An SR-22 is a document required as proof of financial responsibility. It can be ordered by the court or by the DMV under state law for persons convicted of certain traffic violations. Typically the SR22 is needed when you are going to reinstate your license after a suspension.

The definition of an SR-22 from the Car Insurance Learning Center is:

A SR-22 is a form which must be filed by the insurance company stating that auto liability insurance is in effect for a particular individual. This form can be required when insurance is provided to an individual who was in an accident or was convicted of a traffic offense and was unable to show financial responsibility. Each state has different variations of this form and requirements.

So the SR22 is a form that shows that you have financial responsibility on your vehicle through auto insurance and is the same certificate or filing whether it is court ordered after a conviction of an offense or mandated by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to reinstate your license. In general it is required by the state for drivers who are high risk. While each state has their own reasons or circumstances that require a motorist to obtain and maintain the SR-22 here are some general reasons a state might require you to file an SR-22 form:

• DUI or DWI (drunk driving or under the influence of drugs)
• serious moving violations such as reckless driving
• compiling too many DMV points in a short period of time
• being termed a habitual traffic offender
• causing an accident while uninsured
• reinstating your license after a suspension or revocation

To find out under what circumstances your specific state requires the SR-22 contact your local Department of Motor Vehicle or like state agency. If you were court ordered to carry the SR22 then the court should tell you what is insurance is required for you to carry for the SR22 form to be filed and how long you must maintain the SR-22. In most states if you do not maintain the SR22 for the whole time period you were ordered to your driving privileges will be suspended.

Click on this link to obtain an SR-22 quote from CarInsurance.com by entering your zip code and some basic information (SR22 is only available in certain states).