SR-22 (insurance)
In the United States, an SR-22 (sometimes referred to as a certificate of insurance[a] or a financial responsibility filing)[1][2] is a vehicle liability insurance document required by most state departments of motor vehicles (DMV) offices[b] for "high-risk" insurance policies.[3] An SR-22 is not an insurance policy, but a filing, or an add-on, that is added to a personal automobile liability insurance policy. Not all insurance carriers offer SR-22 filings in all territories. For instance, an insurer may offer traditional base coverage in a particular state but not issue an SR-22 in that state.[4]
A DMV may require an SR-22 from a driver to reinstate his or her driving privileges following an uninsured car accident or conviction of another traffic-related offense, such as a DUI.[5][6] An SR-22 may be required for three years for conviction of driving without insurance or driving with a suspended license and up to five years for a DUI.[7] If an SR-22 should expire or be canceled, the insurance company is required to issue an SR-26 form, which certifies the cancellation of the policy.[4][7]
Some states accept an SR-22 as an alternative to a deposit in cash or security as proof of financial responsibility. In Arizona, for instance, a driver seeking reinstatement under specific circumstances[8] may submit an SR-22 in lieu of depositing $40,000 in cash or certificates of deposit.[9] The same applies in Washington State where you may submit an SR-22 instead of a liability bond of at least $60,000 from any surety or bonding company that is licensed to operate in Washington.[10]
See also
- Automobile safety
- Drunk driving in the United States
- National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act
- Uniform Vehicle Code
Notes
- ^ The term "certificate of insurance" has other meanings outside of vehicle insurance. Some states may use different forms in place of, or in addition to, the SR-22 to provide certificates of vehicle liability insurance or proof of financial responsibility.
- ^ As of 2011, the only states that did not use SR-22 forms were Delaware, Kentucky, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania.[3]
References
- ^ Hille, Robert B.; Rossmiller, David P.; Kaveney, John W.; Croce, Paul L. "Certificates of Insurance". New Appleman on Insurance. Matthew Bender. § 3.03A n. 179.16. ISBN 978-0-327-16406-7.
- ^ Silver, Lawrence; Stevens, Robert E.; Clow, Kenneth (2010). Concise Encyclopedia of Insurance Terms. New York: Routledge. p. 144. ISBN 978-0-7890-3634-6.
- ^ a b Pasman-Green, Nora J. (2011). "Off the Roads & Out of the Courts: Enter a Technology Fix for Drunk Driving". Journal of Law and Health. 24. p. 225 n. 34.
- ^ a b Grant, Deandra M.; Tucker, Kimberly Griffin (February 22, 2019). "Understanding the SR-22 Insurance Form". Texas DWI Manual. LexisNexis. §4:123. ISBN 978-1-949517-17-0.
- ^ "SR-22 Insurance Information". State of Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles. Retrieved 2008-07-09.
- ^ "Overview of the S & FR Laws". Illinois Secretary of State. Archived from the original on 2008-11-21. Retrieved 2008-07-08.
- ^ a b "What is the SR-22?". Illinois Secretary of State. Archived from the original on 2008-10-07. Retrieved 2008-07-08.
- ^ "Understanding SR22: Financial Responsibility after a DUI in Arizona". Retrieved 2023-11-07.
- ^ Nesci, James (2009). Arizona DUI Defense: The Law and Practice (2nd ed.). Tucson, Arizona: Lawyers & Judges Publishing Company. p. 61. ISBN 978-1-933264-66-0.
- ^ Lucas, Robert (30 June 2023). "Washington State SR22 Requirements". Use of Lanes. Retrieved 2023-06-30.