Non-Owner SR-22 Insurance FAQ

It is a non-owner liability insurance policy with an SR-22 certificate attached. The insurer files the certificate with your state to prove that you carry minimum liability coverage even though you do not own a car.

No. An SR-22 is a form that proves you have insurance. You still need an actual policy behind it, and for drivers without a car that policy is a non-owner policy.

If the state ordered an SR-22 and you want a valid license, yes. Not owning a car does not remove the requirement. A non-owner policy is how you meet it.

People who own a vehicle, have a vehicle registered in their name, or regularly drive a car in their household are usually not eligible. Commercial drivers who need coverage for work vehicles are also usually not eligible.

New York, Pennsylvania, Minnesota and North Carolina do not use the SR-22. Several other states rarely use it or use a different form, such as Maryland's FR-19 or the FR-44 in Florida and Virginia.

It usually costs $40 to $75 a month. It can be higher after a DUI or in expensive states. See the cost guide.

The fee is usually $15 to $50, charged once by the insurer. Your state may also charge a separate license reinstatement fee.

Some carriers allow it, but many require a phone call because of the eligibility questions. Working with an agent is usually the fastest way.

Usually, yes. However, some carriers require a larger down payment or full payment for high-risk drivers.

Several national and regional carriers do, but availability varies by state. See our non-owner SR-22 companies guide.

Electronic filings usually reach the state within one to three business days, and often on the same day. Paper filings take longer.

Ask the insurer for a copy of the filing, then check your license status online or call the DMV after a few business days.

Usually three years, but it can be one to five years depending on the state and the offense. See how long you need an SR-22.

It depends on the state. The period may start on the conviction date, the suspension date or the reinstatement date. Your DMV notice usually says which.

It covers liability for injuries and property damage that you cause to others while you drive a car you do not own. It does not cover damage to the car you are driving.

It provides liability coverage for rentals. It does not cover damage to the rental car itself.

You can drive cars you borrow occasionally. You cannot use it for a car you own or drive regularly.

No. Non-owner policies exclude commercial use.

The insurer notifies the state, usually with an SR-26 form, and your license is suspended again. See what happens if your SR-22 lapses.

Switch to an owner's policy with an SR-22 before you drive the car, with no gap between the filings.

You still have to satisfy the state that ordered the SR-22. You need an insurer that can file in that state. See moving with an SR-22.

Yes, but first confirm with the DMV that the requirement has ended. Canceling a day early can trigger a new suspension.

Yes. Many people buy the policy while suspended so that the SR-22 is on file when they reinstate. See non-owner SR-22 with a suspended license.

A non-owner SR-22 covers personal driving only. It does not satisfy commercial vehicle insurance requirements. See non-owner SR-22 for CDL drivers.

Yes. Keeping continuous coverage, even on a non-owner policy, prevents a "coverage gap" surcharge when you buy a car later.