High-risk drivers often need to have an SR-22, which is a form that shows the DMV they have at least the state minimum required levels of liability coverage. Drivers in some states need to have an SR-22 on file after a serious driving infraction, like driving without a license.
If you need to file an SR-22 form and you don't own a vehicle, your best option is to buy non-owner car insurance coverage, which is a special kind of limited policy for people who don’t own cars.
How does non-owner SR-22 insurance work?
Unlike a standard auto insurance policy, non-owner car insurance coverage doesn’t include comprehensive or collision coverage, which means it won’t pay for damage to the car you are driving. A non-owner policy is usually just limited liability coverage, making non-owner policies cheaper than full-coverage car insurance.
Just like with a regular car insurance policy, you can have your car insurance company file an SR-22 form for you when you get non-owners insurance too.
But not every car insurance company offers non-owner insurance, and this is especially true if you need an SR-22, so you may have to get quotes from multiple insurance companies to find the coverage you need.
Who needs non-owner SR-22 insurance?
Every state has different laws and regulations regarding SR-22 requirements, but you might need an SR-22 if:
Your driver’s license is suspended
You let your car insurance lapse
You were caught driving without car insurance
You were in an accident without car insurance
You have a DUI or DWI on your record
You have too many points on your license
If you need an SR-22 but you don’t own your own car, you’ll need an SR-22 non-owner policy in order to show proof of insurance to your state.
Why should you get an SR-22 insurance policy without a car?
High-risk drivers sometimes need an SR-22 to get their driver’s license reinstated, but you can’t get a standard auto insurance policy without a car to insure. If you need an SR-22 to keep your drivers license active but you don’t own a vehicle, your best bet is to buy non-owner car insurance coverage.
How much does non-owner SR-22 insurance cost?
Non-owner car insurance coverage is usually cheaper than a standard car insurance policy because it provides secondary coverage. But SR-22 coverage for high-risk drivers is typically more expensive, so drivers who need an SR-22 non-owner policy should expect to pay a little more than they would for a standard non-owner car insurance policy.
Also, drivers who need non-owner SR-22 coverage should expect to pay a filing fee (usually less than $25) to have their SR-22 processed by the state.
Does non-owner SR-22 cover any car I drive?
Most car insurance policies follow the car, meaning it covers anyone with permission to drive the car, but a non-owner policy is different. Non-owner car insurance coverage is considered a named operator policy, which means it covers the driver in any car they have permission to drive.
A non-owner SR-22 car insurance policy is considered secondary coverage. If you borrow a friend’s car and you’re in an accident, their car insurance is primary and your non-owner policy only kicks in after their coverage is exhausted.
How to get non-owner SR-22 insurance
Once you’ve decided to get a non-owner car insurance policy with an SR-22, there are a few steps to take:
Get a quote: Although most large insurance companies offer non-owner coverage, a driver who needs SR-22 insurance for a non-owner policy has unique needs and would benefit from getting quotes from multiple companies.
Buy car insurance: Once you find a non-owner policy that meets your needs, work with your insurance expert to fill out the application and make your first premium payment.
Have your SR-22 filed with the state: Let your new insurer know you need to have an SR-22 filed with the DMV and be prepared to pay a small filing fee, often around $25.
Don’t let your coverage lapse: Even though you don’t own a car, it is important that you keep your coverage active. If you have an SR-22, letting your non-owners coverage lapse will reset the clock, which means you’ll have to start all over and have an SR-22 for that much longer.
Frequently asked questions
What is SR-22 insurance Florida?
SR-22 is a form your car insurance company files with the state to prove you have car insurance. Drivers who need SR-22 insurance in Florida are required to have higher liability limits than the state minimum coverage requirements.
How to remove SR-22 California?
If you don’t let your coverage lapse, your SR-22 will be automatically removed by your car insurance company once it is no longer needed.
What is SR-22 insurance in North Carolina?
North Carolina does not require an SR-22 form, but drivers may still face fines or license suspension if you are caught driving without active car insurance coverage.
