In Idaho, SR-22 insurance is required for a minimum of three years after a driver commits a serious traffic offense.
If you commit a major moving violation, such as a DUI, or even accrue too many demerit points on your license, it’s possible that you could have your driving privileges suspended or even revoked.
An SR-22 serves as proof from your insurer that you have the minimum liability coverage necessary to have your license reinstated.
From the car insurance
comparison shopping app Jerry
, here's everything you need to know about SR-22 forms and how to find cheap car insurance in Idaho.
What is an SR-22 in Idaho?
In Idaho, SR-22 insurance is a form submitted to the DMV by high-risk drivers who’ve had their licenses suspended or revoked due to a major driving conviction. It serves as support from your insurance provider that you can pay your minimum coverage in the face of legal and financial punishment.
You’ll need an SR-22 for three years following your conviction.
SR-22s usually become necessary after a significant driving issue, such as:
Driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs (DUI / DWI)
Using a motor vehicle to commit a felony
Leaving the scene of an accident resulting in injury or death
Leaving the scene of an accident before the police arrive
Driving with a suspended, revoked, or disqualified license
Failing to pay a judgment for damages in an accident
After being convicted for one of these, you’ll need liability coverage
that covers up to: $25,000 for bodily injury to or death of one person
$50,000 for bodily injury to or death of two or more people
$15,000 for injury to or destruction of property
Keep in mind, though, that these are Idaho's minimum requirements
and won't cover any of your damages in the event of an accident. Key Takeaway You’ll need an SR-22 for three years after having your license revoked or suspended in Idaho.
Who needs an SR-22 in Idaho?
Drivers who have committed serious moving violations need an SR-22 to get back on the road. You might also need an SR-22 if you simply pick up too many demerit points on your license.
Ultimately, the courts decide if you need an SR-22 insurance form and for how long you might need it.
MORE: Everything you need to know about Idaho’s texting and driving laws
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How do you get an SR-22 in Idaho?
You’ll usually receive a court order to pick up an SR-22 and after that, it’s your job to inform your insurance provider that your license has been suspended. They will usually take it from there and fill out and file the SR-22 form.
However, make sure that you pay any outstanding fines or legal fees from your conviction. You might also have to pay some expensive license reinstatement fees. A lot of the process can be completed online, though!
You should also be aware that some insurers simply won’t file an SR-22 on your behalf. Sometimes your driving record is already too poor, or you’ve been deemed too dangerous to insure.
Key Takeaway Your insurance provider will file an SR-22 for you in Idaho, but you might have to shop around for a new provider.
How much does an SR-22 cost in Idaho?
Filing an SR-22 itself is relatively inexpensive, it’ll only cost you between $15 to 25.
However, the costs don’t end there. Some states charge costly driver’s license reinstatement fees. Furthermore, if you’ve been criminally convicted, you can expect to pay significant fines and perhaps even legal fees.
Also, be aware that your insurance costs might increase
. You can expect to lose any good driver discounts or safe driving merits that you have earned. The bottom line is that an SR-22 is an expensive endeavor.
How does an SR-22 impact your insurance in Idaho?
A serious moving violation is one of the worst things that can happen to your insurance costs and you could be looking at a significant price increase.
The exact figure is difficult to determine and depends on the severity of the incident, as well as the strength of your driving record.
You may have to purchase a new insurance package altogether. Some companies simply don’t offer SR-22s in efforts to avoid dealing with high-risk drivers.
There is some good news, though! If you follow the rules and hold an excellent driving record for three years, your SR-22 insurance will be lifted and this should bring your premiums back down. How to find cheap car insurance
An SR-22 isn’t great for your driving record, but it isn’t the end of the world! You can still find a good car insurance package at a price that suits you. To find the best deal, try Jerry
. A licensed broker
, Jerry does all the hard work of finding the cheapest quotes from the top name-brand insurance companies and buying new car insurance. Jerry will even cancel your old policy for you. 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. This level of service is why Jerry earned a 4.6/5 rating on the App Store and made it the top insurance app in the country.
"I was paying a ton of money per month on car insurance, then I discovered Jerry
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