SR-22 in Massachusetts: What You Need to Know

SR-22 certificates are not required in Massachusetts, but if you run into trouble in a state where SR-22s are the norm, you might need one.
Written by Hillary Kobayashi
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
background
SR-22 certificates are not required in Massachusetts, but if you are licensed in the Massachusetts Registry and commit a serious traffic violation in a state where SR-22s are the norm, you might need to get one.
An SR-22 is a document your insurance company files with the DMV, guaranteeing that you have purchased minimum coverage insurance.
If you need help finding an insurance provider that will issue you an SR-22 certificate, try
Jerry
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And to ensure you always have the lowest rate, Jerry will send you new quotes every time your policy comes up for renewal, so you’re always getting the coverage you want at the best price! Oh, and it’s free!
Here’s what you need to know about SR-22 insurance, as well as finding cheap
car insurance in Massachusetts
.
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What is SR-22 insurance in Massachusetts?

An SR-22 in Massachusetts provides a driver with legal recognition that they carry the state’s minimum amount of liability insurance. Massachusetts’ coverage minimums are the following:

Who needs it?

SR-22 certificates are not required in Massachusetts, but you might need one if you are arrested for a serious driving offense, like a
DUI
, in another state.
SR-22 insurance
comes up in Massachusetts if a driver who is licensed in the Massachusetts Registry gets in trouble for a major violation, like a DUI, in a state where an SR-22 certificate is required, such as in Vermont or New Hampshire.
Key Takeaway You might need SR-22 insurance in Massachusetts if you commit a serious traffic violation in another state.

How to get it

To get an SR-22 certificate, first you will need to find an insurer that will file an SR-22 in Massachusetts. Second, you will need to pay a fee to have the SR-22 certificate processed and filed. Finally, you will need to wait for confirmation from your insurance company or the state.
SR-22 certificates are not usually required in Massachusetts, but if you need one, the rules of the Massachusetts Automobile Bureau legally require insurance companies to issue SR-22 certificates upon request.
If your license has been suspended or revoked due to an offense like a DUI, you might be unable to find an insurance company that will sell you coverage. We recommend that you try shopping around for car insurance with the
Jerry
app, as it is the easiest way to receive quotes from top insurance companies.
After you acquire an SR-22 certificate, you will need to maintain it for two to three years and renew it before the expiration date. If you fail to renew your SR-22, your insurance company will have to notify the state, which may revoke your driving privileges until you reinstate your SR-22 car insurance.
If you are having a tough time finding an agent who will sell you insurance, it might be worth contacting a lawyer.
MORE: Why you should shop for car insurance every six months
Key Takeaway If your license has been suspended or revoked, you might struggle to find an insurer, and if you cannot find an insurer, you cannot request an SR-22 certificate.

How much does it cost?

Applying for an SR-22 certificate might cost as little as $15 to $35, but it will usually be accompanied by an expensive hike in your insurance premium.
The increase in your coverage costs will depend on the violation on your record.
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How an SR-22 impacts your insurance in Massachusetts

An SR-22 will impact both your car insurance premiums and your selection of insurers.
If you have an SR-22, you will pay higher insurance premiums than a driver who has a
clean driving record
.
Also, not all insurance companies will insure drivers who need an SR-22 certificate, so you will be limited in your choice of insurers.

How to find cheap car insurance

If you have any serious offenses on your driving record, like a DUI, you might see your
car insurance
rates go up significantly. But, shopping around will help you find the best and most affordable policy. An intelligent AI-based tool like
Jerry
is the easiest and most effective way to find a car insurance policy that is customized for you.
After providing you with a comprehensive cross-analysis of the best policies across providers, Jerry will handle all the phone calls, paperwork, and renewals for your top pick so that you don’t have to. So why do all that extra work when Jerry can do it better?
"I just signed up through
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! I just recently switched my car insurance over to a new company. I used the Jerry app and it was a pleasant experience. They found me the best quotes for my needs and also a comparison list, so I had a few companies to choose from, it was fast and painless, and you can use your bank/debit/credit card. If you’re in the market for new insurance coverage of any type, check out the Jerry app, I highly recommend it." ー Jerry user
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