SR-22 in Colorado: What You Need to Know
Colorado state law required drivers to file an SR-22 for at least 3 years following a serious driving offense.
Written by Bonnie Stinson
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
An SR-22 is a certificate that your insurance provider files with the DMV. It proves that you carry the minimum required
car insurance in Colorado
, and it’s often required by people who have had their license suspended or revoked for license reinstatement.- SR-22 insurance is often required in the State of Colorado for at least three years after a driver commits a serious traffic offense.
- An SR-22 provides the Colorado DMV with ongoing proof of insurance to demonstrate your financial responsibility in case of an accident.
- Filing an SR-22 in Idaho isn’t necessarily expensive, but your traffic violations may lead to significant increases in car insurance costs, as well as other fines and fees.
- SR-22 insurance is often required in the State of Colorado for at least three years after a driver commits a serious traffic offense.
- An SR-22 provides the Colorado DMV with ongoingproof of insuranceto demonstrate your financial responsibility in case of an accident.
- Filing an SR-22 in Idaho isn’t necessarily expensive, but your traffic violations may lead to significant increases incar insurancecosts, as well as other fines and fees.
What you need to know about SR-22 insurance in Colorado
An
SR-22
is a form that high-risk drivers
need to file with the state to get back on the road. It’s not an insurance policy, although many people call it "SR-22 insurance."Your insurance company must provide the SR-22 certificate to the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) once they have agreed to insure you. The form proves that you have the insurance that at least meets
Colorado's minimum liability limits
. The minimum insurance coverage required by Colorado law is:
An SR-22 car insurance policy has to be maintained for a minimum period of 36 months in Colorado, but the exact period of time you’re required to keep it will be specific by the Colorado DMV. If you do not renew it at least 15 days before the expiration date, the state will be notified.
Key Takeaway: An SR-22 is a form that proves you have minimum liability insurance, and you may need it following a driver’s license suspension or revocation due to a high-risk violation like a DUI.
How to know if you need SR-22 insurance in Colorado
Drivers who commit serious traffic violations, such as
driving under the influence (DUI/DWI)
or reckless driving may be required to fill out an SR-22 form to ensure that they meet the minimum auto insurance requirements following license suspension.You should be notified when you need an SR-22 when your driver’s license is suspended or revoked. To have your driving privilege reinstated, you will need this form to regain your license.
MORE: Is the car insurance company required to notify me if I need an SR-22?
How to get Colorado SR-22 insurance
Call your insurance company and inform them that you need SR-22 insurance and they will file the form.
Search for insurance quotes from providers who offer SR-22 insurance to find an insurance company that will file an SR-22.
In most cases, the auto insurance company will need to fill out and file the form on your behalf. Note that a summary or other proof of insurance will not suffice—you must have the official SR-22 certificate.
Keep in mind: It's possible that your existing insurance carrier won’t be able to meet your insurance needs. Some companies are reluctant to offer even minimum liability coverage high-risk drivers, and you may need to shop around.
Colorado SR-22 costs
It should cost you less than $50 (or a similarly nominal fee) to get an SR-22 in Colorado. $15 to $35 is a more common price range.
The actual cost of your insurance premiums will probably be more expensive than your previous insurance rates, due to your high-risk status.
Non-owner SR-22 insurance
is a good option for people who need insurance but don’t have their own vehicle. It could save you money and help you avoid increases in insurance rates due to a lapse in coverage.How an SR-22 impacts your auto insurance in Colorado
If you have to file an SR-22 in Colorado, it signifies that you are a high-risk driver, and as a result, you can expect to pay a higher premium than a driver who has a clean record.
The exact figure is difficult to determine and depends on the severity of the incident that resulted in a suspended license, as well as the strength of your driving record.
You will also be limited in your choice of insurers, as some companies will not insure SR-22 drivers. Those who do may not offer full-coverage policies, and/or my only offer coverage with a high deductible.
Don’t lose hope! You can still save money by
comparing insurance quotes
to find the lowest possible rates, even if you are a high-risk driver.“I recently started looking for insurance. With my past ticket, I got rejected from several companies while others charged me extreme prices. My friend referred me toJerryand their amazing customer service helped me get the lowest insurance rate.” —Christina H.
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