SR22 Without Car Insurance (How to Get)
Getting an SR22 without purchasing car insurance is usually not possible, though regulations differ between states. Filed through your insurance company, an SR22 proves you can pay for car insurance.
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Daniel Walker
Licensed Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Apr 15, 2024
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Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Apr 15, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident car insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single company.
Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from top car companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- An SR-22 is not a unique type of car insurance available to only a select few motorists
- In some case, an SR-22 is required before one is able to purchase auto insurance
- An SR-22 is filed by your insurance company and proves that you are financially responsible to pay for minimum coverage requirements
- The necessary length of an SR-22 varies according to the state you live in
Getting an SR-22 without purchasing car insurance is usually not possible. Since states differ in terms of insurance regulations, it is important for you to know what the law is in your state.
Your state motor vehicle department, insurance agency, or licensed car insurance carrier are the best resources for finding out the legal requirements where you live.
Before you take your car out on the road, always be sure that you have the legally mandated insurance coverage.
Read More: Understanding The Types of Car Insurance
Getting caught without proper insurance coverage will open up the door to a host of unnecessary problems.
Enter your ZIP code now to see a side-by-side comparison of car insurance quotes in your area!
Is SR-22 a type of car insurance?
Many people confuse the SR-22 issue because they don’t understand what it is. SR-22 is not a special kind of car insurance applied only to specific people.
Rather, it is a filing with the state in which a driver attests to having the financial resources to pay for minimum car insurance coverage.
An SR-22 insurance is a certificate of financial responsibility requested for some drivers by their state or court order. This form serves as proof that your auto insurance policy meets the minimum liability coverage required by state law.
The filing is usually prepared by auto insurance companies in accordance with the policy you carry and then sent to the state for their records. However, not all states have SR-22 regulations.
Not everyone needs an SR-22 insurance form. Usually, it’s required by the court or state for certain driving violations such as DUI convictions, reckless driving, or accidents caused by uninsured drivers.
Of those that do, many impose this filing on drivers who have had insurance policies canceled for lack of payment. So, the SR-22 is also sometimes imposed for the following offense:
- Repeated speeding violations
- Multiple DWI/DUI convictions
- Multiple at fault accidents
- Repeat traffic offenses in a short timeframe
- Driving without enough insurance
- License suspensions or revocations
- Hardship license
If you are required to file an SR-22 form with your state, you will most likely be obligated to fulfill the obligations of that filing even if you move to a new state.
Your SR-22 insurance will be valid as long as your insurance policy is active. If you don’t keep continuous coverage, you may lose your driving privileges. If your policy lapses, or is cancelled during this period, the insurance provider needs to notify the state.
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Why can’t I get an SR-22 without purchasing car insurance?
The simple fact of the matter is that an SR-22 is simply a record stating that you have the financial resources to purchase and maintain car insurance.
If you’re not purchasing auto insurance, then there is no need for an SR-22. In many states that use the SR-22 filing, it’s not even possible to do so without car insurance because the insurance company is responsible for filing the notice.
The only exception to this rule is in New Hampshire which does not require drivers to purchase minimum liability insurance if they have the financial resources to self-insure.
In other words, as of 2010, you can forgo buying car insurance if you can prove that you can afford to pay for claims out-of-pocket in the “Live Free or Die” state.
In this case, the SR-22 is the needed documentation that proves a driver has such financial resources and can be classified as self-insured.
If your insurance company provides SR-22 insurance policies, you can just call them to add the SR-22 endorsement to your existing policy and file an SR-22 document with the state that requires it.
Read more: How do I get SR-22 insurance without a car?
What if my financial circumstances change during the term of my SR-22?
Since the SR22 insurance filing is proof that you have the financial resources to pay for your insurance, any change in your circumstances which negatively affects your ability to make your payments requires you to be prepared to cancel your policy if need be.
In such cases, a terminated policy means you must surrender the registration on your vehicle and keep it off the road. Depending on your state and the reason you were required to file the SR-22, your license may even be suspended for a period of time.
Regardless of the change in your financial circumstances, as long as you still are able to make your insurance premium on time, the existence of the SR-22 really serves only as a formality.
The SR22 insurance is not designed to punish you by taking away your driving privileges if your financial circumstances change. As long as you can make your insurance payments, you’re good to go.
SR-22 regulations differ from one state to the next. If you have any questions regarding the insurance filing or how it affects auto insurance rates, feel free to contact your insurance company or your state motor vehicle department.
How long does a driver need to maintain an SR-22?
Regulations vary from state to state, according to the reasons the SR-22 was imposed, so you’ll have to check with the individual court to determine the length of imposition.
However, as a general rule, most states impose a period of 24 to 36 months for most SR-22s. These would typically be those imposed because of insurance policy lapses or convictions for driving without insurance.
It is possible to have an SR-22 required for longer periods of time for more serious offenses like DUI/DWI.
It is your responsibility as a driver to inform your insurance company that you need an SR-22 certificate. They will collect the required information from you then file the form with your state.
It’s also your job to inform them when the SR-22 has been lifted so they can cancel it. You will be required to furnish proof that it has been lifted before your insurance company will file the SR-22 cancellation.
If your insurance policy is canceled for any reason during the SR-22 period, your insurance company is required by law to report it to your state. Cancellation of your policy could result in the revocation of your driving privileges.
Even though an SR-22 form is proof of insurance coverage, the state won’t accept your insurance card or policy as alternatives.
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If I move to a new state, is my SR-22 canceled?
The issue of moving to a new state in relation to an SR-22 is a tricky one. Some states require that you complete the terms of an SR-22 imposed by your previous home state, while others don’t.
As a general rule, it’s suggested that you let it run its course as long as you are still covered by the same insurance company when you move to your new state. Otherwise, trying to file paperwork with both states can lead to complications down the road.
If your new state requires a new insurance company, you’ll have to discuss the SR-22 with them.
Even if you’re required to file an SR-22, you can still compare car insurance rates online by typing in your ZIP code below!
Case Studies: Obtaining SR22 Without Car Insurance
Case Study 1: John’s Dilemma
John, a resident of California, recently had his driver’s license suspended due to a DUI conviction. He needs to obtain an SR22 to reinstate his driving privileges, but he doesn’t currently own a car or have car insurance. John wonders if it’s possible to get an SR22 without purchasing car insurance.
Case Study 2: Sarah’s Insurance Lapse
Sarah, a driver from Florida, had her car insurance policy canceled for non-payment. As a result, the state requires her to file an SR22 to demonstrate financial responsibility.
However, Sarah is concerned about the cost of purchasing a new insurance policy and wonders if there are alternative options to fulfill the SR22 requirement.
Case Study 3: Michael’s Out-of-State Move
Michael, a driver from Texas, is planning to move to New Hampshire, a state that doesn’t mandate minimum liability insurance. However, he still needs to fulfill the SR22 requirement imposed by Texas due to a previous driving violation.
Michael is unsure if he can transfer his SR22 to New Hampshire or if he needs to fulfill the requirement in both states.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SR22 insurance?
SR22 insurance is a document that verifies you have the minimum required liability coverage for auto insurance. It is typically required for individuals who have been convicted of certain driving offenses, such as driving under the influence (DUI) or driving without insurance.
Can I get SR22 insurance without owning a car?
Yes, it is possible to obtain SR22 insurance without owning a car. This is known as non-owner SR22 insurance. It provides liability coverage when you’re driving a vehicle that you don’t own. Non-owner SR22 insurance is often required if you have a DUI conviction or have been involved in certain other driving offenses.
How can I get SR22 insurance without a car?
To get SR22 insurance without a car, you need to follow these steps:
- Contact an insurance company: Reach out to insurance companies that offer non-owner SR22 insurance policies.
- Provide necessary information: You’ll need to provide personal information, driving history, and details about any offenses you’ve committed.
- Pay the premium: Non-owner SR22 insurance typically requires a premium payment, which can vary based on various factors.
- Obtain the SR22 certificate: Once approved, the insurance company will issue the SR22 certificate directly to you or to the appropriate state agency.
What are the pros of getting SR22 insurance without a car?
- Compliance with legal requirements: If you’re required to have SR22 insurance but don’t own a car, getting non-owner SR22 insurance ensures you meet the legal obligations without owning a vehicle.
- Flexibility: Non-owner SR22 insurance allows you to drive any vehicle with the owner’s permission, providing coverage while you borrow or rent cars.
- Potential cost savings: Non-owner SR22 insurance can be more affordable than traditional auto insurance since it doesn’t include coverage for a specific vehicle.
What are the cons of getting SR22 insurance without a car?
- Limited coverage: Non-owner SR22 insurance provides only liability coverage and does not cover physical damage to the vehicle you’re driving.
- Restrictions on vehicle usage: Non-owner SR22 insurance may have restrictions on certain types of vehicles or exclude coverage for certain situations, such as using a vehicle for business purposes.
- Availability may vary: Not all insurance companies offer non-owner SR22 insurance, so finding an insurer that provides this coverage can be more challenging compared to traditional auto insurance.
Free Car Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap car insurance rates.
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Daniel Walker
Licensed Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.