It may seem silly to require that you have auto insurance even if you don’t own a car, but when you are required to file an SR-22, that is what is expected. 

When the court has mandated that you are required to have an SR-22 on file with the state,  you will receive detailed information on how long you need to maintain the SR-22 (typically it’s 2-3 years) and the penalties for not keeping your sr22 coverage in place specific to that state.  Usually, it’s specifically noted that you are required to get the sr22 insurance even if you don’t own a car.  The coverage is liability with your states legal limits.

Remember, the SR-22 isn’t an actual insurance policy, but a certificate of financial responsibility that verifies you have the state mandated liability insurance coverage in place.  Once this proof of financial responsibility is active, your auto insurer will file the sr22 with your state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).  If your insurance policy, and thus SR22 insurance policy, lapses or cancels, your insurance carrier is legally required to file an sr26, which notifies the state of your policy canceling.

In most states, if your SR-22 lapses for any reason, then your license and vehicle registration (if you have a vehicle) will be suspended.

Solution: Non-Owners Insurance Policy

Why all this hassle? The states that mandate the SR-22 usually do so only after a driver has been convicted of a serious offense or as part of the reinstatement process after a person’s license has been suspended or revoked. The state wants to monitor these motorists and make sure they’re adequately insured to take care of future auto accidents if they’re negligent and harm others while driving — even if the vehicle being operated isn’t owned by them.

An example of this would be, if you lost your car to the bank but had an sr22 on your auto policy and contacted the DMV to let them know you no longer have a car.  At that time, they would let you know that you must still maintain your sr22 insurance by purchasing a non-owners insurance policy. 

A non-owners auto coverage serves as secondary coverage for when you are operating cars that you do not own. So, when you’re borrowing a friend’s car, that car would still need to have the state mandated legal insurance limits.

Where to Buy Cheap SR22 Insurance

Not all insurance companies offer non-owners policies or SR-22 filings.  However, we work with auto insurers that offer both.  By contacting our office toll-free at 1-866-663-7561, our agents can help you obtain a quote for the coverage you need to get your license reinstated.

We can provide immediate proof of insurance via e-mail or fax and the SR-22 is filed electronically with the state the day the policy is purchased.

When the original non owner policy is put in place and the policy holder decides to purchase a car, your non owner policy will be converted to an owner’s policy.  Also, once the SR-22 is no longer needed, or the offense requiring it falls off your driving record, it’ll be a great time to comparison shop and see if cheaper auto insurance rates are available.