What is SR22 Insurance in Utah?

SR22 insurance is a form of high-risk auto insurance required by the state of Utah for drivers who have had their license suspended or revoked. SR22 stands for “State Requirement Form 22” and serves as proof of financial responsibility to the Utah Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

When is SR22 Required in Utah?

In Utah, SR22 insurance is primarily required in cases of:

• Driving without auto insurance (lapses in coverage)
• DUI/DWI convictions
• Multiple traffic violations and accidents
• License suspensions and revocations

If your license is suspended in Utah, you will need to file an SR22 form with the DMV to get your driving privileges reinstated. This proves to the state that you have the minimum required auto insurance coverage.

Driving Without Insurance

Under Utah law, all drivers are required to carry a minimum level of liability insurance on their vehicles. The minimum coverage amounts are:

• $25,000 Bodily Injury Liability per person
• $65,000 Bodily Injury Liability per accident
• $15,000 Property Damage Liability

In addition, Utah has a no-fault insurance law that requires drivers to carry $3,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage.

If you are caught driving in Utah without the proper insurance, the police officer will issue you a ticket. Your license will then be suspended by the DMV until you provide proof of current coverage by filing an SR22.

To get your license reinstated, you will need to:

• Obtain SR22 insurance and have your insurer file the form with the DMV
• Pay a $100 reinstatement fee
• Maintain the SR22 coverage for 3 years before it can be canceled

DUI/DWI Convictions

A first-time DUI conviction in Utah results in a 120 day license suspension. For a second offense, your license will be revoked for 2 years.

As part of the requirements to get your license back after a DUI, you will need to file an SR22 form and maintain the high-risk coverage for 3 years. The SR22 provides proof to the DMV that you are financially responsible.

Utah has a 0.05% BAC limit, which is lower than most other states. So you can be arrested and convicted for DUI even if you’re under the 0.08% limit. Refusing a chemical BAC test results in an 18-month suspension for a first offense.

Multiple Traffic Violations

If you have accumulated several traffic tickets in Utah, you are considered a high-risk driver. Common high-risk violations include:

• Speeding
• Reckless driving
• Running red lights
• Driving without a license or proper registration
• Hit-and-run accidents

If the DMV determines you are a danger on the roadways, they may require you to file an SR22 as a condition of license reinstatement. This helps ensure you carry adequate insurance to cover any future accidents or damage you may cause.

License Suspensions and Revocations

In Utah, the DMV can suspend or revoke your license for a variety of offenses, including:

• DUI convictions
• Driving without insurance
• Too many traffic violation points
• Failing to pay child support
• Medical conditions that impact driving ability

To have your driving privileges reinstated after a suspension or revocation, you will need to resolve the underlying issue and then file an SR22 form with the DMV. This provides proof of insurance coverage for 3 years before it can be canceled.

How Much Does SR22 Insurance Cost in Utah?

SR22 insurance always costs more than a standard auto insurance policy. Since it covers high-risk drivers, the premiums are higher. On average, SR22 policies in Utah cost $150 to $350 per month. However, the exact rate depends on your unique risk factors, including:

• Age and driving experience
• DUI/traffic violation history
• Type of vehicle insured
• Required coverage limits
• Your credit score
• Where you live in Utah

Younger drivers and those with recent DUIs or accidents/violations will pay the highest rates. But even drivers with clean records pay more for SR22 insurance compared to regular auto policies.

You can shop around with different insurance companies to compare SR22 rates. But make sure there are no gaps in your coverage, or your license suspension will start again.

How Long Do You Need SR22 Insurance in Utah?

In Utah, you are required to keep an SR22 policy on file with the DMV for a minimum of 3 years. This mandatory coverage period starts from the date your SR22 is first issued by the insurance company.

You must maintain continuous auto insurance coverage for the whole 3 years. If your policy lapses or is canceled, the DMV will automatically suspend your license again. At that point, you’d have to re-file an SR22 and restart the 3-year clock.

For some high-risk drivers, the DMV may require the SR22 to be kept on file for 5 years or longer before it can be canceled. This ensures you maintain insurance and drive safely for an extended period of time.

How to Get SR22 Insurance in Utah

Getting SR22 coverage in Utah involves contacting an insurance agent or company licensed to write policies in the state. You cannot purchase SR22 insurance directly from the DMV. Here are the steps to getting SR22 insurance:

1. Shop for quotes – Contact agents and compare quotes from companies that offer SR22 coverage. Look for the best rate while meeting state minimums.

2. Purchase a policy – Choose a policy with the required liability limits and add SR22 filings. Make the first payment to activate coverage.

3. Insurer files SR22 – The insurance company electronically files Form SR22 with the Utah DMV as proof of your coverage.

4. Check SR22 status – Verify with the DMV that the SR22 filing was received so your suspension is lifted.

5. Maintain coverage – Keep paying premiums on time to continue the policy for the 3-year SR22 requirement.

6. Alert DMV if canceled – Immediately inform the DMV if your policy is canceled so your license is not suspended again.

Purchasing SR22 insurance may seem complicated, but an experienced Utah insurance agent can guide you through the process. Reputable insurers like GEICO, Progressive, and National General have online quotes and policy purchase options as well.

SR22 Insurance Providers in Utah

Most major insurers in Utah offer SR22 policies, including:

• State Farm – Large national insurer with local agents statewide. Offers discounts for safe driving.

• GEICO – Popular low-cost insurer with online quotes and policy service. Mobile app available.

• Progressive – National company with online/phone purchase options. Discounts for multi-policies.

• Allstate – Established insurer with local agent support and 24/7 claims service.

• Farmers – Regional insurer with personalized local service and affordable rates.

• The General – Insurer focused on high-risk drivers with budget monthly payment plans.

• National General – Multi-line insurer offering policies by phone, online, or with agents.

• Safeco – Specializes in minimum-limit policies with low down payments.

When comparing SR22 quotes in Utah, make sure to evaluate customer service reputation, financial strength ratings, coverage options, and premium costs.

Penalties for Driving Without SR22 Insurance

Driving a vehicle in Utah without proper SR22 insurance coverage is against the law. If caught, the penalties can include:

• License suspension for up to 1 year
• Fines of $400-$1,000
• 3-6 points on your driving record
• Jail sentence up to 6 months

In addition, your existing SR22 requirement will restart, forcing you to re-file coverage for another 3 years. The police may also impound your vehicle if pulled over without valid SR22 insurance.

To avoid penalties, notify your insurer immediately of any changes that could impact coverage, like switching vehicles, moving, adding drivers, or canceling a policy. Always pay premiums on time and keep current auto ID cards and proof of insurance in your car.

Alternatives to SR22 Insurance

There are a couple alternatives to having to maintain SR22 coverage with your auto insurance in Utah:

State Bond

You can file a “state bond” or deposit of cash with the Utah DMV instead of having SR22 insurance. The deposit amount is typically $40,000 to $60,000. This bond acts as proof you can cover damages, just like an insurance policy.

However, the bond must stay on file the whole 3-year SR22 period. You also have to repay the full deposit amount if you cause an at-fault accident. For most drivers, SR22 insurance is a more cost-effective option.

Interlock Restricted License

After a DUI conviction, you may apply for an interlock restricted license in Utah with the installation of an ignition interlock device (IID).