By: Matt Jett February 7, 2023

SR-22 Insurance: The Basics

First Off, What Is SR-22?

SR-22 is not insurance, but rather a document that is filed with the DMV by your insurance company. Simply put, SR-22 is not insurance itself; it just verifies that you have insurance.
The “SR” stands for “Safety Responsibility” and form 22 is the form that provides proof that you currently have insurance.
If your insurance company ends your coverage, sometimes due to missed premium payments, the insurance company will then file an SR-26, which tells the DMV that you no longer have coverage. If the DMV gets this notice, your license will then be suspended and you will not legally be allowed to drive or operate a motor vehicle in Missouri.

Am I Required To Get SR-22?

Under Missouri law, one of the requirements to obtain a driver’s license after an administrative DWI suspension or revocation is that the driver maintain an SR-22 filing with the state for a period of 2 years from the effective date of the suspension.
If you have had your license suspended due to DUI, reckless driving, failure to provide financial responsibility, or any other conviction which results in a suspension, you may be required to maintain SR-22 in order to have your license reinstated.

Are My Insurance Rates Going To Go Up Due To SR-22?

As you probably know already, your insurance rates are determined by the insurance company that offers you the policy. Certain factors cause higher premiums, such as your driving and accident record, your age, gender, credit score, among many others. When your insurance company files the form SR-22 with the state, you will likely pay higher premiums to cover the cost of the filing.
In addition to the filing fees, your rates are likely going to increase due to the new conviction which has caused you to need the SR-22. Depending on your driving record and other factors, there will be an increased cost. Many companies offer SR-22, and like anything else, shopping around to find the best rates is a good practice.

About The Author:

Mathew Jett is a DWI and criminal defense attorney in St. Louis, Missouri.

The content in this blog is for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as legal advice. The choice of an attorney is an important one and should not be based solely on advertisements.

Author Bio

Matt Jett is the CEO and Managing Partner of Jett Legal, a Missouri personal injury law firm. With more than 10 years of
experience in personal injury, he has zealously represented clients in various legal matters, including car and truck
accidents, workers’ compensation, wrongful death, and other cases.

Matt received his Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law and is a member of the Missouri
Bar Association. He has received numerous accolades for his work, including the Rising Stars distinction by Super Lawyers 2019-2022.