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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts and how it affects your annual premiums should you need one.
Who needs an SR-22 in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, an SR-22 is typically required for individuals whose license was suspended or revoked due to certain violations.
Some examples of violations that may lead to an SR-22 requirement include:
- 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 requirement to carry an SR-22 in Massachusetts usually lasts for a period of 3 years, which may vary based on the severity of the offense. During this period, you must carry at least the minimum car insurance required by Massachusetts law.
Learn more about how to find out if you still need an SR-22
How do I get an SR-22 in Massachusetts?
To obtain SR-22 insurance in Massachusetts, you must first get a car insurance policy. Then, the insurance company will submit an SR-22 form to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) on your behalf.
Getting the right car insurance:
- Reach out to your current insurance company: Most insurers file SR-22s, but your auto insurance rate increase will depend on the carrier.
- Compare quotes from other insurers: Shop around and compare quotes from different car insurance carriers who offer SR-22 coverage. Be transparent about your need for SR-22 to get accurate quotes.
- Meet state minimum liability requirements: Massachusetts mandates a minimum of 20/40/5.
Filing the SR-22:
- Inform your insurance company about your SR-22 requirement. They will take care of the paperwork and file the form with the DMV for you.
- Pay the fees. There will be a filing fee for the SR-22 from your insurer and the increased premiums due to your high-risk status.
- Maintain continuous coverage. Make sure there is no lapse in the insurance coverage to avoid license suspension by the DMV.
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
How much is SR-22 insurance in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, full coverage car insurance cost with an SR-22 is $2,006 per year $87 lower 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 $3,700 in Massachusetts.
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 Massachusetts?
Massachusetts drivers with a DUI can expect to pay an average of $308 a month for full coverage insurance with an SR-22.
Only some insurance companies provide car insurance for high-risk drivers, so you might need to look around to find one that does. When you do find an insurer, be prepared for higher premiums because of driving violations on your record.
However, by driving responsibly and avoiding speeding tickets, DUIs and other infractions, you can gradually improve your driving record and secure lower insurance rates in the future.
Check out SR-22 insurance rates in nearby states
Cheapest SR-22 insurance companies in Massachusetts
For drivers in Massachusetts looking for cheap SR-22 insurance, State Farm offers the lowest rates at $842 annually. While not the least expensive, Geico and Safety Insurance offer affordable rates in Massachusetts, based on CarInsurance.com data.
Following a traffic violation like a DUI in Massachusetts, getting SR-22 insurance becomes mandatory. Although the SR-22 doesn’t directly affect insurance rates, most violations requiring it often lead to premium hikes.
| Company | Full coverage rates without SR-22 | Full coverage rates after filling SR-22 |
|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $2,694 | $3,162 |
| Farmers | $1,966 | $3,639 |
| Geico | $1,269 | $1,291 |
| Progressive | $2,016 | $2,409 |
| Safety Insurance | $1,517 | $1,559 |
| State Farm | $689 | $841 |
Find out which providers offer the cheapest SR-22 car insurance
How long do I need SR-22 insurance in Massachusetts?
You will need SR-22 in Massachusetts for a duration of 3 years It assures the Massachusetts DMV that you’re consistently maintaining at least the minimum required coverage levels mandated by the state.
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.
How do I check my SR-22 status online in Massachusetts?
You can visit the official Massachusetts DMV website and use their online services to check your SR-22 status. Besides, you can contact the Massachusetts DMV directly via phone and inquire about your SR-22 status. They should be able to provide you with the necessary information.
What happens if I cancel my insurance?
If you discontinue your SR-22 insurance in Massachusetts before the mandated period ends, you could face severe consequences.
- Driver’s license suspension: If your SR-22 policy is canceled, your insurance provider will notify the state. This typically leads to a suspension of your driver’s license since insurance coverage must be maintained for the mandated period.
- Fines and penalties: In some states, you might face additional fines or penalties for not complying with the SR-22 requirement.
- Extended probationary period: If your SR-22 is part of a probation period for a driving offense, canceling it might restart your probationary period.
- Increased insurance costs: A lapse in coverage and violations on your driving record resulting from SR-22 policy cancellation can lead to significantly higher insurance premiums in the future.
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 Massachusetts
To get rid of your SR-22, you must wait until the required time period is up. In Massachusetts, 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 Massachusetts?
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.
Don’t settle for the first offer. Compare quotes from multiple insurers to get the best deal on car insurance with an SR-22. If you stay violation-free and comply with the SR-22 requirements, your rates could go down over time.
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 Massachusetts drivers
If you find yourself in a situation where you need an SR-22 in Massachusetts but don’t own a car, there is a solution. Non-owner SR-22 insurance can help you reinstate your Massachusetts driver’s license and meet the requirements.
Non-owner car insurance offers liability coverage for individuals who don’t own a vehicle. An added benefit is that some insurers can file the SR-22 form with the DMV for you, which may be required in certain situations.
Frequently asked questions: SR-22 insurance in Massachusetts
Do I need an SR-1P or SR-22 in Massachusetts?
The SR-22 and SR-1P are forms your insurance company files with the Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts if you move?
Your SR-22 insurance in Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts DMV and your new state’s DMV to transfer the requirement. Don’t cancel your Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts’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 Massachusetts?
Yes, Geico offers SR-22 in Massachusetts. 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 March 2025.
Methodology
CarInsurance.com commissioned Quadrant Information Services to get SR-22 car insurance rates in Massachusetts. 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.
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