The SR-22 is a certificate submitted by an insurer guaranteeing that a driver has the minimum required insurance to stay on the road after a license suspension.

An SR-22 in South Dakota is usually necessary for drivers who have committed a serious moving violation. While SR-22 certificates are often associated with drunk driving, they can be required for other offenses.

Here's everything you need to know about SR-22 certificates in South Dakota from

Jerry

, the

car insurance

comparison shopping app. We'll also go over the easiest way to shop for

car insurance in South Dakota.

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What is an SR-22 in South Dakota?

In South Dakota, an SR-22 is a certificate that your insurance company submits to the DMV to verify that you carry at least the minimum required car insurance. Basically, it’s a financial assurance that you’re still safe to drive despite whatever rule you may have violated.

An SR-22 is usually necessary after you’ve had your

license revoked

, but you may be asked to obtain it in other situations such as:

A judgment

A conviction for not having insurance

Vehicular homicide

Driving under the influence (DUI)

Second offense reckless driving in a one-year period

If you're convicted of one of those offenses, you’ll need to guarantee certain liability insurance. The

minimum requirements in South Dakota

are:

$25,000

bodily injury liability

per person

$50,000 bodily injury liability per accident

$25,000

property damage liability

$50,000 in

uninsured motorist protection

You’ll need an SR-22 for three years, although some situations might stipulate that you hold it for longer.

Key takeaway You’ll need an SR-22 for three years after having your license revoked or suspended in South Dakota.

MORE:

Can you drive without car insurance in South Dakota?

Who needs it?

Drivers who have committed a serious driving offense, fallen into serious debt, or picked up too many demerit points on their license will need an SR-22 in South Dakota.

Ultimately, it’s down to the government to decide if you’ll need an SR-22—and for how long. There are certain guidelines, but the process tends to be handled on a case-by-case basis.

If you are required to obtain one, do so as quickly as possible and never drive without insurance.

How to get it

Getting SR-22 insurance in South Dakota is a simple process. As with any insurance policy, you just have to coordinate with your provider.

The state will normally inform you that you’ll need an SR-22 to get back on the road. Once you receive that notice, you should inform your insurer as soon as possible. Be aware, though, that if you’ve been involved in a major incident, your provider should definitely be in the loop.

Typically, your insurance provider takes it from there, filing on your behalf. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

After a conviction for a major offense, be sure to deal with any major fines or legal processes before you get back on the road

You may also have to pay a license reinstatement fee

Your insurance provider may not provide an SR-22—they might think you’re too big of a risk or simply may offer them as company policy

Key takeaway: Your insurance provider will file an SR-22 for you in South Dakota, but you might have to comparison shop using Jerry to find a new provider.

MORE:

Open container laws in South Dakota

How much is it?

Filing an SR-22 isn’t too expensive—most insurers will charge you a fee of $15 to $25. The exact figure depends on who your provider is.

There are other costs, though. Some states will ask for pricey driver’s license reinstatement fees. In South Dakota, you could be looking at nearly $200. Furthermore, there are fines and legal fees that might be attached to a criminal offense.

Your insurance premiums might change significantly, too. Average yearly costs for insurance with an SR-22 are typically far higher than for those with cleaner records. You can also expect to lose any good driver perks or discounts you might have picked up.

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How does an SR-22 impact your insurance in South Dakota?

It’s good that your insurer might be able to get you back behind a wheel, but don’t expect it to be cheap. The exact figure will vary, but some in some states drivers with an SR-22 see a hike of up to 50%.

A conviction for a moving violation is no joke. Insurers take that kind of thing very seriously and will likely

inflate your costs significantly

. Even if you haven’t committed a criminal offense, not being financially reliable is another reason for raising prices.

You may have to purchase a new insurance package altogether. Some companies simply don’t offer SR-22s—especially if you’re considered a major risk.

There’s good news, though! If you follow the rules and hold a

clean driving record

for the period of your SR-22, you will be allowed to drive relatively normally and your premiums should come back down.

Key Takeaway An SR-22 requirement will increase your insurance costs significantly, though it’s still possible to find a good deal by shopping around.

MORE:

Average car insurance cost in 2021

How to find cheap car insurance

SR-22s aren’t great for your driving record or bank account, but they’re not the end of the world. You can still find a good car insurance policy at a price that suits you. To find the best deal, use

Jerry

licensed broker

and shopping app like Jerry is the easiest and most effective way to find a car insurance policy that is customized for you.

After providing you with a comprehensive cross-analysis of the best policies across providers, Jerry will handle the phone calls, paperwork, and renewals for your top pick so that you don’t have to. So why do all that extra work when Jerry can do it better?

"
Jerry
is an exceptional app!! Without a bunch of hassling phone calls and texts or emails I just saved $530 a year on my auto insurance and got better coverage. I highly recommend using this app to change your insurance and check on it periodically for better pricing." —Satisfied Jerry customer

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