SR-22 insurance is not a type of insurance, but it’s a certificate that proves you have the necessary insurance coverage required by your state. It is often required for drivers who have been involved in driving infractions, including DUI, reckless driving or driving without insurance.
The SR-22 form is filed by your insurance company with the Louisiana 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.
This guide outlines what SR-22 insurance covers in Louisiana and explains how it impacts your annual premium rates should you require SR-22.
Who needs an SR-22 in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, 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
In Louisiana, an SR-22 is generally needed for 3 years, but this duration can differ based on the specific violation. Throughout this period, it’s crucial to maintain at least the minimum car insurance required by Louisiana law.
Learn more about how to find out if you still need an SR-22
How do I get an SR-22 in Louisiana?
If you need SR-22 insurance in Louisiana, you must buy a car insurance policy and have the insurance company file the SR-22 form with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
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 Louisiana’s required minimums, which is 15/30/25.
Filing the SR-22:
- Notify your insurer about your need for an SR-22. They will manage the paperwork and submit the form to the DMV on your behalf.
- Pay the fees. Be prepared to pay a filing fee for the SR-22 and a higher premium.
- Keep your insurance active. It’s crucial to avoid gaps in coverage.
Remember, getting SR-22 insurance may result in higher premiums due to your driving record. Compare car insurance quotes every six months and ask about discounts to get the cheapest car insurance possible.
Discover your options for getting SR-22 insurance without a valid license
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How much is SR-22 insurance in Louisiana?
The cost of car insurance in Louisiana is $3,231 per year for full coverage with an SR-22, which is $1,138 higher than the national average of $2,093 annually. However, having a DUI on your driving record can significantly increase your premium to an average of $5,176 per year for full coverage.
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 Louisiana?
Drivers in Louisiana who have a DUI on their record can expect to pay $431 per month for a full coverage policy, which includes an SR-22.
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, if you drive carefully and avoid speeding, DUIs and other violations, you can improve your driving record, which could lead to lower insurance premiums in the future.
Affordable SR-22 insurance companies by state
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For drivers in Louisiana looking for cheap SR-22 insurance, Geico offers the lowest rates at $3,007 annually. While not the least expensive, Safeway Insurance and Progressive offer affordable rates in Louisiana, based on CarInsurance.com data.
After a DUI or other traffic violation in Louisiana, 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 Louisiana.
| Company | Full coverage rates without SR-22 | Full coverage rates after filling SR-22 |
|---|---|---|
| Geico | 2,983 | 3,007 |
| Safeway Insurance | 3,191 | 3,227 |
| Progressive | 3,065 | 3,376 |
| State Farm | 3,570 | 4,169 |
| Farmers | 3,002 | 4,486 |
| USAA* | 1,973 | 2,044 |
Find out which providers offer the cheapest SR-22 car insurance
How long do I need SR-22 insurance in Louisiana?
You will need an SR-22 in Louisiana for a period of 3 years. This document proves to the Louisiana 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 car insurance?
If you cancel your car insurance in Louisiana before the required period mandated by the state, it can lead to serious consequences.
- Driver’s license suspension: Your Louisiana insurance provider is legally required to inform the state if your insurance is canceled. This likely triggers a driver’s license suspension, as you must still maintain SR-22 coverage for the mandated period.
- Fines and penalties: In addition to suspension, some states may impose additional fines or penalties for failing to comply with the SR-22 requirement.
- Extended probationary period: If your Louisiana SR-22 requirement was part of a probation period for a driving offense, cancellation might restart the clock.
- Increased insurance costs: Future attempts to purchase insurance might be costly due to the lapse in coverage and driving record violations.
It’s crucial to maintain continuous coverage for the required period. Any gaps or cancellations can result in penalties and suspension of your driver’s license.
How to get an SR-22 removed in Louisiana
To get rid of your SR-22, you must wait until the required time period is up. In Louisiana, this period is typically 3 years from when you first filed the SR-22.
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 Louisiana?
Requiring an SR-22 certificate can substantially increase your car insurance premiums. Insurance providers typically categorize drivers with SR-22s as high-risk, which often translates to higher rates.
The specific amount by which your premiums will rise can vary depending on factors like your driving history and the reason for the SR-22 filing.
Car insurance can be more expensive after an SR-22, so it’s a good idea to get quotes from different companies to find the best deal. However, maintaining a clean driving record and adhering to SR-22 obligations can lead to decreased insurance rates.
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 Louisiana drivers
If you don’t have a car but require an SR-22 in Louisiana, non-owner SR-22 insurance can help you reinstate your driving privileges and meet the SR-22 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 Louisiana for a company that can provide the coverage you need.
Frequently asked questions: SR-22 insurance in Louisiana
How do I check my SR-22 status online in Louisiana?
You can visit the official Louisiana DMV website and use their online services to check your SR-22 status. Besides, you can contact the Louisiana DMV directly via phone and inquire about your SR-22 status. They should be able to provide you with the necessary information.
Do I need an SR-1P or SR-22 in Louisiana?
The SR-22 and SR-1P are forms your insurance company files with the Louisiana DMV to show you have the minimum required liability coverage. SR-1P is for two-wheelers, such as motorcycles, mopeds and scooters – if you’ve been caught riding without insurance or had your license suspended, you’ll need an SR-1P.
What happens to your SR-22 insurance in Louisiana if you move?
Your SR-22 insurance in Louisiana doesn’t disappear when you move. You’ll need to find a new insurance company licensed in your new state to file an SR-22 on your behalf. They’ll likely need to file forms with the Louisiana DMV and your new state’s DMV to transfer the requirement. Don’t cancel your Louisiana insurance until you have the new SR-22 in place to avoid a lapse in coverage.
Your new state’s SR-22 requirements might differ from Louisiana’s. You’ll need to consult with your new insurer and the DMV in the state to understand what’s needed.
Does Geico offer SR-22 in Louisiana?
Yes, Geico offers SR-22 in Louisiana. It is one of the major car insurance companies that file SR-22 with the state on your behalf, along with providing the necessary insurance coverage to meet the state’s requirements.
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 Louisiana. 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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Laura Longero
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Laura Longero is an insurance expert and Executive Editor at CarInsurance.com, where she specializes in helping consumers navigate the complexities of the financial and insurance industries. She has 15 years of experience educating people about finance and car insurance. Prior to joining CarInsurance.com, she worked as a reporter and editor at the USA Today Network. Her expertise provides readers with practical guidance, helping them make informed choices about their financial and insurance needs.
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Guide to car insurance (with rates) in cities of Louisiana