Why You Need to Know When Your SR-22 Expires: Risks and Penalties
A lapse in your SR-22 can be a costly oversight and make it harder to regain your driving freedom.
Restoring your driving privileges after a suspension isn’t just about filing paperwork; it’s about staying on top of your SR-22 status every step of the way. Missing a renewal date or allowing your policy to lapse can trigger harsh SR‑22 expiration penalties that put your driving freedom at risk.
Here’s why you need to know the risks and penalties associated with a lapsed or expired SR-22.
If you have immediate questions about SR-22 insurance or navigating how to secure insurance as a high-risk driver, please reach out to our Breathe Easy Insurance Solutions licensed insurance agents at (833) 786-0237.
What is SR-22 Insurance and How Does it Work?
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.
Filing an SR-22 (FR-44 in Florida and Virginia) may not increase your premium directly, but it can flag to your carrier you may be a high-risk driver, which can result in higher insurance costs at renewal.
Most states require an SR-22 certificate for three years, but laws vary. Following your SR-22 requirements helps restore your driving privileges. If you already have an unrestricted driver's license, getting a required SR-22 certificate can help you avoid future suspensions.
What Are the Penalties If Your SR-22 Expires?
Failing to maintain your SR-22 coverage comes with serious consequences. Below are the most common SR-22 expiration penalties:
Immediate License Suspension
SR-22 expiration consequences can include license suspension, fines, registration issues, and extended compliance requirements. When your SR-22 lapses, your insurance company is required by law to notify your state’s motor vehicle administration department. That department will then suspend your driver’s license, which means you lose your legal right to drive until you fix the lapse.
This isn’t just a minor inconvenience. Losing your license can disrupt your ability to get to work, school, or take care of your family. If you’re caught driving with a suspended license, you could face even harsher penalties, including possible jail time and additional fines. Driving without SR-22 insurance after a lapse is illegal in most states and can lead to serious penalties, including jail time.
Vehicle Registration Problems
In many states, a lapse in your SR-22 can also lead to your vehicle registration being suspended or revoked. This means you can’t legally drive your car, even if you have insurance, because your registration is no longer valid. If you’re caught driving a vehicle with a suspended registration, you could face additional fines, your car could be impounded, and you might even be required to turn in your license plates.
Why A Suspended Registration Is a Bigger Problem Than You Think
- You can’t legally drive your own car, and no one else in your household can drive it either.
- Trying to get around a registration suspension by transferring the car to someone else in your family usually won’t work, as DMVs check for these tactics and can deny the transfer.
- If your car is impounded, you’ll have to pay towing and storage fees to get it back, which can add up quickly.
Fines and Reinstatement Fees
Reinstating your SR-22 after it lapses typically involves filing a new certificate, paying reinstatement fees, and sometimes facing a reset of the required coverage period. Restoring your license and registration after an SR-22 lapse isn’t free. You’ll face a range of fines and fees, which vary by state but can be significant. These costs are in addition to any court fines or penalties related to your original offense.
- License Reinstatement Fees: You’ll need to pay a reinstatement fee to get your license back. In Nevada fines range from $250 to $1,000 depending on the length of the lapse, while reinstatement fees in Florida start at $150 and can go up to $500 for repeat offenses.
- SR-22 Filing Fee: You may also have to pay for a new SR-22 filing. Insurance companies typically charge a one-time fee of $25 to $50 or a smaller monthly fee for the SR-22 filing with the DMV.
Additional DMV administrative fees may apply, especially if your registration is also suspended. The cost of an SR-22 expiration varies by state but can quickly add up between court fees, administrative charges, and insurance filing fees, making a simple oversight very expensive.
SR-22 Requirement Resets
One of the most frustrating consequences of an SR-22 lapse is that your required SR-22 period may reset. If you were supposed to carry SR-22 for three years and you lapse after two, most states will make you start the entire three-year period over from the date you reinstate your coverage. Any interruption can immediately trigger enforcement action, which is why it’s important to check your SR-22 status regularly.
The Lasting Impact of an SR-22 Expiration
- You’ll have to maintain SR-22 insurance for even longer, which means higher insurance premiums and ongoing monitoring by the DMV.
- The longer you’re required to carry SR-22, the longer you’ll be considered a high-risk driver, which keeps your insurance costs high.
- If you let your SR-22 expire more than once, you could face even stricter penalties and longer suspension periods.
Letting your SR-22 expire or lapse can set you back significantly. It’s crucial to stay on top of your payments, renewals, and any changes to your policy to avoid a costly lapse. For more insights on SR-22 insurance, check out our SR-22 FAQs can help you stay compliant.
Need Help Understanding Your SR-22 Requirements? We Have You Covered
Maintaining SR-22 coverage helps you follow your state's rules and keep your driving privileges in good standing. Breathe Easy Insurance Solutions has dedicated and friendly licensed agents to help you find the right policy for your needs.
Call us at (833) 786-0237 or request a free quote today. We make sure you stay covered and compliant with your SR-22 insurance.
SR-22 Expiration Penalties: Common Questions
How long does an SR-22 last?
Most states require you to keep an SR-22 on file for about three years, but the exact time depends on your state, the court, and the type of violation.
How do you know when your SR-22 certificate expires?
You can find out your SR-22 expiration date by contacting your insurance company or your local DMV; they can confirm when your current policy filing expires.
What happens if my SR-22 expires before the required period ends?
If your SR-22 expires before you complete the required period, your insurance company must notify your state’s DMV, which will suspend your driver’s license and possibly your vehicle registration. You cannot legally drive until you file a new SR-22 and reinstate your insurance coverage. In some states, you may also have to pay reinstatement fees to restore your driving privileges.
Can I drive if my SR-22 insurance lapses?
No, you cannot legally drive if your SR-22 insurance lapses. Once your insurance lapses, your license is suspended, and driving with a suspended license is illegal and can result in additional fines or even jail time in some states.
Will I have to restart the SR-22 filing period if it lapses?
Yes, in most states, if your SR-22 lapses before the required period ends, you must restart the entire SR-22 filing period from the beginning. This requirement ensures continuous proof of financial responsibility. The reset period can be longer in some states, depending on the offense.
How much does it cost if your SR-22 expires or is canceled?
If your SR-22 expires or is canceled, you will face reinstatement fees that vary by state, such as $40 in Utah, depending on the number of offenses. You may also need to pay a new SR-22 filing fee, which is typically a small administrative charge.
How can I avoid penalties for SR-22 expiration?
You can avoid penalties by paying your premiums on time, renewing your SR-22 policy well before it expires, and communicating with your insurer if you plan to switch companies. Set up automatic payments or reminders to prevent missing a payment. Regularly check with your insurer and the DMV to confirm your SR-22 is active and up to date.
Can you go back to standard insurance once you complete all your SR-22 requirements?
Once you complete your SR-22 requirements, contact your insurance company to update your policy and notify the DMV; this is a good time to get a new insurance quote to see if you qualify for reduced rates.
