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Do I Need an SR-22 To Get My License Back?

woman shows her license in car with sr 22 insurance

If you have been convicted of certain driving offenses, such as a DUI or driving without insurance, you may be required to obtain an SR-22 certificate before you can get your license reinstated. An SR-22 is a document that proves you have the minimum amount of liability insurance required by law. The requirements for obtaining an SR-22 can vary depending on the state you live in and the severity of your offense. If you are unsure whether you need an SR-22 to get your license back, it is important to check with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or a licensed insurance agent. 

Do I Need an SR-22 To Get My License Back 

SR-22 insurance is a type of auto insurance that is required for drivers who have been convicted of certain offenses, such as driving under the influence, driving without insurance, or causing an accident while driving without insurance. This type of insurance is designed to provide proof of financial responsibility to the state, and it is often required in order for drivers to regain their driving privileges. The importance of SR-22 insurance cannot be overstated, as it can have a significant impact on a driver’s ability to get back on the road. 

Importance of SR-22 Insurance 

One of the key reasons why SR-22 insurance is so important is that it is often required in order for drivers to regain their driving privileges. Without this type of insurance, drivers may be unable to legally drive, which can have a significant impact on their ability to work, attend school, or meet other obligations. SR-22 insurance provides proof of financial responsibility, which is important in the event of an accident. With this type of insurance, drivers can be confident that they will be able to cover any damages or injuries that may occur in the event of an accident, which can help to protect them from legal and financial repercussions. Overall, SR-22 insurance is a vital tool for drivers who have been convicted of certain offenses, as it can help them to regain their driving privileges and protect themselves from potential legal and financial issues.  

Circumstances That Require SR-22 Insurance 

SR-22 insurance is a special type of auto insurance that is required by some states in the US. It is a form of financial responsibility certification that is often required for drivers who have been convicted of certain driving offenses, such as driving under the influence (DUI) or driving without insurance. The circumstances that require SR-22 insurance are typically those in which the driver has demonstrated a high risk of being involved in accidents or driving irresponsibly. In some cases, the court may order a driver to obtain SR-22 insurance as a condition of probation or as a requirement for reinstating a suspended or revoked driver’s license. 

Some common circumstances that may require SR-22 insurance include DUI or DWI convictions, reckless driving, multiple traffic offenses or accidents, driving without insurance, and driving with a suspended or revoked license. When a driver is required to obtain SR-22 insurance, they must contact their insurance provider and request the form. The insurance provider will then file the form with the state on the driver’s behalf, certifying that they have the necessary insurance coverage to meet the state’s minimum requirements. The driver must maintain their SR-22 insurance for a specified period of time, which can vary depending on the state and the circumstances of the offense. 

How To Get an SR-22  

If you’ve been convicted of a serious traffic violation, such as driving under the influence, driving without insurance, or causing a serious accident, you may be required to obtain an SR-22 form. An SR-22 form is a certificate of financial responsibility that verifies that you have the required amount of auto insurance coverage. Getting an SR-22 can seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually a relatively simple process. The first step is to contact your insurance provider and request an SR-22. If your current provider does not offer this service, you may need to shop around for a provider that does. Once you have obtained the SR-22 form, you will need to have the insurance company file it with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency. From there, you will need to maintain the required insurance coverage for a specified period of time, typically 3 years. Failure to maintain the required insurance coverage can result in the suspension of your driver’s license and other penalties. 

It’s important to note that obtaining an SR-22 can result in higher insurance premiums due to the increased risk associated with the underlying traffic violation. However, many insurance providers offer affordable options for individuals who need an SR-22 form. Additionally, some states offer programs to help low-income individuals obtain the required insurance coverage. By taking the necessary steps to obtain an SR-22 and maintain the required insurance coverage, you can fulfill your legal obligations and get back on the road as quickly and safely as possible. 

How Much Does SR-22 Insurance Cost? 

Car insurance with an SR-22 certificate attached to it is typically double or triple the cost of regular car insurance. This is because whatever caused the state to require you to carry an SR-22 certificate puts you in the category of a high-risk driver, as far as the car insurance company is concerned. The actual filing fee for the SR-22 certificate is between $15 to $25. The expensive part is the liability insurance that goes along with being dubbed high risk.  

Again, it is recommended that you do some comparison car insurance shopping to make sure you are getting the most affordable price for your insurance.  

Submitting the SR-22 Form To The DMV 

Submitting the SR-22 form to the DMV can be a stressful and confusing process. An SR-22 form is a certificate of financial responsibility that is required by the DMV for drivers who have had their license suspended or revoked due to a DUI or other serious driving offense. The form is usually provided by an insurance company and must be submitted to the DMV to prove that the driver has the required liability insurance coverage. Once the DMV receives the SR-22 form, the driver will be able to apply for a reinstatement of their driver’s license. 

To submit the SR-22 form to the DMV, the driver should contact their insurance company and request that they file the form on their behalf. It is important to ensure that the form is filed correctly and in a timely manner, as any errors or delays can result in further suspension of the driver’s license. The DMV may also require additional documentation, such as proof of completion of a DUI education program, before the driver’s license can be reinstated. It is important to follow all instructions provided by the DMV and to provide any required documentation promptly in order to avoid any further delays or complications. 

Obtaining Your Reinstated Driver’s License 

Obtaining a reinstated driver’s license can be a complex and time-consuming process, but it is essential for those who have had their license suspended or revoked. The first step in reinstating a driver’s license is to determine the reason for the suspension or revocation. This information can typically be obtained by contacting the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or other relevant state agency. Depending on the reason for the suspension, individuals may need to complete a certain number of hours of driving education or community service, attend a court hearing, or pay fines or fees.  

Once the requirements for reinstatement have been met, individuals will need to submit an application for reinstatement to the DMV or relevant state agency. This application will typically require proof of completion of any necessary courses or community service, as well as payment of any fines or fees owed. It may also require individuals to pass a written or driving test, depending on the circumstances of their suspension or revocation. After submitting the application and any necessary documentation, individuals will need to wait for their reinstatement to be processed, which can take several weeks or longer depending on the volume of applications being processed. Once the reinstatement has been approved, individuals will be able to obtain a new driver’s license and regain their driving privileges. 

Encouragement to Follow Traffic Laws and Maintain Insurance Coverage 

Following traffic laws and maintaining insurance coverage after an SR-22 can be challenging, but it is incredibly important. Not only can it help you avoid getting into legal trouble again, but it can also keep you and other drivers safe on the road. It’s easy to feel discouraged after a DUI or other serious traffic violation, but it’s important to remember that you have the power to change your behavior and make better choices going forward. By committing to following traffic laws and staying insured, you can regain your driving privileges and move forward with your life.


One way to stay motivated is to think about the potential consequences of not following traffic laws or maintaining insurance coverage. Not only can you face hefty fines and legal penalties, but you could also put yourself and others in danger. By focusing on the positive benefits of safe driving, such as avoiding accidents and protecting your loved ones, you can find the encouragement you need to stay on the right path. With time and commitment, you can build a new and better driving record that reflects your dedication to safety and responsibility.

Contacting An Insurance Company For SR-22 Online Today! 

If you need SR-22 insurance, you might feel a little confused. Fortunately, you can contact an insurance agent for help here at Freeway Insurance. Speak to an agent to find out what coverage you need and how to obtain the SR-22 bond. Then, the insurance company will file it with the DMV, and you’ll be one step closer to driving.  

Freeway Insurance agents will find cheap auto insurance options so you can pick the one that best fits your budget and needs. You can get a quick and free car insurance quote online, reach out to us by phone at 800-777-5620 or stop by one of our convenient locations.

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