What to Do When You Need an SR-22
Not everyone needs an SR-22, but if you do, you may not know how to get one or what happens after you get it. Progressive can help you with this step-by-step guide to SR-22s.
What Is an SR-22?
An SR-22 is a statement of financial responsibility that certain people are required to provide. An SR-22 is proof that you have the proper amount of insurance that your state has required you to have.
Why Do You Need an SR-22?
The most common reasons people need an SR-22 are because of a DUI or DWI, driving without insurance, or driving with a suspended license. Bottom line: You'll need an SR-22 if you're caught breaking the law in certain situations while you're driving.
If you need an SR-22, it's not the end of the world. Progressive actually helps you with SR-22 filing and maintenance every step of the way, so you won't be left wondering what to do next.
Filing an SR-22
Filing an SR-22 is simply a matter of filling out the required form and sending it to the appropriate regulatory agency within a specified time period. Progressive will file an SR-22 for you if you notify us that you need one.
An SR-22 lists your personal information and your auto insurance information, including whether you own the policy or are an operator on it, as well as certification from your insurance company that you have the proper amounts of insurance specified by your state. A properly completed and filed SR-22 will help you remain legal to drive.
If, at any point, your insurance policy is canceled while you're still required to carry an SR-22, your insurance company is required to notify your state, which will invalidate your SR-22 and could cause your driving privileges to be revoked. As long as your insurance policy remains active, your SR-22 should remain valid.
How Long Do SR-22s Stay Active?
Your SR-22 remains active until your state determines it can be removed. Depending on your state, you may need to keep your SR-22 active for 36 months, or it could be a different time period — check with your state to determine the specifics.
Once you're no longer required to maintain your SR-22, you simply notify your insurance company to file the paperwork — generally an SR-26 form — to cancel it. Your insurance company may require you to provide proof that the SR-22 has indeed been lifted, but filing the paperwork should be fairly simple. Once again, Progressive will file this form for you.
While an SR-22 can be a hassle, Progressive aims to lessen the stress of the situation by making the process of filing, maintaining and deactivating it fairly easy.