An SR-22 is something that most drivers aren’t required to have unless you have had multiple serious driving violations. However, if you have been ordered to obtain one, you may think it will complicate the car insurance process. The truth is that they are pretty straightforward and not nearly as bad as many drivers think. Here are all the facts about SR-22s and how to comply with the legal requirements.

Who is Required to Have an SR-22?

Only drivers who are classified as high-risk are required to have an SR-22. Even then, they only have to have one if their state requires it or a judge orders it. High-risk drivers are those who have had multiple tickets, DUI or DWI convictions, those with a suspended license or who have driven with lapsed auto insurance. You will only typically have to obtain an SR-22 if you were unable to cover the financial costs of previous driving offenses. An SR-22 basically verifies that the driver has valid liability coverage.

How Much Does an SR-22 Cost?           

The actual cost of an SR-22 is typically between $15 and $25. If you already have auto insurance, you simply pay the fee to add the SR-22 onto your policy. If you don’t have auto insurance, the extra fee will simply be added into your overall premium cost when you obtain coverage. Though SR-22 costs are minimal, they can impact your finances in other ways, because drivers required to have an SR-22 are riskier to insure. For example, if you were required to obtain an SR-22 due to traffic violations or DUI convictions, these are likely to increase the cost of your auto insurance. Additionally, some states require those with SR-22s to pay their insurance premiums in full, rather than in monthly installments.

How to Obtain an SR-22

Obtaining an SR-22 requires only a phone call to your independent insurance agent, but the process can take up to 30 days. They will then send an official notice to the state that you have obtained the coverage and another copy to you, which you must keep with you at all times.

Duration of SR-22s

Most states require drivers to keep an SR-22 for a three-year period, during which they must maintain continuous car insurance coverage. At the end of that time, the driver can simply cancel the SR-22 portion of their auto insurance policy.