How long after a DUI do I need an SR-22?

This question is about SR-22 Insurance Guide

WalletHub, Financial Company

@WalletHub 12/06/20 First posted on 12/07/20
Last reviewed on 12/06/20

You need an SR-22 for 1-5 years after a DUI, though most states require you to have it for three years. You must be continuously insured during this timeframe, since any lapse in coverage will cause the SR-22 clock to reset.

Once you’ve maintained your SR-22 insurance for the required period of time after a DUI, you can contact your insurance company and ask them to cancel the SR-22 filing. However, keep in mind that your insurance company will have to contact the state DMV to remove the form. If you attempt to cancel the SR-22 early, you will face repercussions including hefty fines and a driver’s license suspension.

Since a DUI conviction and an SR-22 classify you as a high-risk driver, you should expect your insurance rates to go up by about 80%, though the exact amount will depend on your state. The good news is that insurance companies only look back 3-5 years on your driving record when calculating your premium, so your rates will eventually go back down.

Find Cheap Car Insurance

Use the filters below to be matched with the right companies in your area.

Zip Code

Age

Credit Score

Currently Insured

Are you a homeowner or a renter?

Select

Homeowner

Renter

Have you been in an accident in the past 3 years?

Yes No

Do you have a DUI?

Yes No

Do you need SR-22?

Yes No

People also ask

How do I find out if I still need an SR-22?

To find out if you still need an SR-22, contact your local DMV office and ask if your SR-22 form has been filed for the required period of time. If it has, you can then contact your car insurance company and request that they remove your SR-22 filing with the state. Each state has its own requirements, but you usually only need an SR-22 for about … read full answer three years.

You should never cancel your SR-22 filing if the DMV says you still need it. Doing so would result in penalties such as driver’s license suspension, vehicle registration suspension, and hefty fees. In addition, you would likely need to start the SR-22 filing period all over again.

show less

How long do you have to have SR-22 insurance in California?

Drivers in California need to keep their SR-22 certification active with the state for 3 consecutive years. In order to do so, drivers must maintain at least the minimum car insurance coverage required by California law: bodily injury insurance of at least $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident, plus $5,000 of coverage for property damage. If there is any lapse in coverage, the clock resets.… read full answer

When you get SR-22 insurance coverage in California, your insurance company files your SR-22 certification with the state on your behalf. Your insurer also notifies the state if you cancel your policy or allow it to lapse prematurely. You need to maintain your SR-22 even if you move from California.

If you’re unable to afford your payments, contact your insurance agency before you miss a bill. You can request a different payment plan or get information about subsidized plans that may be more affordable.

show less

How far back do insurance companies check for DUI?

Most insurance companies check your driving record for DUIs from the past 3 to 5 years. This is the company’s “look-back period.” In many states, this is also as long as a DUI conviction will remain on your record. In others, like California and New York, a DUI stays on your record for 10 years. Florida keeps your DUI on your driving record for 75 years. During this time period, your DUI will show up on background checks by potential employers, landlords, etc. However, your DUI will affect your insurance rates only for as long as your insurance company’s look-back period.… read full answer

If your insurance company looks back five years, for example, a DUI you were convicted of in 2014 will no longer be considered in setting your rates after 2019. Your insurance rates may decrease the next time you renew your policy.

show less

WalletHub Answers is a free service that helps consumers access financial information. Information on WalletHub Answers is provided “as is” and should not be considered financial, legal or investment advice. WalletHub is not a financial advisor, law firm, “lawyer referral service,” or a substitute for a financial advisor, attorney, or law firm. You may want to hire a professional before making any decision. WalletHub does not endorse any particular contributors and cannot guarantee the quality or reliability of any information posted. The helpfulness of a financial advisor's answer is not indicative of future advisor performance.

WalletHub members have a wealth of knowledge to share, and we encourage everyone to do so while respecting our content guidelines. Please keep in mind that editorial and user-generated content on this page is not reviewed or otherwise endorsed by any financial institution. In addition, it is not a financial institution’s responsibility to ensure all posts and questions are answered.

Ad Disclosure: Certain offers that appear on this site originate from paying advertisers, and this will be noted on an offer’s details page using the designation "Sponsored", where applicable. Advertising may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). At WalletHub we try to present a wide array of offers, but our offers do not represent all financial services companies or products.

Ask a Question

140

Ask Question

WalletHub Transparency

We are committed to being fully transparent with our readers. Opinions expressed here are the author’s and/or WalletHub editors'. WalletHub editorial content on this page is not provided, commissioned, reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any company. In addition, it is not any company’s responsibility to ensure all questions are answered.