SR-22 insurance: What it is and how to get an SR-22
An SR-22 isn’t a separate type of car insurance. It’s a form your insurance provider files with your state to show you carry the required auto insurance coverage. If a court or state agency tells you that you need an SR-22, Dairyland® can help you buy a policy online and may electronically file your SR-22 by the following day in states that allow it—and with no filing fee.
Key takeaways
An SR-22 is proof that you carry required auto insurance—it isn’t a separate policy.
You may need an SR-22 after certain violations, such as driving without insurance, a suspended license, or a DUI/DWI.
After you purchase a qualifying policy, Dairyland may electronically file your SR-22 by the following day in states that allow it.
SR-22 requirements vary by state. Follow the instructions from the court or state agency that told you to file, and confirm before changing or removing your filing.
Dairyland may file your SR-22 electronically by the following day where available.
What is an SR-22?
An SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility. It shows your state that you carry the required auto insurance coverage.
An SR-22 isn’t a separate insurance policy. Instead, it’s filed by your insurance provider after you purchase a policy that meets your state’s requirements.
After your policy is issued and any required payment is complete, we can often e-file your SR-22 by the following day. Filing availability may vary by state and policy eligibility.
How do I know if I need an SR-22?
If you receive a driving violation like a DUI or driving without insurance, your state may require you to get an SR-22. Once an insurance provider issues your SR-22, they’ll file it with your state to prove you carry the minimum required car insurance.
Not all drivers need to file an SR-22. Each state has its own requirements, but drivers may be told to file an SR-22 after violations such as:
Driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI)
Driving with a suspended or revoked driver’s license
Causing an accident while driving without insurance
Being charged for repeated traffic violations—like multiple speeding tickets over the course of a few months—or severe violations, such as reckless driving
If a court or state agency determines you need an SR-22, you’ll typically receive notice or instructions during a hearing or from your state motor vehicle agency.
How to get an SR-22 with Dairyland
The process for getting an SR-22 varies by state. In general, simply indicate you need to file an SR-22 when you purchase your auto insurance policy—we can take it from there.
Start your quote online or by phone. Tell us you need an SR-22 filing as part of your auto insurance policy.
Choose your coverage. We’ll help you review available coverage options based on your state and situation.
Buy your policy. After your policy is issued and any required payment is complete, we can prepare your SR-22 filing.
We file with the state. In states that allow electronic filing, we may file your SR-22 by the following day.
Keep your policy active. Make payments on time to help avoid a lapse that could affect your SR-22 requirement.
Start a quote online or call us to review your options.
How much does SR-22 insurance cost?
Although an SR-22 isn’t insurance, the filing can affect cost in two different ways: the filing fee and the cost of your auto insurance policy connected to the filing.
Dairyland generally doesn’t charge a fee to file an SR-22. However, your insurance premium may be higher depending on why the SR-22 is required.
Your rate can vary based on factors such as your state, driving record, age, vehicle, coverage selections, and payment plan.
Non-owner SR-22 insurance: What if I don’t own a car?
You may still need an SR-22 even if you don’t own a vehicle. While an SR-22 isn’t insurance, a non-owner car insurance policy with an SR-22 filing may help you meet your state’s requirement.
Non-owner insurance is typically designed for drivers who don’t own a car but occasionally drive vehicles they don’t own. It may provide liability coverage if you cause an accident while driving a borrowed or rented vehicle, subject to policy terms and state availability.
What if I need an SR-22 in another state?
If you move while you still have an SR-22 requirement, the filing may still need to stay active in the state that originally required it. Contact the state agency that issued your requirement before making changes to your policy or filing.
Your new insurance provider must be able to file the SR-22 with the state that requires it. We can help you review your options, depending on your state and policy eligibility.
Get a quote or talk with a Dairyland representative about your filing requirement.
SR-22 requirements by state
SR-22 requirements vary by state and can change over time. Your notice from the court or state agency should explain what you need to file and how long the filing must stay active.
You can also review your state’s auto insurance requirements or contact your DMV before making changes to your SR-22 filing
How long do I need an SR-22?
Most states require drivers to keep an SR-22 on file for about three years, but the timeline can vary by state and situation. Check your notice or contact your state motor vehicle agency before canceling your filing.
Canceling too soon could lead to fees, license suspension, or other consequences, depending on your state.
What happens if my insurance lapses?
If your coverage lapses, your insurance company may be required to notify the appropriate state agency. This could result in the loss of your driver’s license or other consequences, depending on your state of residence.
Making payments on time can help keep your policy from being canceled. If your SR-22 coverage ends or is canceled, your insurance provider may file an SR-26 with the state to notify it that the SR-22 filing is no longer active.
The Dairyland mobile app can help you set up bill alert reminders and keep your payment information up to date, which may help reduce the risk of a coverage lapse.
How to remove an SR-22 and file an SR-26
Before removing an SR-22, contact the state agency that issued your requirement to confirm your filing period is complete.
When your SR-22 is no longer required, tell your insurance provider. Your provider may file an SR-26 with the state to confirm your SR-22 filing has ended or been canceled.
Don’t cancel your SR-22 early. Depending on your state, doing so could lead to fees, license suspension, or other consequences.
SR-22 vs. FR-44 vs. SR-26
SR-22, FR-44, and SR-26 forms are related, but they serve different purposes. Here’s a quick comparison.
Form | What it means | When it may apply |
SR-22 | Proof that you carry required auto insurance | Often required after certain driving violations |
FR-44 | Similar to an SR-22, but usually with higher liability limits | Required in some states after certain violations |
SR-26 | Notice that an SR-22 filing has ended or been canceled | Filed when SR-22 coverage is canceled or no longer required |
SR-22 insurance FAQs
Is an SR-22 the same as car insurance?
No. An SR-22 is not car insurance. It’s a form your insurance provider files with the state to show that you carry required auto insurance coverage.
Can I get SR-22 insurance online?
Yes. While an SR-22 isn’t insurance itself, Dairyland offers auto insurance policies with SR-22 filings you can start online. During the quote process, tell us you need an SR-22 filing so we can help you review available options based on your state and situation.
How quickly can Dairyland file an SR-22?
Dairyland may file your SR-22 electronically by the following day in states that allow it, after your policy is purchased and any required payment is complete. Filing timing may vary by state and policy eligibility.
Does Dairyland charge a fee to file an SR-22?
Dairyland generally doesn’t charge a fee to file an SR-22. Your total policy cost can still vary based on your state, driving record, vehicle, coverage selections, and payment plan.
Does an SR-22 make car insurance more expensive?
An SR-22 itself may not be the only reason your premium changes. The driving violation or situation that led to the SR-22 requirement can affect your rate. Pricing varies by state, driver profile, vehicle, and coverage selection.
Do all states require SR-22 filings?
No. SR-22 requirements vary by state. If you’ve been told you need an SR-22, follow the instructions from the court or state agency that issued the requirement.
Can I switch insurance companies while I have an SR-22?
You may be able to switch insurance companies while you have an SR-22 requirement, but your new provider must be able to file the SR-22 with the state that requires it. Avoid canceling your current policy until your new policy and filing are active to help reduce the risk of a lapse.
Do I need an SR-22 after every DUI or driving violation?
Not always. SR-22 requirements depend on your state, the type of violation, and the instructions from the court or state agency. Check your official notice or contact your state motor vehicle agency if you’re unsure.
What is an SR-26?
An SR-26 is a form your insurance provider files with the state to show that your SR-22 filing has ended or been canceled. Before removing an SR-22, confirm with the state agency that issued your requirement that your filing period is complete.
Are there different kinds of SR-22s?
Yes. There are generally three types of SR-22 filings:
Operator: For drivers who don’t own a car but may borrow or rent one.
Owner: For drivers who own and drive their own vehicle.
Operator/owner: For drivers who own a vehicle and may also borrow or rent one.
The type you need depends on your situation and state requirements.