New York SR-22 Insurance
New York SR-22: Essential proof of coverage.
New York SR-22 Insurance
What Exactly is SR-22 Insurance?
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
- VAT Section 318 – Requires suspension of licenses for certain convictions and accidents. May mandate SR-22 for reinstatement.
- VAT Section 319 – Requires revocation of licenses for certain convictions. May order SR-22 for reinstatement after the minimum revocation period.
- 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.
- VAT Section 312 – Requires suspension of registration and plates if auto insurance lapses. SR-22 will be required for reinstatement.
- 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?
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- Obtain filled out SR-22 form from insurer – They complete and submit Form FS-25 electronically to the DMV on your behalf.
- 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.
- Maintain insurance during the SR-22 period – Lapses in coverage can extend the SR-22 requirement. Make payments on time!
- Get your license reinstated – Once the DMV processes your SR-22, your driving privileges can be reinstated. But you may need to pay fees.
- 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
- Compare quotes from multiple insurers – Rates can vary widely, so shop around to find the best price.
- Ask about discounts – Companies offer discounts for safe driving, good students, completing defensive driving, using anti-theft devices, and more.
- Consider bundling with renters or home insurance – Bundling all your policies with one insurer may score you a multi-policy discount.
- Raise deductibles – Opting for higher deductibles lowers rates, but make sure you can afford out-of-pocket costs.
- Limit your driving – Restrict driving only as needed for work, school, and errands. The less you drive, the cheaper the premium.
- Enroll in a usage-based program – These use a telematic device to track driving habits and offer potential savings.
- Take a defensive driving course – Completing an approved class can earn a discount for three years.
- Improve your credit – Insurers use credit-based scores in pricing. Raise your score to lower premiums.
- Keep a clean driving record – Avoid tickets and accidents that could increase your insurance rate.
- Research insurance company ratings – Compare companies on complaint ratios, financial strength, customer satisfaction, etc.
How to Buy NY SR-22 Insurance Online
- 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.
- Start the application process and provide info – You’ll need your driver’s license, VIN, and coverage amounts you desire.
- Enter in violation details prompting SR-22 – Explain your suspension, tickets, accident, etc. needing the SR-22.
- Choose coverage options to build policy – Decide on liability limits, collision, comprehensive, uninsured motorist, etc.
- Receive immediate proof of insurance documents – You can print temporary ID cards and insurance cards.
- The insurance company files your SR-22 electronically – They directly submit the certificate to the NY DMV.
- Make monthly payments easily online – Set up automatic payments from a checking account or credit card.
- Manage your policy online anytime – Update information, check billing, and change coverage all on the insurer website or app.
- Get renewal reminders ahead of policy expiration – This helps avoid any lapse in coverage while under SR-22.
New York SR-22 Insurance Quotes
- 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
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.
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.