SR-22

What Does SR-22 Mean?

An SR-22 is a certificate required by a court or local DMV for certain vehicle-related infractions. It must be filed before your driving privileges can be reinstated following an arrest and conviction for offenses such as DUI, reckless driving, driving without insurance, or other related violations.

Insuranceopedia Explains SR-22

Your insurance company files an SR-22 to inform the DMV that you have the necessary coverage. Keep in mind that you may need to pay a filing fee. If you currently lack auto insurance, you will need to request an SR-22 as part of your application. Not every insurer is willing to file an SR-22, and the ones that do often quote very different rates, so it’s worth comparing options through a national SR-22 insurance guide before you commit to a policy.

Auto insurance companies generally charge higher premiums for drivers who require this document due to their risky driving history. If your SR-22 was triggered by an impaired driving conviction, the specific charge matters too, since states distinguish between OWI and DUI and the labels can affect both your record and what you pay. Depending on the state, you may be required to maintain an SR-22 for up to 3 years, as long as you do not incur new violations during this period. If the SR-22 expires or is canceled, your insurance company must submit an SR-26 form.