due to committing a major traffic violation. Filed by your insurer, the SR-22 offers a "proof of insurance," guaranteeing that you meet or exceed the state’s minimum liability requirements.

All drivers in New Jersey are required by law to carry

liability coverage

. The state’s mandated minimum insurance requirements are as follows:

$15,000 for bodily injury per person

$30,000 for bodily injury for more than one person in an accident

$5,000 for property damage coverage in an accident

In New Jersey, SR-22 certificates are required for three years for drivers with a major driving conviction.

Key Takeaway For drivers with SR-22 coverage in New Jersey, that coverage will remain on their record for three years from the date of conviction.

Who needs SR-22 in New Jersey?

If a driver in New Jersey has their license revoked or suspended for any of the following reasons, they will need their insurance company to submit an SR-22 form on their behalf for their license to be reinstated:

DUI conviction

Driving without insurance

Failing to provide proof of insurance to a police officer

An at-fault crash on your record

Too many points on your license

MORE:

How to get an SR-22 certificate in New Jersey

You’ll need to follow these steps if you need an SR-22 form filed on your behalf:

Find an insurer

Not all insurers will file SR-22 forms, as drivers requiring one are considered

high risk

, meaning they’re considered more likely to make a claim, and thus more expensive to insure.

If your current insurer won’t issue an SR-22 form for you, you’ll have to find a carrier that will. Do your research and find an insurer that files SR-22 certificates in New Jersey.

Pay the SR-22 fee

Once an insurer agrees to file an SR-22 on your behalf, pay the fee so the form can be processed and filed on time. In New Jersey, filing fees range from about $15 to $35.

Verify minimum liability coverage

You’ll need to buy liability coverage that meets or exceeds New Jersey’s state requirements for your insurer to

file an SR-22 form

for you.

Submit your SR-22

Once your filing fee is paid, your insurer will file your SR-22 with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. When the application is confirmed, your insurer will notify you by mail that your SR-22 form has been accepted.

MORE:

What is a clean driving record?

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How much does it cost?

Depending on your insurance provider, your car insurance with SR-22 coverage will cost more in New Jersey than a standard, minimum auto insurance policy. Your cost increase could range anywhere from $770 to $1180 more per year depending on the violation.

Of course, your rate will also depend on several factors beyond the fact that you’ve been deemed a high-risk driver—your personal profile, age, driving history, location, and a slew of other factors.

Key Takeaway Each insurance carrier uses a different formula to set rates, so shop around to ensure you find a policy with SR-22 coverage at an affordable price.

How an SR-22 impacts your insurance in New Jersey

Your insurance premiums will likely be higher than average for as long as you require SR-22 coverage on your policy. As long as you finish your SR-22 term without committing any other offenses, your insurance premiums will decrease once your probation term expires.

Even though you’ll be temporarily dealing with higher premiums, those costs can be eased by shopping around for the best rates among insurers offering SR-22 coverage.

Key Takeaway If your insurance has SR-22 coverage, be prepared to pay higher rates than you would with standard car insurance.

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