Knowing how to get SR-22 filed starts with one call. The first thing to do is call a licensed agent, who walks you through the four steps below.
The agent reads your court or DMV notice for free. Then they quote companies that file in your state and get your SR-22 filed today.
Make sure you really need one
Only the state can order an SR-22. Your letter will name it as "SR-22," "FR-44" or "proof of financial responsibility." If none of those words appear, a regular policy is enough.
Triggers differ from state to state. Common ones are a suspension or revocation, 12 or more points in under two years, and a no-proof-of-insurance conviction. One state keeps each of those on file for three years, and other states set their own length.
Read your letter to the agent on the call. They tell you which form your state wants and how long it stays on file.
Pick a company that files electronically
The SR-22 has to come from an insurer licensed in the state that wants it. You cannot file the form yourself. The company must be authorized to write SR-22 policies in that state.
Speed depends on how the form is sent. In some states an electronic filing reaches the record in one to two working days. Paper is slower, and one state says a paper certificate may take up to 30 days.
The companies our agents quote send the SR-22 electronically. Call now and skip weeks of waiting on paper.
Buy the policy and ask for the filing
The SR-22 is attached to a liability policy. The agent provides the form when you buy liability insurance. Then the form goes to your state's motor vehicle office.
Have these ready for the call:
- Your driver license number and the case or notice number.
- The exact form your letter names.
- Whether you own a car or need a non-owner policy.
- A way to pay the first month.
If you have no car, the agent sets up a non-owner policy with the SR-22. A non-owner policy covers you in cars you borrow.
Confirm the filing posted
Do not assume the form arrived. The agent confirms the filing posted on your record. Do not drive until it shows.
Pay the reinstatement fee only after the filing shows. Then your license is ready to come back.
If your policy lapses
A lapse undoes the work. In some states the insurer must notify the DMV when an SR-22 policy cancels or lapses. The DMV must then suspend you.
Switching insurers is fine if you do it in the right order. The new SR-22 must be filed before the old one expires or the old policy is canceled. Call us before you switch, and the agent files the new one first.
Set the payment to automatic. Then mark the date your requirement ends.