Virginia drivers who have been convicted of various driving infractions may be required by the state to submit an SR-22 certificate to the state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Often referred to as SR-22 insurance, this form is actually not insurance, but instead is a document that attests that you have the required amount of insurance to drive legally. In some situations, you may need a different document, called an FR-44, for similar, but more serious, infractions. Bankrate’s insurance editorial team created this guide to help you understand what you need to know if you have been told to file an SR-22 in Virginia.
What is SR-22 insurance?
If you have committed an auto infraction in Old Dominion, you may have wondered “what is SR-22 insurance in VA?” SR-22 forms are not car insurance. Rather, an SR-22 form is a special certificate filed with your state’s DMV signifies you hold the minimum auto insurance required by your state. Virginia generally uses the form FR-44 for more severe situations, which may be issued to drivers who:
- Have unsatisfied judgments
- Fail to provide proof of insurance
- Operate a motor vehicle without insurance
- Falsify auto insurance certifications
- Are convicted of vehicular manslaughter
- Commit perjury regarding vehicle registration or a valid driver’s license
- Commit a felony that involves a motor vehicle
- Are involved in a hit-and-run
- Are convicted of maiming under the influence, driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs, driving with a suspended license or are found guilty in any juvenile case
To receive an SR-22 certificate in VA, drivers must first provide proof of financial responsibility. This is typically done by obtaining high-risk insurance. Once you have a qualifying insurance policy in place, notify your carrier of the SR-22 requirement. After they have completed the form, they should submit it to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, where it will likely need to remain on file for at least three consecutive years.
Learn more: Virginia car insurance laws
SR-22 Virginia alternatives
An SR-22 is not the only form you may encounter in Virginia. For severe infractions, the state uses a document called an FR-44. These certificates are for violations involving maiming under the influence, driving under the influence, driving with a suspended license or being convicted in any juvenile case. If you have earned an FR-44, you will be required to have a policy that includes twice the standard minimum levels of coverage because you are deemed to be a higher risk behind the wheel. Virginia does not use any other forms to prove insurance coverage at this time.
Non-owner SR-22
If you have received an SR-22 requirement but no longer — or do not currently — own your own vehicle and still wish to reinstate your license, you’ll likely need to obtain a non-owners auto insurance policy. A non-owners auto insurance policy is issued to drivers who do not own the vehicle they operate (instead, borrowing or renting a car frequently). This form certifies that you have the minimum state-required auto insurance under a non-owners insurance policy, enabling you to fulfill the requirements of an SR-22.
FR-44 in Virginia
If a driver commits a particularly serious offense in Virginia, they may be required to hold an FR-44. An FR-44 differs from an SR-22 in that it requires drivers to hold twice the minimum required auto insurance in the state. FR-44s are required for the following convictions:
- Maiming while under the influence
- Driving while under the influence of drugs/alcohol
- Driving while the driver’s license has been forfeited for a conviction or a guilty conviction in a juvenile case
- Violation of the provisions of any federal law or law of any other state or any valid local ordinance similar to the aforementioned violations
When a driver is required to hold an FR-44 in Virginia, they must have the following insurance coverage limits in place:
- $50,000 per person
- $100,000 per accident
- $40,000 per property damage
SR-22 Virginia insurance costs
Drivers considered to be high-risk typically pay higher premiums for their car insurance than drivers who have a clean driving record. Additionally, other expenses are associated with being a high-risk driver, such as fines and court costs. For example, Virginia drivers who must file an SR-22 or FR-44 are charged between $15 and $50 as a filing fee, typically at the time of each policy renewal. However, the impacts on insurance premiums are directly related to the violation that prompted the SR-22 requirement rather than the SR-22 itself.
If your requirement is due to having a DUI in Virginia, your insurance premium could increase significantly. In some cases, a DUI may disqualify you from standard coverage altogether. In this event, you may need to purchase coverage from a provider specializing in high-risk auto insurance. Because an FR-44 requires drivers to hold double the minimum coverage amount, another impact to your insurance may be the cost associated with increasing your policy limits. As a high-risk driver, the best way to secure the most affordable rate is to maintain good driving habits and get quotes from several different companies before making a decision.
Frequently asked questions
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In most cases, SR-22 certificates are required for a few years following the date of the driver’s conviction or qualifying incident. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles states that drivers will have to maintain SR-22 insurance in VA for three years and pay a reinstatement fee if their license has been suspended.
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The first step to filing an SR-22 certificate in Virginia is to secure the appropriate car insurance coverage with an insurer that’s willing to cover you. After you’ve obtained a policy, the carrier will file the SR-22 or FR-44 certificate on your behalf with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. The form will likely need to remain on file for at least three consecutive years from the date of your conviction.
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“SR-22 insurance” is a misnomer. SR-22s act solely as proof that the driver possesses the minimum auto insurance required by Virginia state law. In Virginia, the cost to file an SR-22 certificate ranges between $15 and $50 depending on a few factors. Because drivers holding an SR-22 are more likely to be considered high-risk, insurance carriers may charge more for coverage. The cost of your premiums will vary based on several factors, including your driving history, insurance needs and more.
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The current minimum amount of auto insurance required in Virginia is $25,000 in liability coverage per person, $50,000 per accident and $20,0000 in property damage. Typically written as 25/50/20, this amount is the lowest coverage available in order to satisfy state requirements. Starting in 2025, the minimum coverage will increase to $50,000 for bodily injury liability per person, $100,000 for bodily injury liability per accident and $25,000 for property damage liability.
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Use the following steps to file your SR-22 in Virginia:
- Purchase a car insurance policy with the state’s required minimum levels of coverage. If you cannot find an insurer who is willing to work with you, you may need to obtain high-risk coverage. Ensure that whatever provider you choose offers SR-22 forms.
- Once you have purchased your policy, speak with a customer representative to request the SR-22. There is likely to be a small filing fee of anywhere between $15-$25.
- Your insurer will handle the rest: they will file the SR-22 electronically with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, where it will remain on file for at least three years.
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