Do You Still Need an SR22 Even If You Don’t Have a Car?

When you are issued an SR22 requirement, it is important to maintain the SR22 so that you don’t face further repercussions with your court or DMV. But drivers don’t always own a vehicle to insure. Will you still need an SR22 if you don’t have a vehicle? 

In short, yes. Drivers without a vehicle will still need to carry an SR22 and the insurance it requires. 

What is an SR22? 

An SR22 is a form that shows proof that a driver carries the minimum car insurance coverages required by the state. This requirement is generally issued after an accident or violation, such as if a driver is charged with a DUI. An SR22 is not insurance or a substitute for insurance. Instead, it is simply a form that shows you carry basic liability insurance. You can purchase this form through an insurer that specialize in SR22s and high-risk drivers. 

States want to know that high-risk drivers with recent violations carry the minimum requirements in insurance to provide compensation to other people on the road if they cause an accident. 

For example, the state of Missouri requires all drivers carry a minimum of: 

If you are issued an SR22 requirement in the state of Missouri, you will have to carry the coverages above. You can carry higher amounts of coverage, but you cannot carry less. An SR22 is extra proof that you carry this insurance. Keep in mind that auto insurance requirements vary by state. You will need to carry the right insurance for your location. Kansas, for example, requires all drivers to carry: 

If you travel across state lines, insurance should automatically adjust to fit the requirements of that state. 

How Does SR22 Insurance Work Without a Car? 

As stated before, you are still required to carry insurance if you have an SR22 but not a car. Instead of insuring a car with a normal policy, you will have to carry something called a non-owner SR22 policy. Instead of insuring a specific car, this policy will follow you and cover damages and injuries you cause while operating someone else’s vehicle. So if you are renting a vehicle after yours was destroyed in an accident, non-owner SR22 insurance will cover you. 

If your vehicle is fixed or you purchase another vehicle, you will need to insure that vehicle. Make sure there are no unexplained gaps in your SR22 coverage. Any disruptions in your coverage will go through your insurer to your DMV, who will then notify the court that issued your SR22 requirement. Violating an SR22 requirement may lead to a cancelled policy, a suspended license and other possible repercussions. 

When Do You Need SR22 Insurance? 

In general, you may be issued an SR22 requirement for: 

The length these requirements last depend on the violation. You may be required to carry an SR22 at least three years after the violation that lead to the requirement. 

Is SR22 Insurance Expensive? 

An SR22 form itself is relatively cheap. Depending on your insurer and where you live, you may pay between $20 and $30 once for an SR22 through your insurance provider. Car insurance while you have an SR22, however, can be very expensive. This is not because of the SR22 itself, but because of the violation that caused the SR22 requirement. Certain traffic violations can raise your rates by a significant amount. A DUI, for example, can skyrocket your car insurance rates by 80% or more. These violations also last on your driving record for an extended amount of time. In some states, DUIs may remain on your driving record for up to ten years. 

It can be difficult finding affordable car insurance after an SR22 requirement, but it is not impossible. Save money in other ways through eligible discounts and search for insurers who have policies specifically geared toward drivers who require SR22s or are considered high-risk drivers. Be careful with these insurers, however, as some may try to sneak in hidden fees to make up for the risk of insuring you.