SR-22s are required for drivers who have committed certain violations. They’re often associated with drunk driving, but Montana can request that drivers obtain an SR-22 for other reasons, too.

Those often happen after a driver has their license suspended, or is deemed unfit to drive. The SR-22 itself is a document submitted by an insurer guaranteeing that a driver has the minimum required insurance in order to stay on the road.

Here's what you need to know about SR-22s in Montana, from the

car insurance

shopping app

Jerry

. We'll also show you the easiest way to find

cheap car insurance in Montana.

So, read on to find out exactly how SR-22s work in Montana.

What is an SR-22 in Montana?

In Montana, an SR-22 is a certificate submitted to the DMV verifying that you have the necessary insurance to stay on the road following a major incident. Basically, it’s a guarantee that you’re still safe to drive despite whatever rule you may have violated.

In most cases, Montana asks for an SR-22 after your license has been suspended or revoked. You'll usually be required to keep it for three years following a major incident, which can include but are not limited to:

Reckless driving

Hit and run

DUI

Driving without insurance

Tallying too many demerit points on your license

If you're convicted of one of those, you’ll need your insurer to guarantee minimum liability coverage. In Montana the requirements are:

$25,000 for bodily injury or death for one person

$50,000 for bodily injury or death for two or more persons

$20,000 for property damages

These are

Montana's minimum requirements

, though. More coverage is recommended to keep you protected in case of an expensive accident.

Key Takeaway you’ll need an SR-22 for three years after having your license revoked or suspended in Montana.

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Who needs an SR-22 in Montana?

Drivers who have committed a serious driving offense, or picked up too many points on their license will need SR-22 insurance in Montana.

Ultimately, it’s up to the state government to decide if you need an SR-22. While there are certain guidelines, it’s handled on a case-by-case basis. You’ll usually need one for three years.

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How to find temporary car insurance in Montana

How do you get an SR-22 in Montana?

Getting SR-22 insurance in Montana isn’t difficult—the DMV will usually inform you that you need an SR-22 to remain on the road. Once you’ve received that notice, you must let your insurance provider know. In Montana, they’ll complete the process for you—as long as they offer SR-22s.

There are a few technicalities to keep in mind, though. License suspensions or revocations are often the result of criminal charges—so you’ll definitely have to adhere to the legal processes there first. You may also have to pay a license reinstatement fee.

Some insurance providers simply don’t accept SR-22s, either. They might deem you

too big of a risk

, or just not make them available as company policy.

Key Takeaway Your insurance provider will file an SR-22 for you in Montana, but you might have to try Jerry to find a new provider if your original insurer won’t cover you.

How much does an SR-22 cost in Montana?

Most insurers charge a small fee of $15-25. The exact figure depends on the state and the provider.

However, there are other costs to keep in mind. Some states ask for pricey driver’s license reinstatement fees—sometimes more than $100. Furthermore, there are fines and legal fees that might come with a conviction for a criminal offense.

Your insurance premiums might change significantly, too. Average yearly costs for SR-22 holders tend to be higher than for those with relatively

clean driving records

. You’ll lose any good driver perks or discounts you may have racked up, too.

Ultimately, SR-22 insurance is expensive.

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How does an SR-22 impact your insurance in Montana?

You can expect your insurance prices to take a serious hike.

A conviction for a serious moving violation is one of the worst things that can happen to your insurance costs. And the other reasons for needing an SR-22, such as racking up too many demerit points, don’t look too great either.

It’s good that your insurer might be able to get you back behind a wheel, but it’ll come at a significant premium increase. The exact figure will vary, but some states see a hike of up to 50% or more.

You may have to purchase a new insurance package altogether. Some companies simply don’t offer SR-22s, especially if you’re considered a major risk.

There is some good news, though! If you follow the rules and keep an excellent driving record for the duration of your SR-22 probation, you will be allowed to drive relatively normally once it expires. This should bring your premiums back to standard pre-SR-22 levels.

MORE:

Open container laws in Montana

How to find cheap car insurance

SR-22s aren’t great for your driving record or bank account. But they’re not 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

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, Jerry does all the hard work of finding the cheapest quotes from the top 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.

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