Misconceptions & Myths About SR22 Insurance
If you’ve been told you need an SR-22, there’s a good chance you’re feeling confused, overwhelmed — or even a little panicked. I get it. When I first heard the term “SR-22 insurance,” I assumed it was some kind of expensive, special coverage only for people with DUIs. Turns out, that’s not quite the whole picture.
The truth is, there’s a lot of misinformation floating around about SR-22 forms. So in this article, I’ll walk you through the most common myths I’ve seen — and what the real story is, based on official sources like state DMVs and insurance providers.
Let’s debunk the biggest misconceptions, one by one.
Myth vs. Reality Table: Quick Snapshot
Table of Contents
- 1 Myth vs. Reality Table: Quick Snapshot
- 2 1. “SR-22 Is a Special Type of Insurance”
- 3 2. “Only DUI Offenders Need an SR-22”
- 4 3. “You Must Own a Vehicle to File an SR-22”
- 5 4. “It Will Double My Insurance Premiums”
- 6 5. “SR-22 Is Required in All 50 States”
- 7 6. “You Can’t Switch Insurance Companies While You Have an SR-22”
- 8 7. “It Automatically Expires When the Time Is Up”
- 9 8. “You’re Covered No Matter What You Drive”
- 10 Final Thoughts
- 11 Sources
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| SR-22 is insurance | ❌ It’s a certificate your insurer files with the state |
| Only DUI offenders need it | ❌ Many violations can trigger the requirement |
| You must own a car to get SR-22 | ❌ Non-owner policies exist and are common |
| It’s required in every state | ❌ Some states don’t use SR-22s at all |
| Once filed, you’re done | ❌ You must maintain continuous coverage or restart the clock |
1. “SR-22 Is a Special Type of Insurance”
False. An SR-22 is not an insurance policy. It’s a certificate of financial responsibility that your insurance provider files with your state’s DMV. This form proves you carry at least the minimum required auto liability insurance.
Your actual coverage still comes from a normal auto insurance policy. The SR-22 is just a rider or filing attached to it.
✅ Think of it like a court-ordered note attached to your insurance, not a new kind of coverage.
2. “Only DUI Offenders Need an SR-22”
This one’s very common — and very wrong.
Here are other reasons people are required to file an SR-22:
| Triggering Violation | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Driving without insurance | Most states penalize this with an SR-22 filing |
| Too many points/tickets | Even minor violations can add up |
| Reckless driving | Not always DUI — could include excessive speed or racing |
| At-fault accident while uninsured | State needs assurance of future coverage |
| Driving with suspended license | One of the most common SR-22 triggers |
📌 In Illinois, an SR-22 is required for drivers with three or more convictions for failing to maintain insurance. (Source)
3. “You Must Own a Vehicle to File an SR-22”
Nope! That’s what non-owner SR-22 policies are for.
If you don’t own a car but still need to satisfy the DMV, you can get a policy that covers you while driving borrowed, rented, or employer vehicles (unless excluded).
Non-Owner SR-22 Policies: What They Cover
| Covered | Not Covered |
|---|---|
| Rental cars | Cars you own |
| Borrowed vehicles | Vehicles in your household |
| Basic liability | Damage to your own vehicle |
✅ These are ideal for people who don’t drive often but still need to keep their license active.
4. “It Will Double My Insurance Premiums”
Maybe — but not always.
While it’s true that SR-22 drivers are considered high-risk, the SR-22 form itself costs very little (usually a one-time $15–$50 fee).
What raises your rates is the underlying violation — like a DUI or at-fault accident.
🧠 Pro tip: Every insurer treats risk differently. If your rate seems high, shop around.
5. “SR-22 Is Required in All 50 States”
Actually, several states don’t require SR-22 filings at all.
States That Do Not Use SR-22:
However, if your SR-22 was ordered in a different state, you still need to comply — even if you’ve moved.
📍 Your obligation follows you, even across state lines.
6. “You Can’t Switch Insurance Companies While You Have an SR-22”
You absolutely can — and in some cases, you should.
Just make sure your new insurer is aware of your SR-22 requirement and can file the form immediately to prevent a lapse.
What to Do When Switching
- ✅ Get quotes in advance
- ✅ Confirm the company files SR-22s in your state
- ✅ Overlap your policies by a few days to avoid gaps
⚠️ Even a one-day lapse can reset your SR-22 clock.
7. “It Automatically Expires When the Time Is Up”
Nope. Your insurer must file an SR-26 — a form that officially cancels the SR-22 with your state.
Until that’s done, your DMV may still consider you high-risk.
📄 Ask your insurer to confirm SR-26 filing once your term ends.
8. “You’re Covered No Matter What You Drive”
Not necessarily. SR-22 coverage is based on the policy type:
| Policy Type | Covers |
|---|---|
| Owner | Vehicles you own |
| Operator | Vehicles you drive but don’t own |
| Owner-Operator | Both owned and non-owned vehicles |
Make sure you select the right type based on how and what you drive.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been told you need SR-22 insurance, don’t panic — and definitely don’t assume the worst. Most of the myths about SR-22 are based on misunderstandings or outdated info.
The form itself is simple. Staying insured and avoiding gaps is the hard part. But with the right insurer (and the right info), you can get through your SR-22 period with less stress — and maybe even lower premiums than you expect.
