses related to injuries sustained in an accident.

However, it’s important to note that SR22 car insurance policies typically have much higher premiums than traditional auto insurance policies. This is because the policyholder is considered to be a high-risk driver, and the insurance company is taking on a greater amount of risk by insuring them.

Table 1: Average Annual Premiums for SR22 Car Insurance

State
Average Annual Premium
California
$1,800
Florida
$2,500
Texas
$1,600
New York
$1,900

As you can see from the table above, the average annual premiums for SR22 car insurance can vary widely depending on the state where the policyholder resides. In general, states with larger populations and more drivers tend to have higher premiums.

Who Needs SR22 Car Insurance?

Not everyone is required to have SR22 car insurance. Typically, it is only required for individuals who have been convicted of certain traffic offenses, such as:

  • Driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI)
  • Reckless driving
  • Driving without insurance
  • Multiple traffic violations within a short period of time

If you have been convicted of any of these offenses, or if you have been deemed a high-risk driver by your insurance company, you may be required to file an SR22 form with your state’s DMV in order to reinstate your driver’s license.

FAQ:

Q: How long do I need to carry SR22 car insurance?

A: The length of time that you need to carry SR22 car insurance varies depending on the state where you reside and the reason why you are required to have it. In general, you will need to carry it for a minimum of three years, although this can vary from one to five years depending on the state and the offense.

Q: How much does SR22 car insurance cost?

A: As mentioned earlier, SR22 car insurance policies typically have much higher premiums than traditional auto insurance policies. The cost can vary widely depending on the state and the individual driver’s circumstances. In general, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000 per year for an SR22 policy.

Q: Can I get SR22 car insurance if I don’t own a car?

A: Yes, it is possible to get SR22 car insurance even if you don’t own a car. In this case, you would need to purchase a non-owner SR22 policy, which provides liability coverage when you are driving a vehicle that you don’t own. This type of policy is typically less expensive than a traditional SR22 policy.

Conclusion

SR22 car insurance can be a difficult and expensive requirement for drivers who have been convicted of certain traffic offenses or who have been deemed high-risk by their insurance company. However, it is an important requirement for drivers who want to reinstate their driver’s license and get back on the road. By understanding the basics of SR22 car insurance, drivers can make informed decisions about their auto insurance needs and find the best policy for their situation.