What is SR22?

It is a digital link from your California auto insurance carrier to the DMV that lets the DMV know if you are insured or not. An SR-22 filing is basically a document you get from your auto insurance or motorcycle insurance carrier that creates a communication link between your insurance company and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) that indicates to the DMV that you are being “Financially Responsible”. In other words, if you have an accident where you are deemed to be at fault, you will have auto or motorcycle insurance coverage in effect for the other driver (liability insurance).

An SR-22 is a certificate from a state licensed insurance company, an eligible surplus lines insurer, or a risk retention group. The insurer certifies on the SR-22 that you have purchased liability insurance that meets the minimum required limits of coverage for that state, and files the certificate with appropriate state Agency. An SR-22 is proof of “future responsibility” and is posted to your driving record.

  • Examples of When an SR-22 Certificate is Required. Most states require an SR-22 certificate be on file with DMV if:
  • You failed to provide proof to DMV that you have liability insurance;
  • You’ve been convicted of driving without insurance;
  • You’ve been involved in an uninsured accident;
  • You are applying for a hardship or probationary permit; or
  • At the time of reinstating your driving privileges following a DUII suspension.

 

Possible License Suspension

Most state laws require you to keep an SR-22 in effect for 3 years from the ending date of a suspension requiring an SR-22 or for 3 years and 33 days from the date of a driving uninsured conviction.

If you are required to prove “future responsibility” by having an SR-22 on file with your State Agency, a copy of your insurance card is not acceptable. An insurance card is required by law to be carried in any vehicle operated on most State highways; an SR-22 certificate is required by law to be filed with the State agency, and is posted to your driving record.

These State agencies monitors compliance of your SR-22 requirement. If you let it lapse for any reason, the insurance company must notify that State agency, and your driving privileges will then be suspended.

If your driving privileges have been suspended because you did not get an SR-22 certificate and you later get insurance, be sure you do not drive until an SR-22 certificate is on file with DMV and your driving privileges have been reinstated. Please note that an SR-22 filing is made on the date it is received by DMV if it is received during regular business hours. An SR-22 filed with DMV must be an original, not a copy.

Out of State Filing of SR-22

You will probably need to file an SR-22 certificate with your home state, if you live out of state. Most states record all suspensions on a national computer system. Most state laws prohibit the governing agency from clearing the national system before all requirements are met, including an SR-22 filing. Most states check the national system prior to, or after issuing you a driver’s license. Most states will cancel or suspend your driving privileges if you are suspended in another state.

For information on which companies do business in your state you may contact your state insurance commissioner’s office, or your local motor vehicle state agency.

Since 1992, Wayne McCormick has provided auto insurance at competitive rates for drivers in San Diego County and Southern California.

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