All About SR-22 Insurance Certification (State Certification of Financial Responsibility)

As a result of certain traffic violations, you may be required to obtain an SR-22 document. Read on to find out what an SR-22 is, how long you'll need to have one, and how to get one.

What is an SR-22?

Be sure to discuss your specific circumstances with your insurer or agent, as SR-22 details vary by jurisdiction. But put generally, an SR-22 is a certification – likely court ordered – that is required by many states as a way of proving that an individual has current auto insurance coverage. These documents are often required for drivers who are considered high risk due to having had a DUI/DWI, being cited for driving without insurance, or having been involved in a traffic accident while not covered by insurance. The SR-22 allows you to provide proof of minimum Liability Coverage to law enforcement officials, if necessary.

SR-22 does not replace insurance

It's important to understand that even though you may hear it referred to as "SR-22 insurance," an SR-22 is not auto insurance and is not a substitute for auto insurance. Instead, it is simply certification that your auto insurer provides to your state that proves you have auto liability policy coverage that meets the state's minimum requirements. 

Who needs an SR-22?

If you need an SR-22, it will likely be because of a court order. High-risk drivers may have to obtain an SR-22 with respect to incidents including, but not limited to:
DUI or DWI

  • Repeated reckless driving
  • Multiple at-fault accidents or infractions
  • Driving or being involved in an accident without insurance

A court will determine if you should be allowed to have your license reinstated and under what restrictions. As a part of this, an SR-22 may be required. In certain circumstances, the SR-22 allows drivers to continue to drive legally, although they will have a restricted license. 

How long to expect to have an SR-22

The duration of an SR-22 obligation varies by state and the nature of the underlying traffic offense(s).  In some states, this duration may be as short as one year or as long as five.  Generally speaking, a typical SR-22 period lasts from 2-3 years.  

How to file an SR-22

Filing an SR-22 doesn't take much effort on your part. Your auto insurer handles most of the work for you to provide verification to your state that you have car insurance coverage. For a new insurance quote, just mention that an SR-22 filing is needed.  But please note, if you cancel your insurance or let the policy lapse, the auto insurer will be obligated to notify the state of the termination and you could lose your driving privileges again or be subject to additional penalties.
If you find that you need to file an SR-22, call Senate Select Insurance Insurance at 1-800-622-9333. Our friendly and helpful auto insurance agents will walk you through the process of obtaining an SR-22 and make sure you get the auto liability coverage you need to meet your state's requirements.

Sources:
CyberDrive Illinois: http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/drivers/drivers_license/SR-22_uninsured_crashes/finressr22.html
OR - SR22 Insurance: http://www.sr22insurance.net/guide/ 

The provided information and safety suggestions were obtained from sources believed to be reliable and is intended for informational purposes only. Senate Select Insurance and its affiliates assume no liability in connection with providing it or your use of it. Your circumstances may not warrant or require some or all of the safety suggestions, and there may be additional available safety procedures that are not referenced on this webpage

High Risk Driver Insurance Information

If you have a less-than-perfect driving record, you may be wondering how to get an SR-22 financial responsibility certification. High risk drivers have specific insurance requirements.  Review the articles below to learn how to find the right high risk auto insurance policy.

The provided information and safety suggestions were obtained from sources believed to be reliable and is intended for informational purposes only. Senate Select Insurance and its affiliates assume no liability in connection with providing it or your use of it. Your circumstances may not warrant or require some or all of the safety suggestions, and there may be additional available safety procedures that are not referenced on this webpage.

Additional Types of Car Insurance Coverage

At Senate Select Insurance, we create a car insurance policy to fit your life, which gives you greater flexibility in your plan options. Our custom policies offer the choice of several types of insurance coverage that protect you and your property from unexpected situations. Call 1-800-622-9333 to speak to a friendly licensed Auto Insurance Agent who can help you design the perfect insurance policy.

Affordable auto insurance coverage options

There are a lot of factors to consider when creating a car insurance policy, including your vehicle type, driving history, budget and state of residence. Here are some of the other coverage options offered by Senate Select Insurance. Note that some options are only available in certain states.

  • Accident forgiveness: Your insurance premium will not rise as a result of your first at-fault accident.
  • Towing and labor: If you vehicle cannot be driven from the site of an accident, this coverage option will pay to have it towed to a service facility. The plan also covers the cost of repairs.
  • Loss of use: This coverage option will provide a rental car while your vehicle is being serviced after an accident.
  • Loan/lease coverage: Also called 'gap coverage', this option will cover the difference between the amount owed on the vehicle and the appraised value of the vehicle if it is totaled in an accident. This coverage option is useful if you owe more on the vehicle than the vehicle is worth.
  • Personal injury protection (PIP): Sometimes referred to as 'no-fault' coverage, since it is paid out regardless of fault, PIP will cover injuries and possibly lost wages that result from an accident.
  • Double deductible: When selected, deductible will double if loss occurs during a certain time period, after that the deductible will return to the selected coverage. The benefit of selecting Double Deductible is a lower rate.
  • Rental reimbursement: This coverage option will provide a rental car while your vehicle is being serviced after an accident.
  • Accidental death: A predetermined amount of money is paid out in the event of an accidental death.
  • Special equipment coverage: After-factory additions to your vehicle, such as a custom stereo system or car rims, are covered by this option.
  • Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts: This coverage option guarantees that your vehicle will be repaired using parts made by the vehicle manufacturer when available.
  • Non-owner: Provides liability coverage for the personal operation of a vehicle not owned by the insured or a person living in the same household as the insured.
Extended auto insurance coverage quotes

Additional coverage auto insurance is easier to get than you think.

Products and discounts not available to all persons in all states. Product, coverage, discounts, insurance terms, definitions, and other descriptions are intended for informational purposes only and do not in any way replace or modify the definitions and information contained in your individual insurance contracts, policies, and/or declaration pages from Senate Select Insurance-affiliated underwriting companies, which are controlling. Such products, coverage, terms, and discounts may vary by state and exclusions may apply.

What is Comprehensive Auto Insurance Coverage?

When used together, liability and collision coverage are great ways to protect you and your vehicle. However, what happens if your vehicle is damaged by something other than a collision? Comprehensive coverage will cover damage to your vehicle not caused by collision.

Sometimes called "other than collision" (OTC) insurance, comprehensive car insurance protects your car from most other types of damage. Common claims covered by comprehensive insurance include :

  • Damage or loss due to theft
  • Vandalism
  • Falling objects
  • Fire
  • Storms
  • Flood and certain other natural disasters
Get a quote on comprehensive auto insurance coverage

Comprehensive auto coverage protects your vehicle from unexpected damage. Senate Select Insurance offers exceptional discounts and flexible payment plans so you can get the coverage you need for as little as $2 a day.

Products and discounts not available to all persons in all states. Product, coverage, discounts, insurance terms, definitions, and other descriptions are intended for informational purposes only and do not in any way replace or modify the definitions and information contained in your individual insurance contracts, policies, and/or declaration pages from Senate Select Insurance-affiliated underwriting companies, which are controlling. Such products, coverage, terms, and discounts may vary by state and exclusions may apply.

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