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What is non-owner SR-22 insurance?

Non-owner SR-22 insurance lets high-risk drivers who need to file an SR-22 with the state purchase car insurance coverage, even if they don’t own a vehicle.

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By

Rachael BrennanSenior Editor & Licensed Auto Insurance ExpertRachael Brennan is a senior editor and a licensed auto insurance expert at Policygenius. Her work has also been featured in MoneyGeek, Clearsurance, Adweek, Boston Globe, The Ladders, and AutoInsurance.com.

Edited by

Anna SwartzAnna SwartzSenior Managing EditorAnna Swartz is a senior managing editor who specializes in home, auto, renters, and disability insurance at Policygenius. Previously, she was a senior staff writer at Mic and a writer at The Dodo. Her work has also appeared in Salon, HuffPost, MSN, AOL, and Heeb.

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High-risk drivers often need to have an SR-22, which is a form that shows the DMV they have at least the state minimum required levels of liability coverage. Drivers in some states need to have an SR-22 on file after a serious driving infraction, like driving without a license. 

Key takeaways

  • Drivers may need an SR-22 if their drivers license was suspended or for certain traffic violations, like driving without insurance or getting a DUI or DWI. 

  • High-risk drivers need an SR-22 to get their driver’s license reinstated in some states, but you can’t get a standard auto insurance policy without a car to insure.

  • If you need an SR-22 but you don’t own your own car, you’ll need an SR-22 non-owner policy.

  • A non-owner SR-22 car insurance policy is considered secondary coverage.

If you need to file an SR-22 form and you don't own a vehicle, your best option is to buy non-owner car insurance coverage, which is a special kind of limited policy for people who don’t own cars.

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How does non-owner SR-22 insurance work?

Unlike a standard auto insurance policy, non-owner car insurance coverage doesn’t include comprehensive or collision coverage, which means it won’t pay for damage to the car you are driving. A non-owner policy is usually just limited liability coverage, making non-owner policies cheaper than full-coverage car insurance. 

Just like with a regular car insurance policy, you can have your car insurance company file an SR-22 form for you when you get non-owners insurance too.

But not every car insurance company offers non-owner insurance, and this is especially true if you need an SR-22, so you may have to get quotes from multiple insurance companies to find the coverage you need.

Who needs non-owner SR-22 insurance?

Every state has different laws and regulations regarding SR-22 requirements, but you might need an SR-22 if: 

If you need an SR-22 but you don’t own your own car, you’ll need an SR-22 non-owner policy in order to show proof of insurance to your state.

Why should you get an SR-22 insurance policy without a car?

High-risk drivers sometimes need an SR-22 to get their driver’s license reinstated, but you can’t get a standard auto insurance policy without a car to insure. If you need an SR-22 to keep your drivers license active but you don’t own a vehicle, your best bet is to buy non-owner car insurance coverage.

How much does non-owner SR-22 insurance cost?

Non-owner car insurance coverage is usually cheaper than a standard car insurance policy because it provides secondary coverage. But SR-22 coverage for high-risk drivers is typically more expensive, so drivers who need an SR-22 non-owner policy should expect to pay a little more than they would for a standard non-owner car insurance policy.

Also, drivers who need non-owner SR-22 coverage should expect to pay a filing fee (usually less than $25) to have their SR-22 processed by the state. 

Does non-owner SR-22 cover any car I drive?

Most car insurance policies follow the car, meaning it covers anyone with permission to drive the car, but a non-owner policy is different. Non-owner car insurance coverage is considered a named operator policy, which means it covers the driver in any car they have permission to drive.

A non-owner SR-22 car insurance policy is considered secondary coverage. If you borrow a friend’s car and you’re in an accident, their car insurance is primary and your non-owner policy only kicks in after their coverage is exhausted.

How to get non-owner SR-22 insurance

Once you’ve decided to get a non-owner car insurance policy with an SR-22, there are a few steps to take:

  • Get a quote: Although most large insurance companies offer non-owner coverage, a driver who needs SR-22 insurance for a non-owner policy has unique needs and would benefit from getting quotes from multiple companies.

  • Buy car insurance: Once you find a non-owner policy that meets your needs, work with your insurance expert to fill out the application and make your first premium payment.

  • Have your SR-22 filed with the state: Let your new insurer know you need to have an SR-22 filed with the DMV and be prepared to pay a small filing fee, often around $25.

  • Don’t let your coverage lapse: Even though you don’t own a car, it is important that you keep your coverage active. If you have an SR-22, letting your non-owners coverage lapse will reset the clock, which means you’ll have to start all over and have an SR-22 for that much longer.

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Frequently asked questions

What is SR-22 insurance Florida?

SR-22 is a form your car insurance company files with the state to prove you have car insurance. Drivers who need SR-22 insurance in Florida are required to have higher liability limits than the state minimum coverage requirements.

How to remove SR-22 California?

If you don’t let your coverage lapse, your SR-22 will be automatically removed by your car insurance company once it is no longer needed.

What is SR-22 insurance in North Carolina?

North Carolina does not require an SR-22 form, but drivers may still face fines or license suspension if you are caught driving without active car insurance coverage.

Author

Rachael Brennan is a senior editor and a licensed auto insurance expert at Policygenius. Her work has also been featured in MoneyGeek, Clearsurance, Adweek, Boston Globe, The Ladders, and AutoInsurance.com.

Editor

Anna Swartz is a senior managing editor who specializes in home, auto, renters, and disability insurance at Policygenius. Previously, she was a senior staff writer at Mic and a writer at The Dodo. Her work has also appeared in Salon, HuffPost, MSN, AOL, and Heeb.

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