SR-22 insurance in Alabama is not an insurance policy. Rather, it’s a certificate proving financial responsibility that some drivers must submit to the state. It’s necessary for individuals who are found guilty of specific driving offenses, including DUI, driving without insurance and reckless driving.
The SR-22 form is filed by your insurance company with the Alabama Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to prove that you have the state-required minimum liability coverage. This form verifies that you have the necessary insurance coverage in place. If your driving privileges were suspended or revoked and you must carry an SR-22, you must maintain continuous coverage for the period specified by the court or DMV.
In this guide, you’ll find what SR-22 insurance covers in Alabama and how it affects your annual premiums should you need one.
Who needs an SR-22 in Alabama?
In Alabama, if your driver’s license gets suspended or revoked because of certain violations, you might need SR-22. It is a form that proves you have car insurance.
Here are some reasons why a driver might need an SR-22:
- DUI or DWI (driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated) conviction
- Reckless driving
- Driving without insurance
- Multiple traffic offenses within a short period
- If you’re involved in an accident and don’t have car insurance, the DMV may suspend your license and require you to file an SR-22
- Nonpayment of fines or penalties if you’re sued after an accident
The SR-22 requirement in Alabama typically lasts 3 years, although it can vary depending on the violation. You must maintain at least the minimum car insurance coverage required by Alabama laws during this period.
Learn more about how to find out if you still need an SR-22
How do I get an SR-22 in Alabama?
Getting insurance in Alabama involves purchasing a car insurance policy and having the insurance company file an SR-22 form with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)on your behalf.
Getting the right car insurance:
- Contact your current insurance provider: Many insurers can handle SR-22 filings, but remember that your rates may change. It’s important to confirm whether they offer an SR-22 and if it will affect your premiums.
- Shop for quotes: It’s important to compare quotes from different insurers that offer SR-22 coverage. Disclose your need for an SR-22 so you get accurate estimates.
- Meet state minimum liability limits: Make sure that your coverage meets Alabama’s required minimums, which is 25/50/25.
Filing the SR-22:
- Inform your insurer about your SR-22 requirement. They’ll handle the paperwork and submit the form to the DMV.
- Pay any associated fees. Expect an SR-22 filing fee from your insurance company on top of the increased premium for your high-risk status.
- Maintain continuous insurance. A lapse in coverage may result in the DMV suspending your license again.
Having an SR-22 may increase your car insurance costs because it signifies a riskier driver. To minimize the impact, compare quotes from different insurers and focus on safe driving habits to get lower rates in the future.
Discover your options for getting SR-22 insurance without a valid license
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How much is SR-22 insurance in Alabama?
In Alabama, full coverage car insurance cost with an SR-22 is $2,169 per year $76 higher than the national average cost in the U.S., which is $2,093 a year. But if you have a DUI, your yearly premium can increase up to $3,750 in Alabama.
Besides the higher premium, many insurance companies charge a small fee to submit the SR-22 form. If your license is suspended, your only option for getting it reinstated is to buy car insurance and file the SR-22 form.
How much is SR-22 insurance per month in Alabama?
For drivers in Alabama convicted of a DUI, the average monthly insurance cost for full coverage car insurance with an SR-22 is $313 per month.
Not all insurance companies provide car insurance for high-risk drivers, so you may need to look into various insurers to find the one that does. But be prepared to pay higher premium costs due to driving infractions on your record.
However, by practicing responsible driving and steering clear of speeding, DUI and other violations, you can improve your driving record and possibly reduce your insurance premiums over time.
Affordable SR-22 insurance companies by state
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For drivers in Alabama looking for cheap SR-22 insurance, Nationwide offers the lowest rates at $1,360 annually. While not the least expensive, Geico and State Farm offer affordable rates in Alabama, based on CarInsurance.com data.
After a DUI or other traffic violation in Alabama, getting SR-22 insurance is a requirement. While the SR-22 form doesn’t impact insurance costs, the violations that necessitate it typically result in higher premiums. However, high-risk drivers can still find affordable auto insurance rates in Alabama.
| Company | Full coverage rates without SR-22 | Full coverage rates after filling SR-22 |
|---|---|---|
| Nationwide | 1,345 | 1,360 |
| Geico | 1,625 | 1,649 |
| State Farm | 1,790 | 2,083 |
| Allstate | 2,178 | 2,396 |
| Auto-Owners | 2,134 | 2,439 |
| Progressive | 2,402 | 2,767 |
| Farmers | 2,542 | 3,443 |
| USAA* | 1,458 | 1,493 |
Find out which providers offer the cheapest SR-22 car insurance
How long do I need SR-22 insurance in Alabama?
You will need an SR-22 in Alabama for a period of 3 years. This document proves to the Alabama DMV that you are maintaining state-mandated coverage.
SR-22 insurance varies by state and the reason you need it. Usually, it’s required for three years but in some cases, it might be longer. For example, if someone has repeat violations, the requirement could extend out to five years, says Dr. James Brau, Joel C. Peterson professor of finance at Brigham Young University.
What happens if I cancel my SR-22 insurance?
Canceling your SR-22 insurance before the mandated period ends can lead to several serious consequences
- Driver’s license suspension: Your insurance company is required to inform the state if your SR-22 is canceled. This will likely lead to your driver’s license being suspended.
- Fines and penalties: Non-compliance with SR-22 requirements may incur additional fines or penalties, adding to the financial consequences of policy cancellation.
- extended probationary period: If your SR-22 was a condition of probation for a driving offense, canceling it could reset the probation clock.
- Insurance premium increase: A lapse in coverage and violations can lead to significant spikes in insurance premiums.
It’s important to fulfill the SR-22 requirements for the specified duration without any lapses or cancellations to avoid legal repercussions and maintain driving privileges.
How to get an SR-22 removed in Alabama
If you want your SR-22 filing removed in Alabama, the easiest way is to wait out the mandatory filing period. In Alabama, this period typically lasts for 3 years from the date of filing.
Brau explains that you should maintain continuous insurance coverage without any lapses. If you cancel your policy or let it expire, the SR-22 will no longer be valid. Wait out the required period. During this time, drive responsibly and maintain your insurance coverage.
“Check with your state’s DMV and confirm the exact duration and any additional requirements for removal. Some states may require you to submit a formal request or provide proof of good driving behavior,” he says.
“Once the required period has passed, ask your insurer to file an SR-26 form with the DMV. This form notifies them that you no longer need an SR-22. After your insurer submits the SR-26, check with the DMV to ensure the SR-22 is officially removed from your record.”
How does an SR-22 affect car insurance rates in Alabama?
An SR-22 requirement can significantly impact your car insurance rates in Alabama. Insurance companies often view drivers with an SR-22 as high-risk, which can lead to higher premiums.
The specific rate increase can vary depending on several factors, including the insurance company’s policies, driving record, the reason for needing the SR-22, and other personal factors.
It’s important to shop around and compare quotes from different insurance companies to find the most affordable coverage when dealing with an SR-22 requirement. Over time, insurance rates may gradually decrease as the driver maintains a clean driving record and complies with the SR-22 requirements.
Select your age, gender and type of violation to see average annual SR-22 insurance rates by company.
Note: These rates are for a full coverage policy with limits of 100/300/100 with a $500 deductible.
Non-owner SR-22 insurance for Alabama drivers
If you find yourself in a situation where you need an SR-22 in Alabama but don’t own a car, there is a solution. Non-owner SR-22 insurance can help you reinstate your Alabama driver’s license and meet the requirements.
Non-owner car insurance provides liability coverage when you don’t own a vehicle. This type of policy allows the insurance company to issue the SR-22 form to the DMV on your behalf. Not all insurance companies offer non-owner car insurance or file SR-22 forms, so shop around in Alabama for a company that can provide the coverage you need.
Frequently asked questions: SR-22 insurance in Alabama
How do I check my SR-22 status online in Alabama?
There are two ways to check the status of your SR-22. Visit the official website of your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Most states allow you to check your SR-22 status through their online services. You can also contact your state’s DMV directly via phone.
Do I need an SR-1P or SR-22 in Alabama?
Both the SR-22 and SR-1P are forms submitted by your insurance provider to the Alabama DMV to confirm that you meet the minimum liability coverage requirements. The SR-1P is for two-wheelers like motorcycles, mopeds, and scooters. If you’ve been cited for riding without insurance or have had your license suspended while operating a motorcycle, you’ll need to file SR-1P.
What happens to your SR-22 insurance in Alabama if you move?
Your SR-22 insurance obligation in Alabama remains even after you move. To comply with legal requirements, find a new insurance provider licensed in your new state. They’ll handle the paperwork to transfer the SR-22 obligation from Alabama to your new location. Keep your coverage active until you get the new SR-22.
The SR-22 requirements in your new state may differ from those in Alabama. It’s important to check with your new insurance provider and the local DMV to learn the state’s requirements.
Does Geico offer SR-22 in Alabama?
Yes, Geico provides SR-22 insurance in Alabama. As a major car insurance provider, Geico can file an SR-22 form with the state on your behalf and offer the required insurance coverage to comply with state laws.
Resources & Methodology
Sources
SR-22 Adviser. “SR-22 Requirements by State.” Accessed November 2024.
Methodology
CarInsurance.com commissioned Quadrant Information Services to get SR-22 car insurance rates in Alabama. The rates are based on the sample profile of a 40-year-old driver with a clean driving record and good insurance score. We have compared 50,73,544 from 138 national and regional car insurance companies across 548 cities and 1,468 ZIP codes to evaluate the premiums.
Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
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Guide to car insurance (with rates) in cities of Alabama