is proof of future financial responsibility that high-risk drivers must carry to reinstate their driving privileges after a license suspension or revocation. Although it is often called "SR-22 insurance," it’s not really an insurance policy—it’s a certificate that your insurer files with the state to certify that you carry the minimum required liability insurance.

In Michigan, an SR-22 is a certificate that high-risk drivers must have in order to regain their driving privileges after their license has been suspended or revoked. It indicates that you’ve purchased coverage that complies with the minimum liability and personal injury protection (PIP) coverage required by Michigan law.
Your car insurance company issues an SR-22 for serious traffic offenses or alcohol/drug-related driving issues. It's submitted to the state after purchasing at least a minimum-coverage auto insurance policy.
The cost of getting an SR-22 is between $15 and $25, but the main expense of a bad driving record is higher car insurance rates.

What is an SR-22 in Michigan?

An SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility required for Michigan drivers who have been deemed "

high risk

" because of severe or excessive traffic violations.

This legal document is issued by your auto insurance provider to confirm that you hold at least the minimum

liability car insurance

, along with

personal injury protection (PIP)

Michigan’s coverage minimums for

SR-22 insurance

are the following:

Property damage liability

: $10,000 per accident

Bodily injury liability

: $50,000 per person / $100,000 per accident

Personal Injury Protection (PIP): $50,000 per accident

Failure to maintain the minimum coverage can result in a number of penalties, such as a civil lawsuit or a criminal conviction with a fine of up to $500 plus potential jail time.

Who needs it?

Michigan SR-22 insurance is required for individuals whose licenses have been suspended or revoked in order to reinstate their driving privileges.

You might be required to obtain an SR-22 if you have engaged in one or more of the following:

An at-fault accident without insurance or the minimum insurance required by the state

Reckless driving

Distracted driving

Fleeing the scene of an accident

Speeding or racing

Excessive points on your

driving record

Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) or Operating While Visibly Impaired (OWVI)

In addition to filing an SR-22, high-risk drivers in Michigan might be required to get a financial-responsibility-restricted driver’s license.

Key Takeaway: Michigan SR-22 insurance is required for individuals with financial-responsibility judgments or alcohol- or drug-related driving offenses.

MORE:

Michigan DUI laws

How to get it

You can get SR-22 insurance in Michigan through your auto insurance provider.

After being notified by the state or court of law that you must file an SR-22, you will need to purchase a policy with at least the minimum liability coverage required by

Michigan car insurance laws

Your auto insurance company will then submit the SR-22 form to the Michigan Secretary of State, which will provide you with confirmation of the filing in two to four weeks.

How much does it cost?

Filing an SR-22 certificate in Michigan entails a flat fee of $15 to $25.

The real cost involved with an SR-22 is the increased insurance costs, the amount of which depends on the following factors:
Number, type, and recency of previous offenses
Vehicle age and type
Driving amount
Location
Personal details (age, marital status, education, occupation)

How an SR-22 impacts your insurance in Michigan

If you’ve been convicted of a moving violation that results in an SR-22 requirement, you’re very likely to see your Michigan car insurance premiums increase thanks to a poor driving history. However, there are a number of options for reducing the overall cost:

Compare car insurance quotes

from multiple providers: Because different insurance companies will quote you different rates, it’s important to shop around for the cheapest SR-22 insurance.

Check for discounts

: Consult with your insurer to determine whether you can reduce your premiums by taking a DUI or defensive driver course or by paying in full for your policy upfront.

Once you have maintained your Michigan SR-22 insurance for the required period of time (generally, three consecutive years) without additional infractions, the requirement to file will be lifted. However, it could still be some time before you start to see your rates go down.

Remember: It’s your driving record that affects your insurance premiums, not the SR-22 requirement, so you should expect higher-than-average rates until the violations that caused the SR-22 filing requirement expire.

Be careful to not let your SR-22 policy lapse before the mandated period. Doing so will start the process over again, as your insurer is required by law to notify the state of any

gaps in your coverage

Key Takeaway: Maintain your SR-22 policy consistently for three years or the duration required by the state.

MORE:

How does a car insurance lapse impact rates?

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FAQs

What is an SR-22 in Michigan?

In Michigan, an SR-22 is a certificate that high-risk drivers must have in order to regain their driving privileges after their license has been suspended or revoked. It indicates that you’ve purchased insurance coverage that complies with the minimum liability and personal injury protection (PIP) coverage required by Michigan law.

How long does an SR-22 last in Michigan?

Drivers are usually required to file an SR-22 for 3 years. However, some infractions may require longer filing periods.

Does Michigan require SR-22?

Michigan requires drivers who have been deemed "high risk" because of severe or excessive traffic offenses to file an SR-22 certificate.

Is Michigan a no-fault state?

Yes, Michigan is a

no-fault state

. Drivers in Michigan must file with their own insurance company to be compensated for medical expenses following an accident, regardless of who’s at fault.

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