Insurance is all about being prepared and protected for the unexpected. So, if you’re told you need to get an SR22, SR 22 insurance, or an SR-22 form, or financial responsibility, would you know what to do?

Most people don't know exactly what an SR22 is until they need one. Is it car insurance? How does a driver get an SR22? We have your coverage answers below. 

We can issue a driver an SR-22 certificate immediately and file it with your state the same day, often electronically.

What’s an SR22?

An SR-22 is a certificate of insurance that proves to the state that you carry car insurance. Some people refer to it as SR 22 car insurance, or a certificate of financial responsibility (CFR) filing. The SR22 simply states you’re meeting your state’s car insurance coverage requirements for driving over a specified amount of time.

SR22, SR-22, SR 22, SR22 form: Is it all the same?

Yes, no matter how you reference SR22, all the above examples refer to SR-22 car insurance for drivers. Insurance companies may have a preference in how they use the term SR22 in print and online, but it’s all referring to the CFR filing you need to do to meet your state’s insurance requirements.

Who needs an SR22?

You may need SR22 coverage if you have one of the following driving violations (your state might also require them for reasons not listed below):

• DUI or DWI
• Reckless driving
• At-fault accidents
• Driving without insurance coverage
• Driving with a suspended license

You might also need an SR-22 if you have a bunch of small incidents pile up over time. Again, it’s different for every state. Good drivers who don’t have any traffic violations don’t have to get an SR22 to be legal on the road.

Is an SR-22 considered car insurance?

An SR 22 means you’re meeting your state’s car insurance minimum requirements for driving and is NOT considered car insurance itself and does not typically count towards 6 months previous insurance discounts. We, as your policy provider, inform the state that we’re covering your driving for certain car insurance-related circumstances.

What do I need to do to get SR-22 insurance?

The additional information varies, but in general, simply indicating you’re a driver in need of an SR-22 filing when purchasing your auto insurance policy is enough. Your agent can take it from there. You’ll need to provide your driver’s license number, date of birth, and last 4 of your social security number in order to determine if an SR 22 is needed.

Can I get an SR22 today?

Yes. We can issue you one immediately.  We’re able to electronically send your SR-22 to the state the same day.

How long does an SR 22 last?

If the state requires you to carry an SR 22, they could require drivers to have SR 22 coverage along with an insurance policy for as little as 6 months but is typically required for three years, in worst case scenarios, it could be required indefinitely. This  varies based on certain circumstances, so be sure to check with your local BMV or call (844)OHIOBMV (844-644-6268) to determine how long you are required to carry an SR 22.

What if my policy cancels?

If your SR-22 lapses, your insurance company is required to contact the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This could result in loss of your driver’s license or, depending on your state of residence, other consequences. Making payments on time will help keep a policy from canceling and prevent an SR26 from being sent to the state. An SR26 cancels the SR22 with the state.

In turn, if an SR22 is no longer needed, an SR-26 form is also filed to remove the SR22 requirement.

Will an SR22 raise my insurance?

With many companies, yes.  Most companies that offer SR-22 coverage have a filing fee that is included in the down payment or spread out over life of the policy term

What types of SR 22 certificates are there?

There are three types of SR22 insurance:

• Operator: An Operator’s Certificate is designed for drivers who borrow or rent a car, but don’t own a car. This is sometimes used with a non-owner car insurance policy
• Owner: An Owner’s Form is for those who own and drive their own car.
• Operator/Owner: An Operator/Owner Form is a combination form that applies to those who own their own car, but also borrow or rent one to drive occasionally.

Can I get an SR-22 if I don’t own a car?

Yes. You can get SR22 insurance if you don’t own a vehicle with non-owner car insurance. Non-owner car insurance protects you in the event you’re found to be at fault in an accident while driving a vehicle not owned by you. It’s a secondary coverage that pays for damages above and beyond what might be covered through the car’s primary insurance.

What’s a certificate of financial responsibility (CFR)?

A certificate of financial responsibility is another term for SR22 insurance, showing that you’re meeting your state’s minimum car insurance requirements for a specified amount of time.

I need further help...

If you have questions about SR-22 coverage, we can help. Give us a call at 440-809-2900 and a licensed agent will be happy to assist you and walk you through the process.