Consider this scenario: Your license is suspended. You’ve been told that to reinstate it, you need to get auto insurance and file an SR-22 form. But, you’re wondering how to get an SR-22 without a valid license. How can you reinstate your driver's license without insurance when you have to have car insurance to reinstate your license?
The good news is that car insurance companies aren't new to SR22 needs, and many will make exceptions to help you.
- Car insurance companies often make exceptions to the “no insurance without a valid license” rule for those with SR22 requirements.
- Expect to pay an SR22 filing fee to the insurer and higher than average car insurance premiums due to being considered a high-risk driver.
- Shop around for SR22 car insurance from at least five companies.
- SR22 laws vary by state, so be sure to check with your insurance company and DMV on your state-specific laws.
Can I get SR22 car insurance without a license?
In general, the answer to the question, "Can you get a SR22 with a suspended license?” is yes.
While auto insurance companies normally require policyholders to have a valid driver's license in order to obtain a car insurance policy, they do make exceptions because there are situations when getting a license is dependent upon having insurance.
Car insurance companies that will file an SR-22 are aware that many times the state must receive this certificate of financial responsibility before a license will be reinstated. For this reason, they will allow you to start up your policy and give you time to get your license reinstated.
Typically, car insurance companies will allow up to 30 days to provide proof that you now have a valid license. If you fail to get your license reinstated within the given time frame, then your car insurance policy will be canceled.
You would then have to restart the process by obtaining a new auto insurance policy and having a new SR-22 filed so that you can try again to get your license reinstated within the given time frame.
Check out our detailed guide on SR22 insurance
How to get SR22 auto insurance without a license?
Not sure how to put an SR22 without a license in place?
Here is a quick primer on what you need to do and a few tips on how to keep your costs as affordable as possible:
Shop for a new car insurance company
The best piece of advice when trying to find insurance after a license suspension is to shop around. Auto insurance companies rate risk differently and this can result in dramatic differences in premium quotes.
It is important to remember that the days of cheap car insurance are over, at least for a while. Expect your car insurance rates to go up dramatically after a moving violation that requires an SR-22.
Contact at least five different insurers for quotes and compare apples to apples when it comes to coverage levels and deductibles. If you purchase a new policy, don’t forget to cancel your old SR22 policy after your new policy goes into effect.
Compare auto insurance quotes to find out which company offers the best quotes
Be honest with your insurance company
It never pays to mislead an insurer regarding your driving record. They will find out whatever you are trying to hide when they pull your driving record and they’ll write you off as dishonest.
Let your car insurance company know immediately you will need an SR22 as they will have to file it with your insurance policy with your state. Many states have moved to all electronic systems when it comes to filing an SR22, which can speed up the process.
Widen your car insurance company search
Consider insurance companies that may not be as well-known as major nationwide insurers. Second-tier insurers tend to work with drivers who have less than stellar driving records and many of them are owned by large national insurance companies.
In addition to major carriers, you should also consider smaller car insurance companies that specialize in high-risk or non-standard coverage.
This isn’t a complete list but will give you a springboard if you are researching SR-22 insurance companies.
Here is a list of some well-known insurers to consider:
- Allstate
- Dairyland
- Direct
- Geico
- The General
- Infinity
- Nationwide
- Progressive
- Safe Auto
- State Farm
Ask your auto insurer for help
Be sure to ask your insurance company about any discounts you are qualified for – even small discounts can help when you are looking at a sky-high premium.
Purchase a car insurance policy
The majority of insurers charge a small fee to file the SR22. It varies by the insurer but $25 is fairly common. Once you have purchased the policy, your car insurance company should file the SR22 with the state.
Get your driver’s license back
Once you have proof of insurance and your insurer has filed the SR22, it is time to head to the DMV. While it varies by state, in most cases you will have to show up in person to get your license back: Bring proof of your policy and the SR22.
Check with your car insurance company after the reinstatement that they have received the information showing your license is now valid, or else your policy and SR-22 may cancel out, which would result in your license being suspended again.
Pay your auto insurance policy premiums on time
If you want to keep your license, make sure you pay your premium on time. If your car insurance policy is canceled due to non-payment or another issue during the required SR-22 period (typically three years), your car insurance company will file an SR-26 that shows the cancellation.
Then, the DMV will be notified you are no longer insured and they will re-suspend your license. If this happens, finding car insurance companies to insure you will be much more difficult.
Shop your auto insurance coverage at the one-year mark of being required to carry an SR22 and every year afterward to make sure you are getting the best rate. Your rates should improve each year.
Check out our guide on What to do if you need SR22 but don't own a car?