Differences Between SR-22 and Regular Insurance

If you want to earn your driver’s license back, an insurance provider might need to file an SR-22 certificate on your behalf.

The SR-22 certificate is not an insurance policy. It serves as a legal document demonstrating that an individual received the minimum liability insurance needed to operate a vehicle legally.

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An SR-22 is sometimes called a “financial responsibility certificate.”

What Are the Differences Between SR-22 and Regular Insurance?

Here is a closer look at the differences between regular and SR-22 insurance.

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SR-22 Motorcycle Insurance	Regular Motorcycle Insurance
SR-22 motorcycle insurance in the United States carries an average cost of up to $1,465 annually. Raising your credit score above 680 can reduce this cost by up to 10% with some companies.	Regular motorcycle insurance in the United States typically costs a rider $1,173 per year for a full-coverage policy.
This option is only necessary for riders convicted or cited for high-risk behaviors, such as reckless driving, DUI, or excessive speed.	Anyone who rides a motorcycle needs to carry a policy unless they live in a state without this mandate.
Most riders need SR-22 insurance for 12 to 60 months. It depends on the nature of the offense or what a court order states.	Regular insurance is required whenever a rider owns and drives a motorcycle. In places where a policy isn't necessary, some form of financial responsibility acknowledgment is still needed.
If the SR-22 insurance policy lapses, the insurance company files documentation with the state. This action results in a suspended license until payment is brought up to date.	If a regular insurance policy lapses, a rider's license is not in jeopardy. Driving without this protection could initiate an SR-22 requirement.
The motorcycle make and model impact the insurance cost, with the performance features and overall value leading the way when determining the eventual expense.	Regular insurance depends on a rider's driving record, the make and model of the bike, and other factors to set a policy rate.

Do I Need SR-22 Insurance for Mopeds or Scooters?

The SR-22 filing applies to any vehicle a motorcycle rider wants to use on roads, streets, and highways legally.

Relevant: Know the differences – Moped vs. Scooters.

If a state requires a driver’s license for mopeds and scooters, an SR-22 certificate is necessary to ride the vehicle off of your private property. It may also be required to purchase insurance and file if you have a DUI accident on your driving record.

The current list of states that don’t require moped and scooter insurance includes:

Arkansas
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Indiana
Kansas
Kentucky
Massachusetts
Michigan
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Mexico
North Carolina
Ohio
South Carolina
Tennessee
Virginia
Washington
Wyoming

Why Is an SR-22 Certificate Necessary?

Insurance companies use SR-22 policies to ensure enough coverage is available for property damage and other financial obligations if an accident occurs. It delivers coverage to those harmed by the driver’s actions.

Most states charge between $15 to $25 as a filing fee to have the SR-22 certificate on file. Since this document indicates someone is a high-risk driver, insurance policy rates can rise significantly until the SR-22 is no longer necessary.

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