Depending on state laws, you could be required to file an SR-22 for up to 20 years following a DUI conviction—but most states only require it for 3 years.
for 3 years following a DUI conviction. However, some require filings for up to 5 years, and others don’t require it all.
The length of time you’ll need to file an SR-22 after a DUI will vary depending on the state where you live.
Some states don’t require SR-22 insurance at all—and in Florida or Virginia, you’ll need to file an FR-44 instead.
Insurers typically charge a fee to file SR-22, but the primary cost will come in the form of higher car insurance rates after a DUI conviction.
How long do you need SR-22 insurance after a DUI?
Most states require drivers to carry SR-22 insurance for at least 3 years following a DUI conviction. However, the minimum filing period varies by state and circumstance. For example, an
rather than SR-22 coverage. Like an SR-22, filing an FR-44 verifies for the state that the driver has insurance coverage, but it requires the driver to purchase higher coverage limits than the state minimum.
at all—it’s a certificate of financial responsibility your auto insurance company files with the department of motor vehicles (DMV) on your behalf. Put simply, an SR-22 verifies that you’ve purchased an auto insurance policy that meets the
The type of SR-22 you’ll need to file will depend on your individual needs. There are three types of SR-22:
An owner’s certificate that covers just the car you own
An operator’s certificate, or non-owner SR-22, that covers you if you don’t own a car
An owner-operator certificate that covers you no matter what you’re driving or who owns it.
Regardless of the type of SR-22 you get, you’ll need to be sure you keep your car insurance policy current for the entire time you’re required to file. If at any time you allow your policy to lapse, your insurer will alert the DMV, and you’ll be at risk of penalties from both your provider and the state. These could include driver’s license suspension, registration suspension, and civil fines.
How much does SR-22 insurance cost?
SR-22 insurance comes with two costs—the cost to file and the cost of
Your SR-22 filing fee is determined by your state. For most states, the fee ranges from $15 to $30. This fee will be charged to you as part of your insurance bill.
But this isn’t the cost you should be worried about—now it’s time to see how much insurance with an SR-22 filing requirement will cost you.
How to get an SR-22 filing from your insurance company
Getting an SR-22 form filed on your behalf is actually pretty simple—just ask your current car insurance provider to file it for you. If you don’t have current car insurance or you don’t carry adequate coverage, you’ll be required to purchase it before your provider will file the certificate for you.
Keep in mind that your insurance rates will likely increase as a result of the violation that led you to need an SR-22. That’s why it’s probably a good idea to see if you can get lower rates by switching car insurance companies.
are known for offering affordable rates to high-risk drivers. Even with these competitive providers, your rates will still be higher than average, though. That’s why it’s important to compare insurance quotes from multiple providers to ensure you get the lowest rates available.
MORE: How to get car insurance with a bad driving record
on Instagram and decided to give it a try. I have a terrible driving record, but Nathan still helped me. Before, almost no one wanted to insure me. Now, I have a great policy and save $200/month. I’m one happy gal!” —Terri C.
If you’re convicted of drug- or alcohol-related moving violation in Florida, you’ll be required to file an FR-44 instead of an SR-22. To qualify for this filing, you’ll need the following minimum coverage:
$50,000 per accident in property damage liability coverage
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