SR22 Insurance

Become aware of the SR22 insurance filing types and the states they are not required in.

As we have already found out, what is commonly known as SR22 insurance is actually a form that an insurance company files with the BMV which states that a driver has the minimum amount of liability coverage required in the state. When the state receives this form, it will allow the driver to resume driving legally in that state.  So after finding out that one needs to file a Form SR22, the first step is to find an insurance company that is authorized to issue it in that state. Not all insurance companies are authorized to issue a SR22 form and a list of those that are is usually available from the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles). This is one situation in which it will pay to carefully compare the insurance rates along with coverages because in all likelihood, one's rates will go up.

States that don't require SR22 insurance filing
Most states will require SR22 insurance and the requirements vary from state to state and even case to case. It is very important to find out what these requirements are quickly since the penalties for running afoul of them are very severe. So look carefully at the notice you get from the state about the filing and make sure you know the requirements in detail. The states that don't require a SR-22 form as of publication are:

• Delaware
• Kentucky
• Minnesota
• New Mexico
• Oklahoma
• Pennsylvania

If you reside in one of the above states when you commit a serious driving offense like a a DWI or DUI, an SR-22 is not required. However, if you already have an SR-22 filed and you move to one of these states, you will need to fulfill the SR22 requirements of the state in which the conviction took place even though you don't live there any more. Also, the SR22 insurance policy must carry the minimum liability limits of the original state. So if you committed the offense in Michigan which has a 20/40/10 minimum coverage requirement and you move to Mississippi which has a minimum 10/20/5, you still have to carry the higher Michigan mandated coverage till your SR22 lapses. You may then change your minimums if you wish.

Two other states don't need SR-22 filings and also don't need you to file if you have a current SR-22 in another state. However, most auto insurance companies will not file an out-of-state SR-22 in these states:

• New York
• North Carolina

If you have an SR 22 and you have moved to one of these states, this may seem like a stroke of good luck but that is not necessarily the case. You should carefully consider keeping the original SR22 requirements current as it may come back to haunt  you in future if you were to move again. There are companies who will file in these states and you need to check with the DMV to get a list.

If you change your state of residence after being convicted of a serious traffic violation or having your license revoked, a wise practice is to always make sure that you meet the requirements of both the state you currently reside in and the state you left. One common challenge for drivers who have committed serious offenses is finding a car insurance company that will cover them with their serious offenses and still be affordable. It will therefore pay to make a careful and thorough survey of the approved SR22 insurance companies in your state and compare their rates and coverage. 

Types of SR22 insurance
SR22 filings can be of several types--Owner SR22, Non Owner SR22, Owner-Operator SR22, Owner-Non Owner SR22 and even Motorcycle SR22. The acutal names may differ from state to state but in general, they classify the vehicle you are driving. The Owner SR22 is required if you are driving one vehicle that you own. If you are driving someone else's vehicle, one that is in your parents' names for example, then you will need a Non Owner SR22, also called an Operator SR22. If you happen to drive more than one vehicle and you only own one of them, you may need an Owner-Non Owner SR22 and so on. The type you need will be spelled out in your notice from the state but it is important from the viewpoint of shopping for SR22 coverage as they all have a bearing on cost.

Getting the best SR22 insurance
While one must recognize that the need for high risk insurance of this type necessarily means that it is not going to be cheap, there are several things that can affect cost. These include credit history, prior driving record and the state and city one lives in. At the same time, it is important to keep in mind that the penalties for lapsed policies is severe and the safest route may be to go with a well known company that has a good reputation. This is why it may not be prudent to go with the cheapest SR22 insurance policy but the best one for your circumstances.