Skip to navigationSkip to main contentADVERTISEMENTSome offers on this page are from advertisers who pay us, which may affect which products we write about, but not our recommendations. See our Advertiser Disclosure.JJess UllrichAshley Kilroy · Contributing WriterTue, August 4, 2026 at 9:18 PM GMT+2 8 min readAn SR-22, also known as a certificate of financial responsibility, is a form your auto insurance company files with your state to show that you meet the state's minimum car insurance requirements. Drivers are typically required to have an SR-22 filed by their insurer after certain serious motor vehicle violations, such as reckless driving or a DUI conviction. While the filing fee is usually small, needing an SR-22 often means insurers consider you a higher-risk driver, which can lead to higher insurance premiums.Here's a closer look at how SR-22 filings work, when they're required, and how they can affect your auto insurance costs.Learn more: What to do after a car accidentWhat is an SR-22?An SR-22 is a form filed by your auto insurance company with the state. It confirms that you have car insurance and that the coverage meets your state's minimum requirements. It's important to note that SR-22 filing requirements vary by state, and some states don't require them at all.Insurers do not file SR-22 forms automatically. If your state requires one, you'll usually be notified after certain serious traffic violations, such as driving without insurance, driving during a license suspension, or a DUI or DWI conviction. You must contact your insurer and request the filing. If you don't have insurance, you'll need to purchase coverage from a provider that's willing to file an SR-22 on your behalf.Do I need an SR-22?States set the rules for when SR-22 is required, so the requirements can vary depending on where you live. Typically, an SR-22 requirement follows a serious driving violation or repeated traffic offenses. Examples include:Driving with a suspended or revoked licenseDriving without insuranceDriving under the influence (DUI), operating while intoxicated (OWI), or while intoxicated (DWI)Multiple at-fault accidents Several speeding tickets in a short time frameMultiple reckless driving offensesFailure to pay court-ordered child support (in some cases)If you're required to obtain an SR-22, you'll typically be notified by the court or your state's department of motor vehicles. Often, you'll need an SR-22 on file to reinstate your driver's license.You may also need an SR-22 if you're awarded a hardship license. A hardship license restricts your driving to certain locations only, such as work or school. The restriction usually follows a license suspension, but some states provide hardship licenses to unlicensed minors who must drive for school, work, or caregiving.How does an SR-22 differ from an FR-44?Florida and Virginia require an FR-44 filing after serious infractions, such as DUI or DWI convictions. Like the SR-22, the FR-44 serves as proof that you have auto insurance. Unlike the SR-22, the FR-44 certifies you have higher insurance limits than the state minimum.For example, the minimum car insurance limits in Florida are $10,000 in personal injury protection and $10,000 per person in property damage liability. If you are subject to an FR-44 requirement in Florida, you will need liability limits of $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $50,000 for property damage.Learn more: What is the difference between DUI and DWI?How does an SR-22 affect car insurance rates?A required SR-22 filing can affect your car insurance in several ways, most notably by increasing your premiums or, in some cases, resulting in your insurer canceling or not renewing your policy.While the form itself isn't what necessarily raises your rates, the driving violation that led to the SR-22 requirement usually results in insurers classifying you as a higher-risk driver. That said, the exact increase usually varies based on factors such as the violation, your driving record, and your state.Read more: How much does car insurance increase after an accident?Maintaining your coverageIf your current insurer allows you to maintain your coverage, your premiums will probably go up because you'll likely be classified as a high-risk driver. While the form itself isn't what necessarily raises your rates, the driving violation that led to the SR-22 requirement usually results in insurers classifying you as a higher-risk driver. That said, the exact increase varies based on factors such as the violation, your driving record, and where you live. For example, Insurify found that a DUI conviction increases car insurance rates by an average of about 44% nationwide.Canceled coverageThere's also a possibility your insurance company will cancel your coverage or choose not to renew your policy. In that case, you'd need to find a new insurer, and your choice of providers may be limited. Chances are, your new insurance company will also charge higher rates due to your past offenses behind the wheel.It can be difficult to avoid high insurance rates with an SR-22, though you can take positive steps to reduce your rates in the future. Avoiding additional offenses and policy lapses as much as possible will help. Ensure your coverage meets the minimum liability insurance requirement in your state and have proof of insurance on hand at all times.Learn more: Car insurance discounts: 17 ways to saveHow long do I need an SR-22?SR-22s are typically required for three years, though time frames can range between one and five years, depending on your state and what led to the filing. If you have questions about how long an SR-22 is required, contact your state's motor vehicles department for more information.During the time frame in which your SR-22 is required, you'll need to maintain adequate car insurance coverage. If your policy is canceled or lapses, your insurance company will notify your state, and you'll likely get hit with a license suspension, which could impact the duration of your SR-22.Once you've met your state's SR-22 requirements, contact your insurance company to confirm the filing has been removed. In some cases, the SR-22 filing isn't removed automatically after the required period ends.How to obtain and maintain an SR-22Here's how to obtain and maintain an SR-22:Learn about your state's SR-22 requirements: This can include time frames and insurance minimums.Request an SR-22 filing: If your insurance company offers SR-22 filings, call them to request one. If they don't, you'll need to purchase coverage from an insurer that does.Submit any necessary documentation: This may include personal and insurance information, as well as details about your driving offenses.Pay an SR-22 filing fee: These fees vary by state but are generally between $15 and $50, with $25 being a common filing fee.Comply with your state requirements: This includes maintaining continuous car insurance coverage for the duration of your SR-22 requirement. Most states require a minimum amount of liability coverage, including bodily injury and property damage, to maintain driving privileges.Learn more: How to switch car insurance companiesWhat if I need an SR-22 in a different state?You may have to file an SR-22 in a different state if you committed a driving offense while away from home. The SR-22 must be filed by an insurer licensed in the state requiring the form.If you're notified that you need to file an SR-22, start by contacting your current insurance company. If your insurer is licensed in the state requiring the SR-22, it may be able to handle your filing. If not, the insurer may be able to refer you to another insurer that can file on your behalf.Likewise, if you move to a new state before your SR-22 requirement ends, you may still need to maintain the filing required by your previous state. Depending on the laws of both states, additional filing requirements may also apply.Since SR-22 requirements vary from one state to the next, it's important to check with your state's motor vehicle agency and your insurance company to understand your filing requirements and avoid a lapse in coverage.What is an SR-22? FAQsWhat does an SR-22 cost?Insurers charge a filing fee to submit an SR-22 on your behalf. The fee varies by state, but they are usually small — $25 is common. The higher cost may be due to increased insurance premiums related to the driving violation or incident that prompted the SR-22 requirement. The amount of the increase also varies by state and can be influenced by your driving history.Can I get insurance if my company drops me?Yes. If your insurer ends up canceling or choosing not to renew your policy, you can purchase coverage from another insurer that offers SR-22 filings. While your options may be more limited, many insurance companies provide coverage for drivers who need an SR-22. Just keep in mind that you may have to pay more for coverage than you did before. That's why it's a good idea to compare options so you can find the right coverage to match your needs and budget.What is a non-owner SR-22?A non-owner SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility for drivers with non-owner insurance coverage. This type of coverage provides liability insurance for drivers who don't own a car but occasionally drive vehicles they don't own. If you need to meet your state's financial responsibility requirements but don't own a vehicle, you may be required to have an insurer file a non-owner SR-22 on your behalf.Florida car insurance: Why experts recommend more than just minimum coverageHere’s everything you need to know about car insurance in Florida, from the minimum car insurance requirements, types of auto insurance available, car insurance laws, how to save, and more.New York state car insurance: Review your options and how to saveHere’s everything you need to know about car insurance in New York, from the minimum car insurance requirements, types of auto insurance available, car insurance laws, how to save, and more.