SR-22 in Idaho: What You Need to Know
Drivers in Idaho must file an SR-22 for three years following a serious driving offense.
Written by Tom Hindle
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
In Idaho,
SR-22 insurance
is required for a minimum of three years after a driver commits a serious traffic offense.- SR-22 insurance is required in the state of Idaho for at least three years after a driver commits a serious traffic offense.
- An SR-22 insurance policy provides the 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 it can cause significant increases in car insurance costs, as well as other fines and fees.
- SR-22 insurance is required in the state of Idaho for at least three years after a driver commits a serious traffic offense.
- An SR-22 insurance policy provides the 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 it can cause significant increases incar insurancecosts, as well as other fines and fees.
What you need to know about SR-22 insurance in Idaho
SR-22 insurance is a form submitted to the DMV by high-risk drivers who’ve had their
licenses suspended or revoked
due to a major driving conviction. It serves as proof from your insurance provider that you can pay your minimum coverage in the face of legal and financial punishment.You’ll need an SR-22 for three years following your conviction.
SR-22 requirements usually become necessary after a serious driving offense, such as:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs(DUI / DWI)
- Using a motor vehicle to commit a felony
- Leaving the scene of an accident resulting in injury or death
- Leaving the scene of an accident before the police arrive
- Driving with a suspended, revoked, or disqualified license
- Failing to pay a judgment for damages in an accident
After being convicted for one of these offenses, Idaho drivers need to file an SR-22 indicating they have
liability insurance coverage
that meets or exceeds Idaho’s minimum insurance requirements:Keep in mind: The minimum liability coverages described above are
Idaho's minimum requirements
and won't cover any of your damages in the event of an accident.Bottom line: In Idaho, once your driving privileges are reinstated, you’ll need SR-22 coverage for three years after a license suspension or revocation in Idaho.
How to know if you need an SR-22 in Idaho
Drivers who have committed serious moving violations need an SR-22 to get back on the road. You might also need an SR-22 filing if you simply pick up too many demerit points on your license.
Ultimately, the courts decide if you need an SR-22 insurance form and for how long you might need it.
How to get an SR-22 in Idaho
You’ll usually receive a court order to submit an SR-22, and after that, it’s your job to inform your insurance provider that your license has been suspended. They will usually take it from there and
fill out and file the SR-22 form.
Note that some auto insurance companies simply won’t file an SR-22 on your behalf. Sometimes your driving record is already too poor, or you’ve been deemed too dangerous to insure.
Key Takeaway Your insurance provider will file an SR-22 for you in Idaho, but you might have to shop around for a new provider.
Idaho SR-22 insurance costs
Filing an SR-22 certificate itself is relatively inexpensive, it’ll only cost you between $15 and 25. However, the costs don’t end there.
Some states charge costly driver’s license reinstatement fees. Furthermore, if you’ve been criminally convicted, you can expect to pay significant fines and perhaps even legal fees.
Also, be aware that your
insurance costs might increase
. You can expect to lose any good driver discounts
or safe driving merits that you previously earned.Bottom line: SR-22 insurance in Idaho can lead to a lot of expensive fines and fees, including increased insurance rates.
How an SR-22 affects your auto insurance in Idaho
A serious moving violation is one of the worst things that can happen to your insurance coverage, and you could be looking at a significant price increase.
The exact figure is difficult to determine and depends on the severity of the incident, as well as the strength of your driving record. Be sure to gather car insurance quotes from at least a handful of providers to ensure you find the lowest rate.
You may have to purchase a new car insurance policy altogether. Some insurance companies simply don’t offer SR-22 filings in an effort to avoid dealing with
high-risk drivers.
There is some good news, though: If you follow the rules and maintain an
excellent driving record
for three years, your SR-22 filing requirement will be lifted, and this should bring your premiums back down.MORE: How to get car insurance with a bad driving record
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