SR-22 rates in Washington DC are higher than general liability auto insurance, as it is considered “high-risk” insurance. An SR22 form of high-risk insurance is only provided to individuals who commit specific moving or insurance violations, generally resulting in the suspension or revocation of a DC drivers license. If this form is required, then you will need to find an automotive insurer that offers this type of insurance as well as maintain the insurance for a set period of time. Failure to do so will result in your driver’s license remaining suspended.

Similarly, if there is a lapse in your policy or if you cancel your coverage, then your driver’s license can be suspended by the Washington DC Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Before learning how to get SR22 insurance, it is important to learn more about this type of insurance and when it is required. Furthermore, if your driver’s license has been suspended and you are required to obtain high-risk insurance, it is important to be aware of the license reinstatement process so that a new drivers license may be issued.


What is Washington DC SR22 insurance?

Before reviewing who needs SR22 insurance in Washington DC, it is important to learn more about this form of insurance and what all it entails. While SR-22 rates are generally higher, they do not provide additional forms of coverage. Rather, it is a form of high-risk insurance that is added to your liability coverage.

In fact, many auto insurance providers will require premiums to be paid up front rather than in monthly installments and not all insurers will offer this form of coverage. SR22 insurance is still required to meet Washington DC state minimum liability insurance requirements, including:

  • $10,000 in property damage liability.
  • Third-party liability with at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident minimums.
  • Uninsured motorist bodily injury with at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident minimums.
  • $5,000 uninsured motorist property damage with a $200 deductible minimum

Your SR22 policy must be maintained by a set period of time, as determined by the type of conviction. Additionally, you must always carry proof of insurance with you when operating a motor vehicle.

Who Needs SR22 Insurance in Washington DC?

Knowing who needs SR22 insurance in Washington DC can help you to be better prepared in the event that your driver’s license is suspended or revoked. While not all convictions that lead to a suspended drivers license will require this form of insurance, serious convictions will require high-risk insurance in order to reinstate a license.

An SR22 form will be required if you violate Washington DC insurance laws. Serious insurance convictions include operating a vehicle that does not have insurance that meets state minimums, driving without proof of insurance or being involved in an accident where you did not have auto insurance.

Additionally, moving violations such as vehicular assault, vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs may also result in high-risk insurance requirements.

Reinstating Driving Privileges with SR22 in Washington DC

If an SR22 form is required by the Washington DC DMV, then you will have to find an insurance provider that will file for you after purchasing this form of insurance. Additionally, you will need to satisfy all other requirements for reinstating your driver’s license, which is determined by your conviction.

For example, if convicted of a DUI, then you must have been treated or counseled for alcohol or substance abuse. In addition to SR22 insurance, you will also be required to pay all reinstatement fees applicable to your conviction charge.

How to Get SR22 Insurance in Washington DC

SR22 insurance quotes can be acquired from most vehicle insurance agencies that service the Washington DC area. However, it is worth knowing that each insurance agency determines its own fees for high-risk insurance.

After you purchase an SR22 policy, the insurance provider that you choose will file your form with the Washington DC DMV. Before you will be able to reinstate your driver’s license, the form must be processed by the DMV.

Penalties for Not Filing an SR22 Form in Washington DC

Now that you know how to get SR22 insurance as well as when you may need to acquire it, it is important to know the consequences of failing to file. If an SR22 form is required, then you will not be eligible to reinstate your driver’s license until the form has been completed by a vehicle insurance company that is licensed to provide service within the Washington DC area.

Depending on your conviction, you will be required to maintain that insurance policy for a set period of time. If you change insurance providers at any point during that time, then it is very important that your new insurer files an additional form immediately.

In the event that your insurance policy lapses in coverage or if you cancel your insurance altogether, then your Washington DC drivers license will be suspended. Furthermore, it is worth knowing that auto insurance agencies are required to report any changes to your policy to the Washington DC DMV.

Last updated on Wednesday, October 14 2020.