How to get cheap SR-22 insurance - YouTube

Hi, I’m Sarah — finder's car insurance writer.

And today I'm going to talk you through the ins and outs of filing an SR-22 form.

While the downside of filing this form is that it can cause car insurance companies to see you as high risk and up your premium,

there are several ways you can prove your safe driving skills and lower your rate.

First off, it’s easier to understand what SR-22 insurance IS when you know what it ISN’T.

You’ll hear it called SR-22 insurance, but it isn’t insurance at all.

It's actually your official proof of insurance to help you legally get back on the road again.

Your car insurance company will file an SR-22 form with your state to prove that you carry your state’s minimum car insurance.

Your state DMV will let you know if you need to file an SR-22. Depending on your state’s laws, you might have to file one if:

You´re convicted of a DUI or DWI.

If you're ticketed for driving without insurance.

If you cause a car accident where there are injuries.

If you accumulate a lot of points on your license.

Or if your driver’s license is suspended or revoked.

Filing an SR-22 helps you prove your responsibility and reinstate your license if it was suspended.

The major difference between states is the length of time you’re required to file an SR-22 before you’re off the hook for your violation.

For instance, California can require you to file an SR-22 for 3 to 10 years based on the seriousness of your violation, like a DUI.

But in Texas, most violations require you to file it for just two years.

This timeline is important because you’ll probably pay more for car insurance when going through a company that specializing in SR-22s.

Being considered a high-risk driver doesn’t mean you’re destined for the highest car insurance rates out there.

There are a few ways to lower your premium with SR-22 insurance.

First, you can cut out any fluff.

While roadside assistance or new car replacement coverage can be helpful,

ask yourself how often you needed this coverage in the past and whether you have a backup ride if your car breaks down or you get in an accident.

Adding policy extras can raise your premium hundreds of dollars a year.

That said, you still want to keep enough coverage that you’re not left in financial straits if you were to get in an accident.

See if your state lowers SR-22 requirements for safe driving.

Some states like Alabama shorten the timeline for serious convictions like driving under the influence if you prove to be a responsible driver.

Where you might’ve needed an SR-22 for five years, you could cut the timeline to two or three years if you stay safe on the road and keep your insurance up to date.

Next, make sure you’re shopping around for car insurance each year.

While any driver can benefit from comparing the best car insurance deals, this is especially true if you have a less-than-perfect driving record.

Since different companies rate your risk level differently,

you could discover a company that rewards you for going a year or two claim-free or one that simply has lower rates.

Next up: Take a defensive driving course.

Sure, you’ll shell out some money up front for this.

But telling your insurance agent that you’ve had a refresher on driving safely could land you a 5% to 10% discount on your premium.

The discount stays with you for three to five years. That’s hundreds of dollars in savings for spending just $20 to $60 on an online driver’s ed course.

It’s like a pat on the back from your car insurance company for your renewed effort to keep the roads safe.

Finally, squeeze extra savings out of your car insurance by looking for a company with a safe driver program.

These programs use a device installed in your car or an app to track your driving skills and set your rates.

In insurance terms, it’s called telematics. Most major companies have some kind of telematics program, and a few companies specialize in this type of policy.

The benefit? Your rates weigh your driving skills more heavily than your driving record.

Ready to file your SR-22? The process is relatively easy since your insurance company does most of the work for you.

First, let your car insurance company know that you need an SR-22 form.

If your company drops you — which is not an uncommon scenario — you’ll need to find another car insurance company that submits SR-22s.

Then, consider buying the minimum amount of insurance your state requires.

You can find the requirements where you live on Finder.com by clicking on the link in the description.

After you buy an SR-22 policy, you'll need to pay the filing fees so that your insurer company can submit the SR-22 with your state.

The SR-22 form will show policy details like your policy number, effective date and whether it meets your state’s requirements.

The SR-22 form may also show your basic personal information and your car’s make, model or identification number.

And most importantly, it should be signed by an insurance representative.

Lastly, wait for your confirmation letter that your state has received your SR-22 form.

To get back on the road faster, you can visit your local DMV yourself with your completed SR-22 form in hand.

They’ll tell you about any fines you need to pay and what your next steps are,

such as when your suspension is up or if you need an ignition interlock device to prove you’re sober before driving.

After meeting these requirements, you’re free to hit the road — safely.

To recap: An SR-22 is a form that shows you meet your state’s minimum car insurance requirements.

Your state will let you know if you’re required to file an SR-22.

Then you can contact your car insurance company to file the form and visit your local DMV to pay any fines and get your license reinstated.

Ready to get back on the road? Head over to finder.com to scout out your best options for SR-22 insurance.

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Thanks for watching, and safe travels!