Going through the process of having your license suspended or revoked can take a toll on your emotional and mental health. Yet, taking the necessary steps to get your license back doesn’t have to be complicated. 

A major part of that process is getting SR-22 Insurance coverage. Of course, if you don’t own a car, that would have to be non-owner SR22 insurance coverage.

The process might look a bit complex on the surface, as there are different restrictions to keep in mind and a variety of steps to take in order to file a non-owner SR22.

Read on for a full breakdown of what a non-owner SR22 entails, how to get one, as well as how long do you need to hold on to one.

What Is SR22 Insurance Coverage?

In the simplest of terms, an SR22 form is a certificate of responsibility. It’s not actually an insurance policy. 

It works as a solid way to verify to your state’s transportation agency —like the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)— that you’ve met the state’s minimum insurance requirement for auto liability coverage. 

Moreover, it varies from state to state. For instance, there are some states like Florida and Virginia that will require an FR-44 instead of an SR-22. This may require you to buy more liability insurance than your state’s minimum amount. 

In addition, these forms are usually required after your license has been suspended. You’ll have to have these forms on hand, as they’re required to reinstate your license. 

The SR22 — or FR44— Form is issued by your car insurance company. The process starts with your insurance filing the certificate on your behalf with your state’s DMV. 

Depending on your car insurer, some will file this certificate automatically, while others will only file one upon your request.

When Would You Need a Non-Owner SR22

As previously stated, the laws for an SR22 might vary depending on your state of residence. Yet, in general, you’ll probably need an SR22 if you fit any of the following cases.

• Convicted of a DUI or DWI
• Repeated serious traffic offenses in a short time period, like reckless driving or other moving violations
• Were at an at-fault accident with no insurance
• Pulled over for driving with a suspended license
• Revoked driver’s license

In addition, if you don’t own a car at the moment, you’ll have to file for a non-owner SR22.

This way you’ll be able to get a non-owner insurance policy and non-owner SR22 form in order to fill the requirement and start the process of getting your license reinstated.  

How to Get a Non-Owners SR22 Insurance Policy

Now that we have set the foundation, it’s time to breakdown the process of getting a non-owners SR22 insurance policy. 

The very first step would be checking whether your previous car insurer would be willing to file an SR22 for you. 

Of course, it might be a bit tricky to do so, considering that you don’t have active auto insurance. Yet, it’s still worth a try.

If that is not an option, you can start shopping around for an SR22 insurance policy. You can use great comparison tools that can compare policy prices for you, and even narrow it down by state. 

In addition, you can also speak with a live representative or get an online quote to have a solid idea of what price ranges are available to you.

Furthermore, make sure to give the car insurers all relevant information about your situation. This way you can get the best-suited policy for you.

Next Steps of Getting a Non-Owners SR22

Now that you’ve selected a provider to file your SR22 certification and purchased insurance from them, keep in mind that it might take up to 30 days to receive your SR22.

As it were, your certificate isn’t technically active until your SR22 is submitted and filed with the DMV or your state traffic authority.

Even if you’ve paid the auto insurance company a couple of weeks in advance, you won’t regain your driving privileges, and your certificate isn’t complete until it’s inputted into the DMV’s system. Until then, your driver’s license will still read “suspended” or “revoked.”

Afterward, once the filing process is complete, you’ll get a paper copy of your SR22 certificate.

Now that your certificate is active, make sure that you treat it the same way you’d treat regular insurance papers. Keep a copy in the glove compartment of whatever vehicle you’re driving.  

SR22 Duration: How Long Will You Need to Have an SR22

In general, the length of time you’ll need to have an SR22 form will differ depending on your state of residency. It generally spans three years. 

It’s crucial during this time period that you’re paying your premium on time, as well as renewing your policy whenever needed. 

The worst-case scenario would be having your policy lapse or expire because your insurance provider is required by law to notify your state of your policy expiration. This might cause your ability to drive to be in jeopardy. 

Moreover, once you’ve held on an SR22 for the required period of time, your status should be lifted. You’ll be able to get regular car insurance with an active driver’s license. 

Ready to Get Your SR22?

It might be a bit of a stressful time, trying to have all your auto paperwork in order.

However, once you have your SR22 in place, it’s all about patience and following the rules. Now that you have our ultimate guide on how to get a non-owner SR22, all you need to do is follow the steps, and you’re practically set.

Yet, you might still have a couple of questions regarding whether your case fits a non-owners or a regular owner’s SR22. You can check out our blog article on the main five common cases of needing a non-owner SR22. 

Furthermore, if you want to learn more about insurance, make sure to check out our blog. It’s rich in advice and tips about insurance types and much more.