Does Farmers Insurance Offer SR22?

Farmers Insurance is one of the largest auto insurance providers in the United States. They offer a wide range of insurance policies, including the SR22 filing that some high-risk drivers need. This article will explain what an SR22 is, who needs it, how much it costs with Farmers, and how to get SR22 insurance with them.

What is an SR22?

An SR22, also known as a Certificate of Financial Responsibility, is a form that your insurance company files with the state to prove you have sufficient auto insurance coverage. It is required by some states for drivers who have committed major violations like DUI or repeated offenses.

The SR22 is not an actual insurance policy. It is simply a certification that you have the state-required insurance. With an SR22 on file, the DMV can automatically suspend your license if your insurance lapses.

Who Needs an SR22 Insurance Filing?

Drivers are typically required to carry SR22 insurance for 3-5 years after:

• DUI or DWI conviction
• Multiple at-fault accidents
• Driving without insurance or other financial responsibility violations
• License suspension or revocation
• Reckless driving convictions
• Too many points on your driving record

The SR22 requirement is mandated by your state DMV, not your insurance company. So even if you switch insurers, you’ll still need to maintain SR22 coverage during the mandated period.

Why Do Insurance Companies Charge More for SR22 Policies?

SR22 insurance costs significantly more than standard auto insurance because drivers who need SR22 filings are considered high-risk.

According to insurance data, drivers with SR22 requirements are almost 3 times more likely to file a claim compared to standard risks. The increased premiums on SR22 policies help insurers offset those potential losses.

On average, SR22 insurance costs 72% more per year than standard auto insurance.

How Much Does SR22 Insurance Cost with Farmers?

Farmers Insurance charges the following for SR22 coverage:

• SR22 Filing Fee: $15 – $25 one-time fee, depending on your state
• Increased Premium: Approximately 72% higher than their standard auto insurance rates

So a standard $1,000 per year policy would cost about $1,720 with an SR22. Plus you’d pay the one-time filing fee Farmers charges.

Exact rates depend on your driving record, age, location and other standard risk factors. Farmers allows you to get a free quote online or over the phone to see your exact SR22 rate.

How to Get SR22 Insurance from Farmers

Getting SR22 coverage with Farmers is easy:

1. Contact Farmers – You can call any local agent or their 24/7 customer service line. Or request a free online quote.

2. Provide Your Policy Info – Let them know you need an SR22 filing and provide your driver’s license number.

3. Pay Initial Premium – To activate coverage, you’ll need to pay your first month’s premium upfront. This also covers the one-time SR22 filing fee.

4. Get SR22 Certificate – Farmers will electronically file Form SR22 with the DMV. They’ll email you a copy within 1-3 business days.

5. Maintain Coverage – Keep your policy active throughout the SR22 requirement period, usually 3-5 years.

If you ever lapse in coverage, Farmers will notify the DMV and your license could be suspended. Make sure to pay premiums on time.

How to Get the Cheapest SR22 Insurance with Farmers

While SR22 insurance is more expensive, there are ways to reduce your Farmers premium:

• Increase deductibles – Raising your deductible from $500 to $1,000 could save up to 15%.

• Drop optional coverage – Stick to minimum required limits for now to save on premiums.

• Ask about discounts – See if you qualify for any multi-policy, safe driver or other discounts.

• Improve your driving record – Maintaining a clean record for 3-5 years can lower your rates.

• Compare quotes – Make sure Farmers offers the most affordable SR22 coverage.

• Limit your driving – Reduce mileage or remove extra vehicles to lower premiums.

Why Choose Farmers for SR22 Insurance?

There are many good reasons to choose Farmers for your SR22 coverage:

• National insurer – Large auto insurer with agents in all 50 states.

• Long history – 90+ years of experience insuring high-risk drivers.

• Flexible payment – Pay premiums monthly, quarterly or semi-annually.

• Policy bundling – Bundle auto with homeowners or renters insurance for discounts up to 20%.

• Superior financial strength – Rated “A” by A.M. Best for financial stability.

• Great service – Local agents provide personalized service for all your insurance needs.

Alternatives to Farmers for SR22 Insurance

Farmers is a great choice for SR22 coverage, but you may also want to compare quotes from:

• GEICO: Low rates from a top national insurer. Quote and buy policies completely online.

• Progressive: Ranked #3 for affordability. Quote and manage your policy on their app.

• State Farm: Largest auto insurer in the U.S. Agents available in every state.

• Allstate: Second largest U.S. insurer. Offer accident forgiveness.

• Erie: Regional insurer with some of the lowest SR22 rates.

So make sure to compare quotes from both national companies like Farmers and GEICO, as well as any local/regional insurers. Rates for high-risk SR22 policies can vary significantly by insurer.

Can You Get an SR22 Without Insurance?

No, you cannot file the SR22 form without an active insurance policy in place. The whole purpose of the SR22 is to certify that you are maintaining the state minimum required insurance.

If you try to get an SR22 filing from your insurer without a paid policy, they will not file it with the DMV. Your license suspension will remain in effect.

Some states do allow an SR22 waiver if you pay a large deposit or bond. But insurance is still required in order to drive legally.

How Long Do You Need an SR22 Insurance Policy?

In most states, SR22 requirements last 3-5 years for driving violations. The exact length depends on:

• Your state’s regulations
• Number and type of violations on your record
• Whether you commit additional violations during the SR22 period

This means you must maintain continuous auto insurance coverage with the SR22 for the full term. If your insurance lapses, the DMV will automatically suspend your license again.

Some states do allow early termination of the SR22 requirement if you maintain a clean driving record. But you cannot cancel the SR22 insurance until the DMV confirms your SR22 requirement has ended.

What Happens When You No Longer Need SR22 Insurance?

Once you’ve completed your full SR22 requirement term, the DMV will notify you and your insurance company that the SR22 is no longer needed. At that point:

• Your insurer will no longer need to file Form SR22 to renew your policy.

• You can shop for standard auto insurance rates again.

• Your auto insurance premiums should decrease significantly without the SR22.

• The DMV will lift any compliance suspensions on your license.

Make sure to confirm the exact SR22 termination date with your insurance company. Do not cancel your SR22 policy until you receive written confirmation from the DMV. Prematurely cancelling the SR22 could lead to license suspension.

Can You Get SR22 Insurance Back After It Lapses?

If your SR22 coverage lapses before your state requirement period ends, you will need to reinstate it. This involves:

• Contacting your prior insurer or finding a new company willing to file the SR22 again.

• Paying a new down payment and SR22 filing fee.

• Having them re-file Form SR22 with the DMV.

• Paying any reinstatement fees your state DMV requires.

There is usually a 30 day grace period after an SR22 lapse before the DMV will suspend your license. So act fast to get new SR22 coverage in place.

A lapse makes you even higher risk for insurers, so premiums will likely increase. Too many SR22 lapses could make some insurers unwilling to cover you. Maintaining continuous coverage is crucial.

Can You Get SR22 Insurance in a Different State?

If you move to a new state while still needing an SR22, you will have to switch to an insurer licensed in that state. You cannot keep an existing policy from your prior home state.

Make sure you have active SR22 coverage before cancelling your current policy. The new insurer will need to file the form with the DMV in your new resident state.

Each state DMV should communicate regarding the transfer of your SR22 requirement.