What is SR22? Things you should know.

What is SR22?

An SR22 is a form called the Certificate of Financial Responsibility. This certificate is required by the state and can only be provided by your auto insurance company.  It verifies you have the required state limits for auto liability insurance coverage.  If you own a vehicle, and you have insurance, you can ask your current insurance company if they will file the SR22 for you.  If you do not have insurance, or you company does not provide the filing, you will need to get insurance. If you do not own a vehicle, or have regular access to a vehicle, you can get a “non-owners” insurance policy.

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About SR22 Insurance

NOTE: If your attorney tells you to bypass your insurance company and get an SR22 with another carrier, he’s giving you misleading information.  It is NOT a good idea, in Texas anyway, to be insured with two companies at the same time on the same vehicle, or with a non-owners policy if you own a vehicle.

WHY?  There are state laws and carrier regulations that will not allow this, because of the liability implications.  So, you may get advice to do it, but just be aware of the implications in the event you have an accident, and ask yourself, “which insurance company will pay for my claim and which one will deny it, when they find out I am insured with two companies.”

Do I need an SR22?

Not everyone needs an SR22. It is usually court mandated by the state for certain driving-related violations including the following:

  • DUI convictions
  • Reckless driving
  • Accidents caused by uninsured drivers

Regulations vary from state to state.   If you need an SR22, the courts or your state Motor Vehicle Department (DMV) will notify you.

How do I get a SR22?

An SR22 is not something you can purchase separately.  The SR22 filing comes with your auto insurance.  So it all starts with getting auto insurance.

Get a quote online – Complete our online questionnaire and our local agents will shop for the best possible rates for you.

By phone – If you prefer to speak to one of our insurance counselors to get a free SR22 quote and buy a policy, please call 512-339-2901.

Current Customers – If you are currently insured with our agency and need and SR22 please contact our Customer Service Department to see if this filing can be added to your existing policy. One of our insurance counselors will review the coverages on your policy and begin the process to file the certificate with the proper state authorities on your behalf.

  1. If you are not currently insured, you’ll need to start by getting a free online auto rate quote or call 512-339-2901.
  2. Make sure to indicate that you need the SR22 filing.
  3. After you complete the application process and make your initial payments,  we will begin the process of filing the certificate on your behalf.

You will be contacted if we need any additional information in order to complete the request.

How much does it cost to get sr22 insurance?

Auto insurance companies typically charge a filing fee. An average fee is  $25 for filing an SR-22 form.  However, an insurance company can not file the Sr22 of you unless you purchase a car insurance policy. Your car insurance rate will be determined based on all the factors that normally go into rating a policy and may include a surcharge for the filing.

  • With most insurance companies, the filing fee is usually $25 but may be higher or lower.
  • The filing fee is a one-time charge that you will need to pay when we file the SR22. The filing fee may be due at each renewal. The only time you will have to pay more is if you allow your policy to lapse.
  • A filing fee is charged for each individual SR-22 we file. For example, if your spouse is on your policy and both of you need an SR-22 then the filing fee will be charged for each driver.
  • Depending on the insurance company, there may also be a surcharge for the SR22 filing.
  • So make sure to find out from the DMV how long they require you to carry the filing, so that when you no longer need it, we can remove it from your insurance policy and stop the extra charges.

How long do you have to carry an SR22?

This answer varies from state to state and for each individual driver. However, SR-22s are commonly required for a minimum of 2-3 years depending on why you have to file one in the first place.  It may also only be a one time filing to release your license from another state.  If you commit another violation or are involved in another instance that may require an SR-22 filing within the initial mandated time period, you may be required to file your SR-22 for longer.

How long will the SR22 be active?

As long as your insurance policy remains active, your SR22 should remain active. If your insurance policy is canceled while you’re still required to carry an SR22 the insurance company is  required to notify the proper state authorities. Failure to maintain continuous coverage could cause you to lose your driving privileges.

*What is sr22? Depending on your state of residence, the Certificate of Financial Responsibility form is referred to as either an SR-22 or an FR-44.