How to Remove an SR22 From Your Insurance Policy

Getting an SR22 filed can lead to increased insurance rates. Fortunately, SR22s are not permanent additions to your policy. Here’s what to know about removing an SR22 requirement from your auto insurance:

What is an SR22?

An SR22 is a certificate that proves you have the minimum required auto insurance. It is required by some states after serious violations like DUI.

Your insurer files the SR22 with the DMV on your behalf. It alerts them if your coverage lapses so your license can be suspended.

You’ll typically need to maintain an SR22 for 3-5 years before it can be removed.

When Can You Get an SR22 Removed?

The SR22 requirement will automatically end after the mandated period in your state, usually 3-5 years.

However, the SR22 will not automatically drop off your policy once the term ends.

You need to proactively request your insurer cancel the SR22 filing.

Check the SR22 Expiration Date

• Contact your DMV to confirm when your SR22 term officially ends.

• Some states allow early termination for good driving records.

• Don’t remove the SR22 until you receive DMV confirmation that the requirement has ended.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Once the DMV says your SR22 is no longer needed:

• Contact your insurance company and inform them.

• Ask them to remove the SR22 from your policy.

• This can be done over the phone, online, or through your agent.

• Your insurer will cancel the SR22 using an SR26 form.

After this process, you’ll have a standard auto insurance policy without the SR22.

Will My Insurance Rates Go Down?

Once the SR22 is removed, your rates may decrease but there is no guarantee. Here’s why:

• SR22 policies often cost 50-100% more than standard insurance.

• But insurers also raised your rate based on the violation itself.

• Other factors like age and record also determine your premium.

• Rates should drop over time as you maintain a clean driving history.

• Shop around every 6-12 months for the best car insurance rates.

So while removing the SR22 helps, don’t expect your rate to instantly return to pre-violation levels. Continued safe driving is key to lowering premiums.

Can I Switch Insurance Companies After Removing the SR22?

Yes, you can shop for a new insurer once the DMV confirms you no longer need to file an SR22. But make sure you follow these steps:

1. Obtain new policy first

Get a standard car insurance policy from your new company before canceling existing coverage.

1. Overlap policies

Keep old policy active for 1-2 weeks after new coverage starts. This prevents any lapse.

1. Cancel old policy

Terminate your old SR22 policy only after new insurer confirms your coverage is active.

A lapse between policies could lead to license suspension and other penalties. Carefully managing the switch prevents issues.

What if My SR22 Lapses Before the Term Ends?

If your SR22 insurance lapses before your state’s mandated period ends, severe consequences can occur:

• License and registration suspension

• Fines up to $1000 in some states

• Need to re-file SR22 and repay fees

• Prior SR22 term may restart from day one

To prevent lapsing:

• Pay premiums on time, or sign up for autopay.

• Inform insurer if changing bank accounts to avoid missed payments.

• Contact insurer if struggling to make payments so they can assist.

Maintaining continuous insurance is critical to meeting SR22 requirements and avoiding penalties.

Key Takeaways

• An SR22 filing will not automatically be removed from your policy when no longer needed. You must request cancellation.

• Confirm the exact end date of your SR22 term with the DMV to avoid early cancellation.

• Let your insurer know the DMV confirmed the SR22 requirement has ended.

• Shop around for standard insurance rates once the SR22 is removed. A lower premium is not guaranteed.

• Never lapse insurance coverage to avoid fines, suspension and other sanctions.

Removing an SR22 opens the door to standard insurance rates again. But make sure you go through the proper cancellation process and don’t risk a gap in coverage.