In the state of Indiana, if you have been cited for driving without auto insurance, or if you have committed a serious moving violation or other infraction on the road, you may be required to obtain an SR-22 document. But what is
an SR-22 exactly, who needs to get it, and what does it involve?
SR-22 in Indiana
SR-22 insurance is not an insurance policy itself, but rather a document that serves as proof of financial responsibility. It is a form that must be filed with the state of Indiana and is used to show that an individual has the mandatory minimum amount of auto insurance coverage. The acronym "SR" stands for "safety responsibility", and in Indiana, an SR-22 is necessary when a driver is trying to reinstate their license after being convicted of a serious violation that led to a suspension of their driving privileges. In most cases, Indiana requires SR-22 forms for a set period of time following a driving conviction. This period of time is typically up to five years. If a driver fails to pay their insurance premiums during this time, their license will be revoked and the process will have to start over.
In Indiana, the minimum amount of insurance that a person must carry is quite substantial. This includes $25,000 in liability coverage per person, $50,000 in liability coverage per accident, and $10,000 in liability property damage coverage per accident. These amounts are necessary to ensure that any damages incurred are adequately covered.
Who needs an SR-22 in Indiana?
SR-22 insurance in Indiana is often required after a major traffic violation that has resulted in suspension of driving privileges. The state of Indiana will notify you if they are requiring you to obtain an SR-22 via the mail.
SR-22 insurance is required in Indiana if you commit one of the following infractions:
- Failure to pay for insurance
- Reckless driving
- Vehicular manslaughter
- DUI
- Drag racing
- You are convicted of offenses that lead to driver’s license suspension
- You are convicted of insurance violation
How to obtain an SR-22 in Indiana
To have proof of insurance coverage and to obtain an SR-22 in Indiana, you will need to work with an insurer that is licensed to do business in that state. Obtaining SR-22 insurance in Indiana is similar to purchasing normal auto insurance.
How to obtain an SR-22 in Indiana
To have proof of insurance coverage and to obtain an SR-22 in Indiana, you will need to work with an insurer that is licensed to do business in that state. Obtaining SR-22 insurance in Indiana is similar to purchasing normal auto insurance.
Contact your current carrier or find an insurer that is authorized to file the SR-22
Should you still have an existing auto insurance policy, you may be able to simply add an SR-22 through your existing insurance company; you should call your insurer to determine if this is an option that they offer
If you’re applying for a new policy online, through the phone or in person with an agent, you’ll typically have the option to specify that you require an SR-22. It’s important to note that not all insurance companies in Indiana offer SR-22 insurance, so you may need to purchase coverage from a specialized insurance provider.
Pay the SR-22 filing fee.
Your insurer will usually charge a flat fee between $15 and $50 when they file the SR-22 form on your behalf. The SR-22 will not be filed until this fee has been paid.
Have your insurer file proof of insurance on your behalf.
Once you’ve purchased coverage, your new insurance provider will send the SR-22 form to the Indiana Department of State—you cannot send it yourself. The insurance carrier must also have a power of attorney on file in Indiana. When the processing period, which can take up to 30 days, has been completed, you will be able to have your vehicle registration, as well as your driver’s license, and reinstated.
Obtain confirmation
Upon processing the SR-22 form filing, both the Indiana BMV and your insurer should send you a letter confirming proof of insurance coverage and that you are legally eligible to drive again.
Once you purchase car insurance and obtain an SR-22 from your carrier in Indiana, and pay the necessary drivers’ license reinstatement fees, you will be able to contact the Bureau of Motor Vehicles to have your driver’s license reinstated.
Out of state residents
If the state of Indiana requires you to have SR-22 insurance coverage and you live out of state, you can submit an Out of State Residency Affidavit to waive your SR-22 requirement. If, however, you move back to Indiana before the end of your SR-22 requirement period, you must have proof of insurance coverage and file an SR-22 certificate.
How long do you need to keep an SR-22 in Indiana?
In Indiana, the length of time you’ll be required to hold an SR-22 insurance filing depends on the reason you were required to file the SR-22 in the first place.
If you failed to provide proof of insurance when requested by the Indiana BMV, you would need to maintain SR-22 coverage for 180 consecutive days.
If your driving privileges are suspended, you must keep SR-22 insurance for three years following reinstatement of your license. After your third or subsequent suspension, you will be required to carry SR-22 insurance for five years.
Insurance companies will notify the Indiana BMV if you cancel or do not renew your SR-22 policy.
Letting SR-22 coverage lapse can result in lost driving privileges, reinstatement fees and increased auto insurance rates.
To avoid a coverage lapse, you should try to renew your policy early — at least 30 days in advance — while you’re required to carry SR-22 insurance. Once you’ve held SR-22 insurance for the required holding period, contact the Indiana BMV to verify that your requirement is complete.
How expensive is an SR-22 in Indiana?
Drivers are required to pay the filing fee with their carriers which is typically no more than $50. However, having an SR-22 on your record does impact your car insurance premium. High-risk drivers pay the most for their car insurance, so be prepared for the price of your policy to increase while the SR-22 remains on your record.
If you need an SR-22, find out if any of elephant insurance products suit your needs. Get a quote today.
