SR-22 in Virginia: What You Need to Know

High-risk drivers need to have SR-22 insurance in Virginia for three years. Learn what SR-22 means for your coverage, and how to find the best rates.
Written by Matt Terzi
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
background
In Virginia, drivers are often required to file an SR-22 if they are convicted of a serious driving violation, like reckless driving.
You’ll be obligated to keep the SR-22 in Virginia for a minimum of three years, though this might be extended if you commit another serious violation. This period can also be extended if you allow your coverage to lapse.
An SR-22 is a special form your car insurance company files with the DMV that verifies you have a certain minimum of liability coverage. It isn’t car insurance, but rather proof of adequate insurance.
If you need an SR-22 in Virginia, you’re in luck. The
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What is SR-22 insurance in Virginia

In Virginia, an SR-22 is a certificate that proves to the Virginia DMV that you have the state’s minimum amount of liability insurance. Virginia is one of only two states that doesn't legally require drivers to have car insurance, but if you do have it, it must cover at least:

Who needs it?

SR-22 forms are necessary for drivers with serious infractions on their driving records. These infractions and convictions might include (but aren’t limited to):
  • Getting too many tickets
  • Outstanding financial judgments
  • Driving without car insurance
  • Falsifying insurance information
  • Reckless driving
  • Property damage
  • Voluntary or involuntary manslaughter
In many states, drivers with a DUI or DWI must file an SR-22. But in Virginia, this requires a separate
FR-44 form
.
Key Takeaway Drivers with serious infractions and convictions on their record will need an SR-22 form filed for them.

How to get it

Only certain car insurance companies are authorized to handle SR-22 forms in Virginia, so your first step involves finding an insurance provider that is permitted to file an SR-22 on your behalf.
Once you’ve found an insurance provider, you’ll need to pay an SR-22 form filing fee to the insurance company. This is usually around $50, though it depends on which insurer you’re working with.
The DMV may require you to pay additional fines or fees before lifting a suspension or reinstating driving privileges.
Finally, your insurance provider will file your SR-22 form on your behalf. The Virginia DMV and your insurance provider should both send you confirmation that you’re ready to drive again.
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How much does it cost?

Most insurance companies charge a filing fee of about $50 to handle your SR-22 form. If the DMV has any fees, fines, or judgments outstanding, those will need to be settled first.
Besides the fees, you should expect to pay significantly more than you normally would for your insurance policy. And drivers requiring an FR-44 form typically pay twice as much as those who only require only SR-22.
Rates will vary from one insurer to the next, so it helps to shop around for
cheap car insurance
that meets your needs.
Key Takeaway Insurance coverage with an SR-22 is more expensive than a regular insurance policy—and with an FR-44 it’s often double that.

How an SR-22 impacts your insurance in Virginia

If you have an SR-22 requirement, you’ll definitely be facing high insurance rates. Insurance companies will consider you a
greater risk
and price your policy accordingly.
An SR-22 will also complicate your shopping experience since many insurers either aren’t authorized to file SR-22s or refuse to provide coverage to drivers with an SR-22 requirement due to the heightened risk.
Now for some good news: If you drive safely and
maintain a clean record
for three years from the date your driving privileges are restored, the state will lift your SR-22 requirement. This will allow your premiums to settle back down to more manageable rates.
Key Takeaway You will face high insurance rates with an SR-22 requirement, but they should settle back down once you maintain a clean record for three years.

How to find cheap car insurance

Having an SR-22 policy in Virginia can be costly, so it’s important to shop around for a policy that fits your budget.
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How long will the SR-22 in Virginia last?

If you maintain a clean driving record and keep your insurance from lapsing, the SR-22 form will remain on your car insurance policy for three years.

How do I file the SR-22?

Your car insurance company will file the SR-22 form on your behalf. You’ll probably need to pay a fee for this service, and only some insurance companies can handle an SR-22 in Virginia.

Do I need an SR-22 if I had a DUI or DWI?

A DUI or DWI will require an FR-44 form in Virginia, which is also handled by select insurance companies. Like the SR-22, only certain companies offer car insurance with an FR-44 form.

Is an SR-22 expensive?

With an SR-22 form, car insurance rates will be higher than they would be for someone with a clean record. The FR-44 form usually doubles the cost of insurance versus just having an SR-22.
You’ll also need to pay filing fees and any fines or fees required for the DMV to lift your license suspension or driving restrictions.
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