New York SR-22 Insurance

New York SR-22: Essential proof of coverage.

New York SR-22 Insurance

A New York SR-22 is a certificate of insurance that some drivers are required to have in order to legally drive in the state of New York. SR-22 insurance provides proof that you have the minimum auto insurance coverage required by the state. Here is a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about SR-22 insurance in New York.

What Exactly is SR-22 Insurance?

an insurance coverage agent felling up SR-22 doc

An SR-22 is not an actual insurance policy. Rather, it is a form that your insurance company files with the state to show that you have the minimum required auto insurance coverage. In New York, you may need an SR-22 certificate if you have committed certain traffic violations or other incidents.

The NY SR-22 certificate is required by the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to reinstate your driving privileges after a suspension or revocation. The certificate serves as proof that you are meeting the state’s minimum auto insurance requirements.

New York SR-22 Laws

In New York, the laws surrounding SR-22 insurance are contained in the Vehicle and Traffic Law (VAT). Some key statutes include:
  1. VAT Section 318 – Requires suspension of licenses for certain convictions and accidents. May mandate SR-22 for reinstatement.
  2. VAT Section 319 – Requires revocation of licenses for certain convictions. May order SR-22 for reinstatement after the minimum revocation period.
  3. VAT Section 311 – Sets minimum auto insurance requirements in New York. Bodily injury liability of $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident. Property damage liability of $10,000 per accident. SR-22 shows compliance.
  4. VAT Section 312 – Requires suspension of registration and plates if auto insurance lapses. SR-22 will be required for reinstatement.
  5. VAT Section 313 – Sets requirements for motorists to maintain financial security or auto insurance on vehicles. SR-22 provides proof of coverage.

In summary, these laws allow the DMV to require SR-22 certificates from motorists who commit certain violations or let their insurance lapse. The SR-22 requirement may last 3 years or more.

Who Needs New York SR-22 Car Insurance?

In New York, the DMV will require you to file an SR-22 certificate if:
  • Your license is revoked for offenses like three DWIs in 10 years or four DWIs in a lifetime
  • You are convicted of three traffic infractions within an 18-month period.
  • You are involved in an at-fault accident while uninsured.
  • You are cited for driving without insurance or registration lapse.
  • You receive six or more points on your driving record within an 18-month span
  • You fail to pay child support or default on court appearance tickets.
  • You are under 21 and convicted of alcohol or drug violations.
  • You have unsatisfied judgments against you stemming from an auto accident.

As you can see, many infractions can trigger the SR-22 requirement in New York. High-risk drivers are most commonly mandated to file the certificate.

How to get SR-22 Insurance in New York

If the NY DMV orders you to get an SR-22, here is the process:
  1. Contact your auto insurance company – Your insurer will need to file Form FS-25, the SR-22 Certificate of Insurance. There may be a small fee.
  2. Provide required information – This includes your full name, date of birth, driver’s license number, and VIN of insured vehicles. The company will also need details on your suspension or revocation.
  3. Obtain filled out SR-22 form from insurer – They complete and submit Form FS-25 electronically to the DMV on your behalf.
  4. Verify SR-22 filing with the DMV – You can check the DMV website or call to confirm they received the SR-22 from your insurer.
  5. Maintain insurance during the SR-22 period – Lapses in coverage can extend the SR-22 requirement. Make payments on time!
  6. Get your license reinstated – Once the DMV processes your SR-22, your driving privileges can be reinstated. But you may need to pay fees.
  7. Carry SR-22 coverage for 3 years – Your insurer will automatically renew the SR-22 annually. Violations mean you must start over!

Be sure to discuss the SR-22 process thoroughly with your insurance agent. Don’t drive without confirming the DMV received your certificate!

Tips For Getting Cheap New York SR-22 Insurance

Here are some key tips for obtaining affordable SR-22 insurance coverage in New York:
a car driver with an sr-22 insurance in new york
  1. Compare quotes from multiple insurers – Rates can vary widely, so shop around to find the best price.
  2. Ask about discounts – Companies offer discounts for safe driving, good students, completing defensive driving, using anti-theft devices, and more.
  3. Consider bundling with renters or home insurance – Bundling all your policies with one insurer may score you a multi-policy discount.
  4. Raise deductibles – Opting for higher deductibles lowers rates, but make sure you can afford out-of-pocket costs.
  5. Limit your driving – Restrict driving only as needed for work, school, and errands. The less you drive, the cheaper the premium.
  6. Enroll in a usage-based program – These use a telematic device to track driving habits and offer potential savings.
  7. Take a defensive driving course – Completing an approved class can earn a discount for three years.
  8. Improve your credit – Insurers use credit-based scores in pricing. Raise your score to lower premiums.
  9. Keep a clean driving record – Avoid tickets and accidents that could increase your insurance rate.
  10. Research insurance company ratings – Compare companies on complaint ratios, financial strength, customer satisfaction, etc.
Following these tips can help you secure the most affordable SR-22 coverage possible. Maintaining the insurance without lapses is critical during the SR-22 requirement period.

How to Buy NY SR-22 Insurance Online

Many insurance companies now make it convenient to purchase SR-22 coverage entirely online. Here are some steps to buy mandatory SR-22 insurance online:
  1. Visit an insurer’s website and get a fast quote. All you need to do is answer a few questions to compare quotes across multiple carriers.
  2. Start the application process and provide info – You’ll need your driver’s license, VIN, and coverage amounts you desire.
  3. Enter in violation details prompting SR-22 – Explain your suspension, tickets, accident, etc. needing the SR-22.
  4. Choose coverage options to build policy – Decide on liability limits, collision, comprehensive, uninsured motorist, etc.
  5. Receive immediate proof of insurance documents – You can print temporary ID cards and insurance cards.
  6. The insurance company files your SR-22 electronically – They directly submit the certificate to the NY DMV.
  7. Make monthly payments easily online – Set up automatic payments from a checking account or credit card.
  8. Manage your policy online anytime – Update information, check billing, and change coverage all on the insurer website or app.
  9. Get renewal reminders ahead of policy expiration – This helps avoid any lapse in coverage while under SR-22.
Purchasing mandatory SR-22 coverage online is fast and convenient. Be sure to get electronic proof of insurance after binding coverage to carry in your vehicle legally.

New York SR-22 Insurance Quotes

Here are sample quotes from major insurers for a driver needing an SR-22 in New York:
  • Geico $2,579 annually $215 monthly
  • Allstate $2,996 annually $250 monthly
  • Progressive $2,963 annually $247 monthly
  • State Farm $2,850 annually $238 monthly
  • Liberty Mutual $3,211 annually $268 monthly
As you can see, annual rates for SR-22 insurance in New York range from about $2,600 – $3,200 for basic liability coverage. Premiums are significantly higher compared to standard policies due to the perceived high risk of drivers requiring SR-22s.
a car driver in new York drinking a beer while driving

Conclusion

If you have committed a serious driving offense like a DUI in New York you will likely be required to get NY SR-22 insurance. Your rates will go up as you will be deemed a higher-risk driver. To get cheaper rates going forward, maintaining a clean driving record, comparing many quotes, adjusting deductibles, and limiting driving can help minimize the cost of mandatory SR-22 insurance in New York.

Get your New York SR-22 auto insurance quote in minutes. To start enter your zip code and fill out an online application. Get cheaper SR-22 insurance and save more.

Picture of Author: David Haan

Author: David Haan

David Haan is a professional writer who has a passion for writing about financial topics: including investing, insurance, and entrepreneurship. David has a way of simplifying complex financial topics to make it easy for anyone to understand. During his free time, he likes to play volleyball, surf, and listen to jazz music.