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A DUI or car accident while uninsured might require you file an SR-22 on top of your vehicle liability insurance. An SR-22 — also referred to as a Certificate of Financial Responsibility (COFR) — proves you carry insurance, and it can be required when you’re considered a high-risk driver.
Benzinga’s put together this guide to help you find the right SR-22 insurance for your situation.
Check out the monthly premiums below based on a 40-year-old married woman with a DUI in the past three years. These monthly premiums for a 2015 Ford Taurus include an SR-22.
| Company | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Mercury | $74 |
| Bristol West | $80 |
| GAINSCO | $105 |
| Commonwealth Casualty | $120 |
| Dairyland | $122 |
Best SR-22 Insurance in Arizona:
- Best Overall for SR-22 in Arizona: The General
- Cheapest for SR-22 in Arizona: Mercury
- Best for Discounts: Esurance
- Best for Customer Support: SafeAuto
- Best for Coverage and Benefits: Farmers
What is SR-22 Insurance?
SR-22 is a vehicle liability insurance document the Department of Motor Vehicles can require for drivers with high-risk insurance policies. It’s also known as a Certificate of Financial Responsibility (COFR), and your insurance company provides it prove you carry the minimum amount of liability insurance coverage required by Arizona.
Arizona requires drivers to have car insurance that meets or exceeds these minimum levels:
- Bodily injury liability: Minimum $15,000 per person, $30,000 per accident
- Property damage liability: Minimum $10,000
- Uninsured motorist bodily injury: Minimum $15,000 per person, $30,000 per accident
- Underinsured motorist bodily injury: Minimum $15,000 per person, $30,000 per accident
Who Needs SR-22 Insurance?
An SR-22 is usually mandated by the court or the state for certain driving-related violations.
For example:
- DUI or DWI
- Accidents caused by uninsured drivers
- Several tickets in a short time span
- Refusal of a blood alcohol content (BAC) test
- Suspended or revoked driver’s license
How to Get SR-22 Insurance
Your insurance company provides your SR-22 form, so you must find a company that provides SR-22 — many don’t. If you already have car insurance, contact your current provider about its SR-22 options. It’s also wise to seek companies that specialize in insuring high-risk drivers.
How Much Does SR-22 Cost?
Filing for an SR-22 form costs $25. That’s a one-time fee, but be aware that your car insurance will cost more once an SR-22 is attached. The additional costs per month change depending on where you live and what led to your SR-22. Each car insurance company also has different rates, so it’s important to shop around.
Does SR-22 End?
In most states, the SR-22 requirement lasts 3 years — even if your license is reinstated during that time. You won’t be notified when the requirement ends. You need to keep track and reach out to your insurance provider to let them know you no longer need the SR-22. That’s also the perfect time to shop for new car insurance or at least get your quote reevaluated.
Laws Specific to SR-22 Insurance in Arizona
SR-22 laws vary state by state. In Arizona, you’ll need an SR-22 form on top of your insurance policy if your license is revoked or suspended as the result of a court-convicted DUI violation. You’ll also need an SR-22 after an implied-consent DUI refusal or a violation of Arizona vehicle insurance laws.
If you fall under one of these categories, you’ll need to provide an SR-22 to your Motor Vehicle Division (MVD).
In Arizona, SR-22s are required for all DUI criminal convictions, but they are not required for an automatic 15-day MVD implied consent violation. Some experts advise you to consult with a DUI attorney when it comes to accepting an automatic MVD suspension because SR-22 forms can dramatically increase your rates for some insurance providers.
If you are an Arizona-licensed driver, you’ll need an SR-22 for 3 years, starting from the date you became eligible for reinstatement. If you fail to maintain proof, you could have your license and registration suspended until you can provide proof of an SR-22.
Best Auto Insurance for SR-22 Coverage in Arizona
Adding an SR-22 will increase your premiums, but there are auto insurance providers in Arizona that understand your situation. Check out our top picks for SR-22 coverage that will get you driving again in no time.
1. Best Overall: The General
The General boasts affordable coverage and specializes in high-risk drivers. The General helps you fill out the SR-22 form and puts the required $25 filing fee towards your insurance quote. It can get the SR-22 form in your hands in just a few minutes.
But you can easily check the status of your SR-22 form on the phone with a customer service specialist or through The General’s instant online access.
2. Cheapest: Mercury
Mercury works to provide the lowest rates possible, and it offers the cheapest SR-22 coverage in Arizona. But you won’t sacrifice service for savings — you can file claims 24/7 by calling the Mercury hotline, and it’s convenient customer portal lets you view your policy, make changes or even print ID cards and download them to your smartphone.
Mercury provides a number of discounts. Save more if you pay in full, demonstrate good driving, are a good student, insure multiple cars or sign up for automatic payment. Every Mercury policy is supported by a local agent.
3. Best for Discounts: Esurance
Esurance provides many opportunities for discounts to help reduce your monthly rate.
Discounts are available if you purchase multiple policies — bundle your homeowners and auto policies to save. Take advantage of its paid-in-full discount by submitting your annual premium all at once to save up to 10%.
Esurance also offers DriveSense, which requires you to install a small device in your car to record your driving habits. Installation offers an immediate discount of 10%, but you’ll see even lower premiums if you prove you’re a careful driver.
4. Best for Customer Support: SafeAuto
SafeAuto aims to make dealing with auto insurance easier.
It received an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for its extensive customer service options.
The website includes frequently asked questions and its support team is available 24/7. SafeAuto offers a mobile app to manage your policies and obtain quotes.
5. Best for Coverage and Benefits: Farmers
Farmers offers a range of benefits even in its basic coverage options. You can take advantage of roadside assistance for help with a flat tire or towing your vehicle.
Rental reimbursement is available, and you can add additional coverage for your sound system and more.
Make Your SR-22 Simple (and Affordable)
Adding your SR-22 will definitely raise your premiums, but there are insurance companies that can walk you through the process and help you find SR-22 policies you can afford. Get a quote just by entering your ZIP code and other basic information — you’ll be one step closer to getting back on the road where you belong.