Non-Owner SR-22 vs SR-22 Insurance: What’s the Difference?
Choosing the wrong policy type can lead to a lack of coverage or paying too much for unnecessary coverage.
If you’ve ever faced a DUI or serious traffic violation, you know how overwhelming the world of insurance can feel. Suddenly, you’re labeled a “high-risk” driver, and finding affordable coverage gets a lot harder. You need to understand insurance options so you can get back on the road legally and protect yourself from even bigger financial headaches down the line. That’s why it’s so important to learn the difference between owner and non-owner SR-22 insurance. Picking the right one can save you time, money, and stress.
The kind of policy you need depends on your situation - whether you own a car or have regular access to a car. Many people pay more than they have to, or end up with the wrong coverage, simply because they don’t know the facts. In this blog, you’ll find clear, easy-to-understand answers to help you make smart choices. And if you need help, a Breathe Easy Insurance Solutions licensed agent is just a call away at (833) 786-0237.
What Is SR-22 Insurance?
An SR-22 certificate filed by your insurance carrier verifies you have the minimum auto liability insurance mandated by your state. It’s not a separate type of DUI auto insurance but an add-on to an existing or new auto insurance policy that proves you carry the state’s required minimum insurance coverage. An SR-22 form is often mandated by the court or DMV for drivers who have had their license suspended or revoked due to traffic violations, DUIs, or other offenses that vary by state.
Filing an SR-22 (FR-44 in Florida and Virginia) may not increase your premium directly, but it can flag you as a high-risk driver, which can result in higher insurance costs.
Not all insurance companies offer SR-22 or FR-44 services. Check to see if your current insurance carrier can offer you SR-22 filing and the high-risk liability coverage you need. Independent brokers like Breathe Easy Insurance Solutions can help you compare SR-22 and FR-44 insurance quotes from multiple DUI-forgiving carriers to find the most affordable option.
What Is a Non-Owner SR-22?
A non-owner SR-22 policy is for drivers who need to carry liability insurance coverage but who don't own a car or have regular access to a vehicle. If you cause an accident while driving a car that doesn’t belong to you, your non-owner insurance helps cover the other person’s injuries, property damage, and your legal costs.
A non-owner insurance policy, with sufficient coverage, can quality for SR-22 certification (or FR-44 in Florida and Virginia) to help get your suspended driver’s license reinstated in states that require it.
Non-owner SR-22 policies usually don’t include coverage for the vehicle you are driving.
What Is Not Covered by Non-Owner SR-22 Insurance?
Non-owner SR-22 insurance doesn’t include collision or comprehensive coverage. If you’re driving a borrowed car and crash into something, your non-owner policy won’t pay for the damage to the car. It also won’t cover you if the car is stolen, vandalized, damaged in a storm, or broken into.
A non-owner policy also doesn’t cover your medical bills after a crash. It’s designed to protect others, not you. If you’re injured while driving someone's car, you need to pay out of pocket, rely on health insurance, apply for financial help or find another safety net.
Non-owner SR-22 insurance is not applicable if you are driving a car you own, lease, or drive regularly, or that is housed at or owned by anyone in your household.
Who Needs SR-22 Insurance?
Determining whether you need an SR-22 certificate typically depends on your specific driving violations and your state's laws. Your state is required to notify you of your SR-22 requirement, but you may be able to check your requirements on the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles website.
Here are some common reasons why you might need an SR-22:
- DUI/DWI/OWI or other Intoxication Related Driving Offense
- Driving Without Insurance
- Serious Traffic Offenses
- License Suspension or Revocation
- Court Order or DMV Notification
If you need help learning more about an SR-22, call Breathe Easy Insurance Solutions at (833) 786-0237.
Who Needs Non-Owner SR-22 Coverage?
If you do not own or have regular access to a vehicle, a non-owner SR-22 policy can help:
- Drivers with License Suspensions: If your license is suspended or revoked, you may be required to carry SR-22 insurance to get it reinstated.
- High-Risk Drivers: If you’ve been convicted of major traffic violations such as DUIs, you may need non-owner SR-22 insurance.
- Moving to a New State: If you move to a state that requires SR-22 for any reason that applies to you, you may need to get an SR-22 certificate attached to your policy.
Breathe Easy Insurance Solutions offers a wide range of insurance policy types, including SR-22 owner and non-owner. And we make it as simple as possible to get great coverage. Get a free quote today – call our helpful licensed agents at (833) 786-0237.
SR-22 vs. Non-Owner SR-22 Insurance Comparison
Below is a table comparing owner vs. non-owner SR-22 insurance:
| Feature | SR-22 Insurance | Non-Owner SR-22 Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Who it's for? | Drivers who own, lease, or regularly use a vehicle | Drivers without a car and no regular vehicle access |
| When is there coverage? | When you are driving cars you own or other cars you have permission to drive | When you are driving vehicles you do not own or have regular access to |
| Liability protection | Yes, covers injury and property damage to others | Yes, same liability coverage as required by state |
| Collision/comprehensive options | Available (optional) | Not available |
| Covers damage to the vehicle you are driving | Yes, if you add full coverage | No, not available |
| Covers your medical costs | May be included depending on policy | No, doesn't include personal injury protection |
| State filing (SR-22) | Filed by insurer on your behalf | Filed by insurer on your behalf |
| Typical monthly cost | Higher, since it assumes more regular driving | Lower, due to limited scope and assumption of less frequent driving |
How to Get SR-22 or Non-Owner SR-22 Insurance
Applying for high-risk SR-22 insurance is easier than it sounds, especially when working with a provider like Breathe Easy Insurance Solutions that understands complicated insurance cases. An agent may ask if you own a car to help determine if SR-22 insurance is required, and what kind of driving you plan to do. If you own your own vehicle, you will need SR-22 owner insurance instead of a non-owner policy.
Reputable insurance brokers will work with dependable insurance carriers that insure drivers in your situation. These brokers will help you choose the policy that best suits your needs and budget.
Once your SR-22 is filed, your insurance company will monitor your coverage. If your policy lapses, cancels, or falls behind, the state is notified. This notification happens immediately and will revoke your SR-22 and could result in a myriad of penalties, including loss of your license. You can typically check your SR-22 status online through your state’s DMV or licensing authority website to ensure you're in compliance.
Documents and Information Needed to Apply
Before applying, gather the following details:
- Your driver’s license number (or state ID if your license is suspended)
- Your state’s SR-22 filing requirements
- Your vehicle’s make, model, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
What Is the Price Difference Between SR-22 and a Non-Owner Policy?
The price difference between an owner and non-owner SR-22 auto insurance policy depends on your driving record and where you live. Non-owner policies are usually cheaper than regular car insurance because they are meant for people who don’t own a car and presumably don’t drive often. However, your costs will go up if you need an SR-22, especially if you have a history of traffic violations or a DUI.
Adding an SR-22 to a non-owner policy usually means you’ll pay a higher premium than you would for a non-owner policy without it. Insurance companies also charge a small fee for filing the SR-22 form, usually between $15 and $25 (this fee may be one-time or recurring, depending on the carrier). Even with these extra costs, non-owner policies with SR-22 are still generally less expensive than standard car insurance with SR-22, since you’re expected to drive less.
If you have questions or need help finding the right policy, call a Breathe Easy Insurance Solutions licensed agent at (833) 786-0237 for immediate assistance.
Get SR-22 Coverage and Support with Breathe Easy
Navigating high-risk insurance after a DUI doesn’t have to be confusing or stressful. By understanding the differences between SR-22 and non-owner SR-22 insurance, you can make smarter choices that fit your needs and budget. Remember, the right policy protects your driving privileges and helps you meet state requirements, while also saving you money in the long run. We work with trusted providers to help you find the best non-owner SR-22 insurance for your situation and budget.
If you’re unsure which coverage is best for you, don’t try to figure it out alone. The licensed agents at Breathe Easy Insurance Solutions are here to answer your questions and guide you every step of the way. Breathe Easy helps connect you with their cheapest non-owner SR-22 insurance available through top-rated DUI-forgiving carriers.
Call us today at (833) 786-0237 for immediate help and a free quote. With the right information and support, you can get back on the road with confidence, no matter what your driving history looks like.
