Everything You Need to Know About Getting Non-Owner SR22 Insurance in Virginia

Drivers in Virginia who need to file an SR22 form with the DMV often turn to non-owner SR22 policies. These policies provide a way to comply with SR22 requirements if you don’t own a car or only drive occasionally.

Below is a comprehensive guide on getting non-owner SR22 insurance in Virginia:

What is Non-Owner SR22 Insurance?

Non-owner SR22 insurance refers to liability coverage under a policy that is specifically intended to file the SR22 form with the state. SR22 is not a separate type of insurance but rather a form that proves you have liability coverage.

With non-owner SR22 insurance in Virginia:

• You are insured when driving a vehicle you don’t own
• The insurance company files Form SR22 with the Virginia DMV on your behalf
• It provides the state-required minimum auto liability coverage

Non-owner policies only cover liability to others. They do NOT cover damage to the vehicle you are driving.

Who Needs Non-Owner SR22 Insurance in Virginia?

There are a few common situations where Virginia drivers require non-owner SR22 coverage:

Reinstating a Suspended License

Getting non-owner SR22 insurance is the easiest way to reinstate a suspended license in Virginia. Certain convictions like a DUI require you to file an SR22 for 3 years to get your license reinstated.

New Virginia Residents

New state residents who are required to file an SR-22 in Virginia will need non-owner coverage if they do not have a car. This allows them to drive legally.

Existing Virginia Drivers

Any driver in Virginia ordered by the DMV to file an SR22 will need non-owner SR22 if they don’t own a vehicle. This includes drivers with multiple traffic violations.

Part-Time or Occasional Drivers

Those who only drive part-time or occasionally can get non-owner SR22 in Virginia to comply with requirements affordably. It’s cheaper than regular car insurance.

Virginia SR22 Requirements

To file the SR22 form properly in Virginia, your non-owner policy must meet these minimum auto insurance requirements:

• $30,000 Bodily Injury Liability per person
• $60,000 Bodily Injury Liability per accident
• $20,000 Property Damage Liability
• $20,000 Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Virginia is an at-fault state, so liability coverage is essential. Make sure the non-owner policy has high enough limits to file the SR22.

How Much Does Non-Owner SR22 Insurance Cost in Virginia?

Costs for non-owner SR22 insurance in Virginia typically range from $400 – $1200 per year depending on your driving record and other factors. On average, expect to pay about $800 annually.

The cost can be higher or lower depending on:

• Age – Drivers under 25 pay the most
• Location – Urban areas cost more than rural
• Driving Record – Tickets, accidents, or DUIs lead to higher premiums
• Credit Score – Poor credit equals higher rates

Shop around with different insurers to find the best rate. Costs can vary significantly between insurance companies.

How to Get Non-Owner SR22 Insurance in Virginia

Follow these steps:

1. Compare Quotes – Get quotes from at least 3 insurance companies. Compare costs.

2. Consider Coverage Needs – Think about your driving habits and risks to determine proper liability limits beyond just the minimum.

3. Ask About SR22 Filing – Confirm the insurer will file Form SR22 directly with the Virginia DMV on your behalf. There may be a small filing fee.

4. Provide Information – Be prepared to provide details like your driver’s license number and Social Security Number so the SR22 can be filed accurately.

5. Buy Policy – Purchase the policy! Make sure to make your payments on-time going forward.

6. Confirm SR22 Filing – Follow up with both the insurer and DMV to verify the SR22 was received and your license suspension lifted.

7. Maintain Insurance – Keep the policy active to comply with Virginia’s 3-year SR22 requirement. Canceling early leads to another suspension.

Shopping for Virginia SR22 Non-Owner Insurance

Here are some top insurance companies to consider for SR22 non-owner policies in Virginia:

Geico – Low rates and online quotes with easy SR22 filing process.

Progressive – Competitive pricing with many ways to save, including snapshot discount.

State Farm – Good student and safe driver discounts can help lower premiums.

Allstate – May offer accident forgiveness and safe driving bonuses which reduce costs.

Esurance – File SR22 directly with quote and purchase process online.

The General – Caters to high-risk drivers with SR22 needs.

Elephant – Repo, DUI, and other high-risk drivers can still find affordable rates.

Direct Auto – Specializes in minimum liability policies needed for SR22.

Shop around and compare! Rates for the same driver can vary by hundreds of dollars between insurers.

Maintaining Virginia Non-Owner SR22 Insurance

Once you have non-owner SR22 insurance in place, be sure to maintain continuous coverage to stay compliant. If your policy lapses or is canceled, the SR22 requirement will not be met.

Tips for maintaining coverage:

• Pay premiums on-time to avoid cancellation. Set up autopay if it helps.
• Review renewal notices closely – check for rate hikes.
• Avoid traffic violations and claims – they can lead to non-renewal.
• Comparison shop at renewal to find cheaper rates if needed.
• If switching insurers, time it so new policy starts before old one ends.
• Confirm new insurer is filing SR22 before canceling old policy.

Penalties for Lapse in Virginia SR22 Insurance

Falling out of compliance with Virginia’s SR22 requirements leads to serious consequences:

• License automatically suspended again
• Must re-file SR22 and pay fees to reinstate
• SR22 requirement period starts over
• Additional fines over $500

Avoid these penalties by keeping continuous insurance. If you can no longer afford premiums, ask the insurer if they offer policy changes to reduce costs before canceling.

Alternatives to Non-Owner SR22 Insurance

If you need to file an SR22 but have access to a car you can drive regularly, there are alternatives:

• Owner policy – Get a standard car insurance policy in your name, on your own vehicle. Make sure to inform the insurer you need SR22 filing.

• Operator policy – If you drive a family member’s car all the time, get added as a driver to their policy. Their insurer can file SR22 for you.

• Employer policy – If you regularly drive a company car for work, verify if your employer’s insurance can cover the SR22 requirement.

These options provide broader coverage than a non-owner policy. But they are also generally more expensive. Weigh the costs and benefits based on your situation.

Why Choose Non-Owner SR22 Insurance in Virginia?

Non-owner SR22 insurance policies provide an affordable way for Virginia drivers to reinstate a suspended license, comply with DUI penalties, or drive legally after moving violations.

Benefits include:

• Low cost liability coverage
• No need to insure a car you own
• Insurer handles Virginia SR22 filing
• Continuous coverage protects your license
• Ideal for part-time and rare driving needs

By shopping smart, Virginia drivers can find cheap non-owner SR22 rates. Maintaining continuous coverage will then keep you compliant.