If you’re a new customer: Purchase a policy from The General, then call their customer service line at (844) 328-0306 to let them know you need an SR-22 form.

If you’re an existing customer: Use the contact information listed on the back of your insurance card to let The General know you need an SR-22 form.

Once you contact The General to initiate the SR-22 filing process, their representatives will contact the DMV on your behalf. This saves you from having to call the DMV directly and helps ensure the filing process is completed quickly and accurately.

MORE:

How to fill out and file an SR-22

You may need an SR-22 or FR-44 after a serious driving violation

An SR-22 is usually required if you have had your driver’s license suspended for certain reasons, such as:

Being convicted of a

DUI/DWI

Receiving multiple speeding citations

Being involved in an at-fault accident while driving without insurance

Although it’s often called SR-22 insurance, an SR-22 form isn’t actually a type of insurance coverage at all—it’s a certificate that’s filed with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) verifying that you have at least the state minimum

liability insurance

. You might also see it called a certificate of financial responsibility because it proves that you’re meeting your obligation to carry the proper amount of bodily injury and property damage liability coverage.

In Florida and Virginia, you may be required to file an

FR-44 form

. This is similar to an SR-22 form, but you’ll usually need to carry higher liability limits than the state minimum coverage.

Expect your insurance rates to go up with an SR-22

The filing fee for SR-22 insurance with The General is usually around $15–$25. This is a one-time charge. Some insurers charge this fee separately, but The General includes it in the cost of your insurance premiums.

That said, this fee is in addition to the base cost of the policy, which can vary depending on factors like your coverage options, where you live, the car you drive, and your driving record.

Generally speaking, SR-22 policies are more expensive than your typical auto insurance policy. This isn’t directly due to the SR-22—the violations that led to your SR-22 requirement will lead insurers to see you as a high-risk driver, thereby leading to higher insurance costs.

Fortunately, you still may be able to save on your car insurance, even with a troubled driving history. The General offers

car insurance discounts

such as a homeowner’s discount, good student discount, multipolicy discount, and more.

The best way to get an accurate estimate of the cost of your policy is to compare SR-22 insurance quotes from several different insurers. Each insurance company calculates its rates differently, so you may find that your SR-22 car insurance rates are much lower with one company than another. A broker like

Jerry

can help you compare rates quickly for free!

Your SR-22 form will be good as long as your policy is current

Usually, you’ll be required to keep your SR-22 certificate for about three years. Fortunately, your SR-22 won’t expire, so you only have to file it once. When you’re no longer required to carry an SR-22 certificate, you can call your insurance company to have it removed.

A couple of things to remember:

You cannot let your policy lapse: If your policy lapses or you cancel it without replacing it with another policy, your SR-22 will no longer be valid. The General is required to file an SR-26 form notifying your state that you are no longer carrying the state minimum insurance. You may lose your driving privileges and have to start the SR-22 process over again.

You must update any changes: Provide your insurer with any changes in your address or contact information so they can notify the state of any changes that need to be reported. Keeping your policy current and in good standing will help you stay compliant and avoid any penalties that come from lapsed coverage.

You can get a non-owner SR-22 certificate if you don’t have a car

If you’re required to file an SR-22 certificate but you don’t have your own car, The General offers

non-owner SR-22 insurance

This is a special liability policy that follows you, not a specific vehicle, so you’re covered from being sued for damages up to your policy limits if you cause an accident in a borrowed or rented car.

Contact The General and speak to an insurance agent about purchasing non-owner SR-22 insurance.

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FAQs

Who offers the cheapest SR-22 insurance?

There’s no single cheapest car insurance company for SR-22 insurance. Your age, gender, driving record, type of vehicle, and location are all factors that can affect your SR-22 insurance rates. By comparing auto insurance quotes from several providers, you can find an SR-22 policy that’s tailored to your needs and budget.

Can I switch insurance companies while I have an SR-22 filing?

It’s fine to switch insurance companies while you have an SR-22 requirement, but make sure that you avoid any gaps in coverage, or you’ll be in violation of the court’s requirements.

Let your new insurance company know when your old car insurance policy ends, and contact your previous insurer to let them know when your new policy starts. In addition, the DMV will need to be contacted so your SR-22 can be updated with the new insurance company information.

Is SR-22 insurance more expensive than standard insurance?

Having an SR-22 insurance requirement is a sign that you have been involved in traffic violations or other high-risk activities that have caused your insurer to view you as a high-risk driver. Because of this, insurers will likely charge you higher premiums than they would for someone with a clean driving record.

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