SR-22 in Louisiana: What You Need to Know

In Louisiana, an insurer files an SR-22 certificate on a suspended driver’s behalf as a guarantee that the driver is carrying the mandated minimum insurance.
Written by Jason Tushinski
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
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In Louisiana, if you’ve been convicted of a major driving violation, your insurance company will need to file an SR-22 form on your behalf for you to regain your driving privileges—this "proof of insurance" guarantees that you carry the mandated minimum auto insurance requirements as set by the state.
If you require an SR-22 form, your
car insurance
premiums are likely to go up—but that doesn’t mean you’ll have to pay an outrageous amount for your policy.
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To learn all you need to know about SR-22 certificates and finding
car insurance in Louisiana
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What is an SR-22 in Louisiana?

In Louisiana, an SR-22 form or certificate is filed by your insurer and as a guarantee that you carry at least the mandated minimum insurance requirements.
Louisiana requires all drivers to carry
liability car insurance
. The state’s mandated minimum insurance requirements, or the amount each driver must carry by law, are as follows:
In The Bayou State, SR-22 certificates are usually required for at least three years following a date of conviction. If you don’t maintain proof of future financial responsibility within this period, either by letting the certificate lapse or if you cancel it, you risk having your license suspended.
Key Takeaway Cancelling an SR-22 or letting it lapse before your probation period ends can result in the loss of your driving privileges.

Who needs it?

If a Louisiana driver has their license revoked or suspended for any of the following reasons, they will likely need their insurer to file for an SR-22 on their behalf in order to get their driver’s license back:
  • Driving while uninsured
  • DWI or
    DUI
    conviction
  • Refusal to test for DWI or DUI
  • A legal judgment against the driver
  • Driving with a suspended license
  • Cases of child support or neglect
  • Reckless or distracted driving

How to get it

An SR-22 form or certificate is filed by your insurer with the Louisiana DMV on your behalf.

Find an insurer

Not all insurers file SR-22 forms, as many carriers won’t offer coverage to high-risk drivers. Do your research and find an insurer that issues SR-22s in Louisiana.

Pay the SR-22 fee

Once you find an insurance provider willing to file an SR-22 on your behalf, pay the fee so the form can be processed and filed.

Verify minimum liability coverage

Since your insurer will be filing
proof of insurance
for you, you must meet Louisiana’s minimum liability requirements, at the least.

Submit your SR-22

Now that you’ve found an insurer and have met Louisiana’s minimum liability coverage, your insurer will submit your SR-22 to the Louisiana Department of Public Safety. You’ll soon receive a letter in the mail from your insurance company confirming that your SR-22 was accepted by the state.
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How much does it cost?

Depending on your insurer, an SR-22 form or certificate can cost anywhere between $15 and $22 in Louisiana, as an add-on to your car insurance policy.

How an SR-22 impacts your insurance in Louisiana

If you need your insurer to file an SR-22 form on your behalf, your car insurance premiums will likely go up for as long as you are on probation. Once you complete your probationary period without incident, your rates will begin to decrease.
You might have a more difficult time finding an insurer to file an SR-22 for you, as not all insurers will take on drivers they deem to be high risk.
That being said, there are a decent amount of insurance carriers—both large and small—that will insure high-risk drivers. Always shop around to find an insurer willing to provide the best coverage at an affordable rate.
Key Takeaway Be prepared for a temporary rise in premiums if you require an SR-22 form, though your rates should drop so long as you complete your probation without any issues.

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Can I file an SR-22 form on my own?

No, you cannot. An SR-22 form can only be filed by your insurance company, on your behalf.

If I need an SR-22 form, will my insurance rates go sky-high?

If you require an SR-22 form, your premiums will increase, but the amount of the increase will depend on your overall driving record. Also, these rate hikes are temporary—once you complete your probation, your insurance rates will begin to decrease.
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