SR-22 Insurance in Louisiana

Louisiana SR-22 rates apply to drivers who are required to purchase the additional coverage. The Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) requires the SR22 form from drivers deemed habitual violators. The added coverage serves as security for future obligations resulting from traffic violations. Common reasons a motorist may need to purchase SR22 include DWI or leaving the scene of an accident.

Motorists obtain the SR22 coverage from an insurance company licensed to do business in the state. They must maintain the coverage for three years to satisfy any judgments. Motorists who fail to maintain SR22 insurance may have their driver’s license suspension extended.


What is Louisiana SR22 insurance?

Louisiana SR-22 rates refer to the additional insurance fees drivers to the insurance company. An SR22 form in Louisiana is required as proof of future financial responsibility. The form refers to a certificate rather than an actual insurance policy. The certificate serves a voucher that the insured does have valid insurance. The form also outlines the amount of liability coverage and the effective date of the policy. Drivers may not submit the form themselves. As such, insurance companies must provide the SR22 certificate to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) on the driver’s behalf.

Who needs SR22 insurance in Louisiana?

In Louisiana, SR22 applies to high-risk drivers. According to the OMV, drivers who require SR22 pose a safety threat to others. As a result, OMV requires the added protection to ensure that these drivers have enough insurance to cover damages for bodily harm or damages to property of others. Drivers may need to purchase for a variety of reasons including:

  • Accident Judgements: Drivers who are involved in an accident must enter into an installment agreement with the OMV. They must also maintain the SR22 policy for three years from the date the installment agreement ends.
  • DWI Convictions: Motorists convicted for driving with a blood-alcohol level of .08 or above must purchase the insurance for three years from the date of arrest.
  • Affidavit of Arrest: Drivers who refuse a blood alcohol test will be automatically arrested and will be required to maintain the insurance for three years following the date of arrest.
  • Notice of Violation: Drivers who fail to maintain minimum liability insurance must present evidence of insurance within three days of an accident, or they may receive notice of non-compliance.

Drivers facing Louisiana SR22 insurance penalties for incidents outside the state must comply with that state’s laws. Louisiana does not monitor SR22 insurance requirements for other states. Further, drivers with an out of state suspension will not affect their Louisiana driving privileges.

Reinstating Driving Privileges With SR22 in Louisiana

Drivers must maintain Louisiana SR22 for three years. SR22 may be dropped at that time provided there was no lapse in coverage. OMV notifies drivers once they are eligible to reinstate their driving privileges. At that time, motorists must pay any SR22 reinstatement fees and must have completed any outstanding installment agreements with the State Treasurer.

How to Get SR22 Insurance in Louisiana

Only insurance agents may provide Louisiana SR22 insurance quotes and drivers should ensure their insurer is licensed to offer the policy in the state. SR22 insurance is a policy add-on. In the state, the minimum liability coverage limits are:

  • $15,000 bodily injury
  • $30,000 bodily injury to others
  • $25,000 damage to or the destruction of property to others

Drivers pay separate SR-22 rates for the coverage on top of what is required for the minimum liability amounts. Many insurers consider SR22 a high-risk policy for problematic drivers. As such, many insurance companies either don’t offer it or charge high rates for it. Once drivers purchase the form, the insurance companies submit it to the OMV. Drivers who live out of state or have a vehicle registered out of state must still buy the policy. They may purchase the SR22 insurance policy from an insurer in another state, if the company has a Power of Attorney on file with the OMV.

Penalties for Not Filing an SR22 Form in Louisiana

Drivers must maintain Louisiana SR22 insurance for three years or they face additional fines and penalties. If a driver does not purchase SR22, they must provide financial proof in the form of a security deposit to the State Treasurer. The motorists may make the $30,000 deposit in the form of cash or securities. They may also satisfy the requirement by posting a $30,000 surety bond with the State Treasurer.

Lastly, motorists who do not purchase SR22 insurance may not register a vehicle or renew their vehicle registration if they don’t file the insurance. As a result, the car may not be transferred to another relative or any occupant of the same home. Drivers may not cancel the policy without notice to the OMV. Should a driver allow the insurance to lapse, the insurance company is required by law to notify the Office of Motor Vehicles. At that point, OMV may provide a time limit for the driver to reinstate or secure a new policy. Failure to file an SR22 in time could face additional penalties and fines.

Last updated on Wednesday, October 14 2020.