SR-22 Insurance in Michigan

SR22 insurance in Michigan is actually not a type of insurance, but rather serves as proof of a vehicle driver’s liability insurance in the state. Michigan state law requires all drivers to have liability coverage to a certain level, also known as financial-responsibility insurance in the state.

An SR22 form provided by an insurance company proves that a driver is financially responsible for any accidents caused. It might be required after an accident if you did not already hold the right liability coverage. You might need to obtain one of these forms if you committed a violation in a state that does use SR22 forms and then you move to Michigan. An insurance company will need to provide the coverage as needed.

Getting SR-22 rates from your insurance company will be required if you must prove that you have the required liability coverage. Ensuring you have sufficient coverage as a licensed driver in Michigan will help you to avoid any penalties or fees associated with a lack of insurance coverage.


What is Michigan SR22 insurance?

Michigan SR22 insurance is overseen by the state’s Department of State (DOS) Secretary of State (SOS) offices. You can conduct most motor vehicle-related business online through the SOS. To prove your liability coverage meets what other states call SR22, your insurance company should provide the SOS with proof of your coverage as required.

There is no exact Michigan SR22 form but you still need to prove to the Michigan DOS that you are an insured driver. SR22 is essentially covered by your required financial-responsibility insurance, which is also called no-fault insurance that meets the additional requirements set out by the state. There are two different types of financial-responsibility insurance:

  1. Owner’s insurance: This type of insurance covers any vehicle that is registered in the owner’s name
  2. Operator’s insurance: This type of insurance offers coverage for the named driver in any vehicle.

As a Michigan driver, you can choose to obtain one or both types of financial-responsibility insurance. You might also need an SR-22 form if you move to Michigan from a state that requires that proof of liability coverage or if you commit a violation in another state that then requires you prove your necessary coverage. All of your required certificates of insurance must be filed with the Action Processing Unit of the DOS in Michigan.

Who needs SR22 insurance in Michigan?

Knowing who needs SR22 insurance in Michigan can help you to get your insurance requirements organized and under control. If you required SR-22 insurance in your previous state of residence and you have just moved to Michigan, you might be required to maintain your SR22 coverage per the other state’s timeline, according to reciprocal agreements and sharing information.

You might also need SR22 forms in Michigan if you committed a qualified violation in another state that then requires you to prove your liability insurance via an SR-22 insurance form.

Reinstating Driving Privileges With SR22 in Michigan

If you were driving without insurance in Michigan and had an at-fault accident, your license might be suspended until you can pay the damages in full. This is called a financial-responsibility judgment. The equivalent of reinstating your driving privileges with an SR22 in Michigan is to do the following:

  • Prove your financial-responsibility insurance coverage
  • Sign a partial-payment agreement form
  • Apply for a restricted financial-responsibility license

How to Get SR22 Insurance in Michigan

You do not need to know how to get SR22 insurance in Michigan since the state does not use these forms. But you do need to meet the state’s standard liability insurance minimums for your insurance coverage. In Michigan, you must maintain the following auto insurance coverage:

  • Personal Injury Protection (PIP): PIP pays for lifetime medical expenses if you are hurt in an auto accident, in addition to paying for your loss of wages and for replacement services for up to three years after the accident.
  • Property Protection (PPI): PPI pays up to $1,000,000 for damages that your vehicle does to other people’s property in Michigan.
  • Residual Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability (BI/PD): BI/PD pays when you are found liable for an auto accident in which someone was killed or was seriously injured. You are required to purchase the following minimum coverage limits:
    • $20,000 per person who is injured or killed in an accident
    • $40,000 for each accident if several people are hurt or are killed
    • Up to $10,000 for damages that your vehicle does to property outside of Michigan

Penalties for Not Filing an SR22 Form in Michigan

While you do not need to file an SR-22 form in Michigan exactly as other states might require, you do need to adhere to Michigan state rules and any state rules where you might be required to get this insurance form.

Make sure you follow any instructions or requests issued by your own SOS in Michigan or by any other state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) where you might have previously lived or where you committed a violation. If an SR22 is required there, you must meet that obligation.

Last updated on Wednesday, October 14 2020.