SR22 Insurance Connecticut: Laws & Facts

What is the 4-Step Process to Obtaining an SR-22 Insurance Policy and SR-22 form in CT?

1. Find an insurer that will work with SR-22’s

Generated image

Most insurers today do not offer sr-22 insurance because they are deemed to be high risk drivers. This means a limited set of options for drivers. Fortunately, we offer just that: Access to most major companies that will insure SR-22 drivers.

2. Pay the SR-22 fee

Fees vary from company to company, but they tend to be relatively nominal, usually $15 – $50. Filing fees in this state typically range from _ to _

3. Verify minimum liability coverage

It’s no surprise then that, due to state requirements, the state’s minimum liability requirements must be met or exceeded in order to complete the SR-22 process.

4. Submit your SR-22

Actually, the insurance company you sign up with will file in your behalf with the DMV.

In Connecticut, drivers who commit serious infractions – such as a DUI or driving without insurance – may be required to file an SR-22 certificate to reinstate or maintain their license​ insurance.com. An SR-22 isn’t a special insurance policy, but rather a form your insurer files with the state to prove you carry at least the minimum liability coverage. However, needing an SR-22 does signal you’re a high-risk driver, which causes your auto insurance premiums to spike significantly ​insurance.com. Below we provide updated sample SR-22 insurance rates across several Connecticut cities and driver profiles, followed by unique facts and tips to help you understand the costs and potentially save money on SR-22 coverage.

Unique Facts and Tips for SR-22 Insurance in Connecticut

1. SR-22 Duration

Free Yale University Landscape photo and picture

You must maintain SR-22 coverage for at least 3 years, and up to 5 years for repeat or serious offenses. This clock restarts if your coverage lapses. (insurance.com, moneygeek.com)

If your policy is canceled, the insurer files an SR-26 with the state, which can result in license suspension. (thegeneral.com)

2. Not All Insurers Offer SR-22s

Some insurers don’t handle SR-22 filings at all. Many drop high-risk drivers. Those that do include State Farm, Progressive, Geico, Allstate, Nationwide, USAA, and Kemper. (insurance.com, insure.com)

3. Shop Around

Quotes can vary wildly. A DUI SR-22 might cost $1,858 with State Farm and $5,500+ with Farmers. (insurance.com)

Some drivers pay $68/month while others pay over $200/month for the same profile. (moneygeek.com)

Use comparison tools or brokers to find your best match.

4. Consider Non-Owner SR-22 Insurance

Don’t own a car? A non-owner SR-22 policy is cheaper and meets the legal requirement.

Example: Non-owner SR-22 with State Farm = $42/month (~$504/year). (moneygeek.com)

Only covers liability when driving other cars, but it satisfies the state requirement. (sr22insurance.net)

5. CT Minimum Insurance Requirements

SR-22s don’t raise minimums — they enforce them. You must carry:

  • $25,000 bodily injury per person
  • $50,000 bodily injury per accident
  • $25,000 property damage

CT also requires uninsured motorist coverage at 25/50. (insure.com, moneygeek.com)

6. DUI Offenders: Expect IID Requirements

After a DUI, CT usually requires an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) for 1 year, even for first-time offenders. (ctcriminallawattorney.com)

Budget for installation and monthly monitoring fees. Successfully completing the IID period helps your rates long-term.

7. After SR-22 Ends

When your term ends and your insurer files an SR-26, you’re no longer required to carry SR-22 coverage. (thegeneral.com)

Violations stay on your DMV record 7–10 years, but insurance companies usually look at the past 3–5 years for pricing.

Tip: If you maintain a clean record, your rates should gradually improve at each renewal.

License Reinstatement Rules After SR-22 in CT

Generated image

To reinstate your license, you must:

  • Complete the required SR-22 filing
  • Pay a $175 license restoration fee to the DMV
  • Meet any additional requirements (e.g., IID installation, if DUI)

You may be able to drive again once the DMV processes your reinstatement — typically within 3–5 business days.

Connecticut SR-22 Lapse Penalties

If your policy lapses:

  • The insurer files Form SR-26 with the DMV (cancellation notice)
  • Your license may be re-suspended immediately
  • Your SR-22 clock resets to day one

Example: If you were 18 months into a 3-year term and your policy lapses, you must start a new 3-year period.

SR-22 vs. Non-Owner SR-22 in CT

Feature SR-22 Non-Owner SR-22
Vehicle Required Yes No
Covers owned vehicle? Yes No
Covers borrowed/rented cars? Sometimes Yes
Cheaper? No Often yes
Ideal for Car owners Drivers without a car who need compliance

CT Ignition Interlock Rules After DUI

Connecticut requires Ignition Interlock Devices (IID) for all DUI-related offenses:

Offense IID Duration Notes
1st DUI 1 year Applies after license reinstatement
2nd DUI 3 years First year: limited to work/school/treatment
3rd DUI Lifetime IID (min. 15 years before review) License can be revoked permanently

You must also pay:

  • $175 restoration fee
  • $100 administrative fee

Who needs to have SR22 insurance

Generated image

1. If you are currently insured

If you’re currently insured but required to file an SR-22, your insurer can often file it on your behalf. This is usually the simplest path.

2. If you are currently uninsured

If you don’t have insurance, you must first purchase a policy with an insurer that offers SR-22 filings. This may limit your options.

3. Non-owner: If you do not own a vehicle

If you don’t own a car but still need to file an SR-22, you’ll need a non-owner SR-22 policy. This satisfies legal requirements without insuring a specific vehicle.

FAQ

Do I Still Need SR22 Insurance if I Don’t Drive?

This depends. Some states require an owner to have insurance regardless if they drive it.

Can You Drive Someone Else’s Car with SR22?

Yes, this typically requires a “non-owner SR22 insurance” policy.

How do I File an SR-22 in Connecticut?

The company handling your car insurance in can file an SR-22 with the state at your request. Having an SR-22 added to your auto insurance policy in _ only costs a one-time fee of $25, but it increases your annual premium depending on the severity of your violation. Since drivers requiring SR-22 insurance are considered high risk, some car insurance companies may choose not to cover you.

What Happens if I Let my SR-22 Coverage Lapse?

If your coverage lapses at any point while you have an SR-22 on file, your insurance company is required to let your state or DMV know that you’re uninsured. Once this happens, you may have a short grace period to provide proof of insurance if the state allows one. Otherwise, your SR-22 term will start over and legal penalties may apply.

For example, if you’ve maintained SR-22 coverage for two out of the three years required, a lapse in coverage causes your mandatory term to reset. That means three more years of paying for an SR-22, costing you more in money and time.

Failure to report any changes in policy to the DMV will result in a warning, and then possibly a fine or license suspension. As with many other states, Connecticut requires their drivers to have a minimum amount of liability insurance. If these requirements are not met, then a court order to obtain an SR22 insurance policy will be mandated. A policy is also required for any offense that occurs on their roads. These offenses can be from causing an accident, failing to provide proof of insurance, or driving while intoxicated. In Connecticut, punishment for all offenses are the same, regardless of severity. All of the above will require the acquisition of a policy for a minimum of three years. This goes for first offenders as well.

How Long do You Need SR22 in CT?

Typically an SR-22 will last 3 years, however this can increase if you get more traffic violations, and especially if you are convicted for more serious crimes like DUI/DWI.

What Do I Do with My SR22 Certificate?

Frame it. Okay, seriously, nothing. Your insurance company will take care of the filings.

Which Companies in CT Offer SR-22 Insurance?

These carriers are not the only way people shop for SR22 insurance. Some prefer the small broker or independent agent approach. In CT, we researched and discovered a handful of such agents that include: New Have SR Drivers Insurance Solutions, Action Auto Insurance Agency, American National Casualty Brokerage, The Insurance Store of CT, State Wide Insurance, Edward J McMahon Insurance, and several others.

Are There any SR-22 Fees in CT?

As mentioned above, fees typically range from $15 – $50, depending on the insurer.

How Do You Know When Your CT SR22 is Over?

To get sr22 removed, you simply must wait the state’s required length of time. However, if further violations, lapses of insurance renewal, and other issues occur, you may reset or lengthen the amount of time needed for the SR22.

What Are the Minimum Insurance Limits in CT for SR-22 Drivers?

The property damage will provide coverage for the driver and whomever is driving the vehicle in the case of an accident.

If you or a family member are driving and involved in a accident the insurance company will pay for damages occurred from the accident up to $25,000. If there is damages above and beyond that you will be responsible for the remaining money owed.

Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Requirements for CT

An ignition interlock device (IID) is a device that prevents your car from starting if it registers alcohol on your breath or if you refuse to give a breath sample. Connecticut requires IID for all drivers after an alcohol-related suspension. How long it is required varies. You will be required to pay a $175 restoration fee and a $100 administration fee to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

According to principle analyst Paul Frisman,

  • first-time offenders can drive only interlock-equipped vehicles for one year after their license suspension ends; second-time offenders can drive only these vehicles for three years following a suspension.
  • The law additionally requires second-time offenders, during the first year of the three-year interlock period, to drive these vehicles only to (1) work, (2) school, (3) a drug or alcohol treatment program, or (4) an interlock service center.
  • DMV must revoke the license of a driver convicted of DUI for a third time. By law, until January 1, 2013, a third-time offender may seek restoration of his or her license after six years. Once restored, he or she must drive only interlock-equipped vehicles for 10 years. Starting January 1, 2013, however, the law allows the (1) offender to seek restoration of his or her license after two years and (2) commissioner to restore it on the condition that the driver operate only interlock-equipped vehicles for as long as he or she drives. (After 15 years of driving these vehicles, the offender may ask that this condition be lifted, and the commissioner may do so after a hearing and for good cause.)

Conclusion

In the state of Connecticut, an SR22 insurance certificate is required when a driver fails to provide proof of insurance, commits a criminal offense while driving, or fails to meet filing requirements as determined by the Connecticut Division of Motor Vehicles. A Connecticut SR22 insurance form simply shows that the driver has created a financial obligation with the insurance company. This obligation shows the DMV that the driver will have insurance in the present and in the future. The SR22 must be carried at all times by the driver, just like regular auto insurance. In addition to this, the SR22 form will need to be filed with the auto insurance policy to the DMV.

We operate in all 50 states. No matter where you live, we can help you find great SR22 insurance.

Sources: