In Colorado, usually an insurer files an SR-22 certificate on a driver’s behalf as a guarantee that the driver is carrying the mandated minimum insurance.

Written by Bonnie Stinson

Reviewed by Kathleen Flear

Updated on Mar 23, 2023

Table of Contents

What is it?
Who needs it?
How to get it
Cost
Insurance implications
Cheap insurance

Load full table of contents

An SR-22 is a certificate that your

car insurance

company files with the DMV. It proves that you carry the minimum required car insurance, and it’s often required for people who have had their license suspended or revoked. It’s not an insurance policy, although some people call it "SR-22 insurance."

There are some ways to lower your overall insurance payment even without a clean record. The free

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Here's what you need to know about SR-22 forms and how they could affect your

car insurance in Colorado:

What is an SR-22 in Colorado?

SR-22

is a form that high-risk drivers need to get back on the road. It’s not an insurance policy, although many people call it "SR-22 insurance."

Your insurance company must provide the certificate to the Colorado DMV once they have agreed to insure you. The form proves that you have the state minimum liability coverage. Usually, the insurance company must file the SR-22 on your behalf.

The

minimum insurance coverage required in Colorado

is:

$25,000 for bodily injury to one person

$50,000 for injuries to two or more people

$15,000 for property damage

An SR-22 has to be maintained for a minimum period of 36 months in Colorado. If the driver does not renew it at least 15 days before the expiration date, the state will be notified.

Key Takeaway An SR-22 is a form that proves you have minimum insurance, and you may need it if your license was suspended or revoked due to a high-risk violation like a DUI.

MORE:

What is a DUI? (DUI vs. DWI)

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Who needs it?

You should be notified that you need an SR-22. For instance, if you commit a high-risk traffic violation like a DUI, then your license could be suspended or revoked. To get back on the road again, you will need this form to regain your license.

MORE:

Is the car insurance company required to notify me if I need an SR-22?

How to get it

The first step is to find an insurance company that will insure you and that will file an SR-22. Some companies are reluctant to insure high-risk drivers, and you may need to shop around.

In most cases, the insurance company will need to fill out and file the form on your behalf. Note that a summary or other proof of insurance will not suffice—you must have the official SR-22 certificate.

MORE:

Colorado minimum car insurance laws

How much does it cost?

It should cost you less than $50 (or a similarly nominal fee) to get an SR-22 in Colorado. $15 to $35 is a more common price range.

The actual cost of your new insurance plan will probably be more expensive than your previous plan, due to your high-risk status.

Non-owner insurance

is a good option for people who need insurance but don’t have their own vehicle.

How an SR-22 impacts your insurance in Colorado

If you have to file an SR-22 in Colorado, it signifies that you are a

high-risk driver

, and as a result, you can expect to pay a higher premium than a driver who has a clean record.

You will also be limited in your choice of insurers, as some companies will not insure SR-22 drivers.

Don’t lose hope! You can still save money by shopping around to find the lowest possible rates, even if you are a high-risk driver.

Key Takeaway If you need an SR-22, you might be facing higher than average insurance rates—but shopping around with Jerry can help you find savings.

How to find cheap car insurance

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As a

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