When Do You Need SR22 Insurance?

By Anton Behr

  • Overview

    SR22 insurance is a type of insurance that was devised for those that have lost their driving license. Most of the time, this loss is due to a license suspension. An SR22 form will allow a driver with a suspended license to drive again. While seemingly cut and dry, this insurance allowance is actually quite complex.
  • Advantages

    Those that manage to obtain SR22 insurance can legally drive once again. Those that have lost their license due to non-insurance can gain back their license once more with a SR22 form. In fact, this is the only way to reinstate a license once it has been suspended. There are numerous other reasons why a license may be suspended, but not all of these situations can be rectified with the SR22 insurance form. The laws surrounding this type of form vary from state to state, though the following information is true for most states.
  • License Suspension Laws

    If a license has been suspended for a reason such as reckless driving, the SR22 insurance form does not apply in this situation. This does not mean that a suspended license of this sort cannot be reinstated, but it does mean that the SR22 does not apply. If SR22 insurance does apply to a license suspension, it is wise to obtain this type of insurance. In fact, it is illegal to drive in most states without any insurance. While insurance rates will raise based upon license suspension, it is crucial that all drivers have valid insurance.


  • Function

    An SR22 form will allow a suspended driver to drive once more. Still, this does not mean that all traffic laws do not have to be obeyed. In fact, if a license if revoked once more, SR22 insurance will also be taken away. In many ways, SR22 insurance is a lot like a second chance at driving. While it is great to have a second chance, a third chance is not likely to come along. If a license has been suspended for non-insurance purposes, than an SR22 form is the best possible course of action to take.
  • Considerations

    While this form is needed (in most cases) in order to regain a suspended license, the form itself is not a type of insurance. Instead, this form simply provides a proof of valid insurance. Thus, all drivers must obtain a legal car insurance policy prior to asking for an SR22. In addition, most states will not allow an insurance company from another state to send in an SR22 form. All insurance companies must be recognized by the state where the original offense took place. For more information on these laws, visit your state Department of Transportation website.
  • Warning

    Be sure to check with your specific state in order to find out about current SR22 laws near you. This type of insurance will vary from state to state. Thus, it is important to find out what types of insurance laws pertain to you. If you think that you may be eligible for SR22 insurance, contact your local state transportation office for additional information. Remember, SR22 insurance only applies to certain types of suspended drivers.
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