While learning about SR-22 rates in New York does not necessarily apply to every driver in the state, getting the right information about the topic can be an extremely useful tool for those that do need it. SR22 and standard auto insurance in America can be especially complicated, as different states have different rules and regulations that run out of their individual Departments of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Plus, because these specific insurance policies involve special liability coverage and insurance lapses, they often require working with both the state DMV and an insurance company for proper maintenance.

Deciding who needs SR22 insurance in New York can be quite tricky because the state does not require it as part of its liability coverage plans. However, most other states do require these SR-22 forms and those millions of drivers who may live or work outside of New York should still be aware of their potential legal responsibilities if they have experienced one of the driving incidents detailed below. This article will help drivers who are living in New York to get the liability insurance that they need as well as ensure that those moving into the state maintain their insurance responsibilities effectively.


What is New York SR22 insurance?

Although determining how to get SR22 insurance in New York can be a complex process, understanding what the coverage is and why you may need it can help to demystify the experience. SR22 insurance form is actually a bit of a misnomer because it is not a specific type of insurance at all.

Instead, it is a specialized form that you must file in order to protect your liability after you have already experienced a driving incident in the past. While the New York DMV does not require this form for incidents that occur within its borders, they do require you to have a cleared drivers license before being able to drive legally in and out of the state.

Who needs SR22 insurance in New York?

You may need SR-22 coverage if you live in New York but have gone through a qualifying incident in another state or if you are moving to New York after you have experienced such an incident while living in your home state. The most common of these incidents include:

  • Having multiple traffic violations occur in a short timeframe.
  • Getting in an accident without having auto insurance or while in an unregistered vehicle.
  • Receiving a DUI conviction or any other type of serious moving violation.

As there may also be other incidents that can impact New York drivers depending on the state that they occur in, it is very important to follow that state DMV’s instructions and guidelines.

Reinstating Driving Privileges With SR22 in New York

SR22 is perhaps most widely used in order to allow drivers with complicated driving history and suspended licenses to regain their ability to legally drive. All of the incidents listed above have the potential to revoke a New York motorist of his or her driver’s license. So depending on their unique situation, filing this special insurance form may be the only way for them to regain their license before being able to drive in New York.

If you choose not to file for SR-22 as a New Yorker, then your license may be reinstated after a certain period of time depending on the state that your license was revoked in. However, the most reliable and quickest method of ensuring that you can drive legally is to go through this insurance process.

How to Get SR22 Insurance in New York

Luckily, getting your SR22 insurance quotes in New York can be easy and efficient as long as you work with the right insurer. There are many different insurance companies that work with New York residents to take care of outstanding insurance concerns in other states, for a moderate fee. Additionally, depending on a number of different factors, such as the company that you choose and your current auto insurance standing, the fee to submit one of these insurance forms can range from $15 to $30 or more.

Submitting your SR22 form to the appropriate DMV for reinstatement of a suspended driver’s license is fast and easy once you have chosen the insurance company that can give you the best assistance for the best rate. They will work with you step-by-step to follow the specific application guidelines for your state as well as inform you of additional forms that you may need to file.

Penalties for Not Filing an SR22 Form in New York

If you are a New York driver who has not maintained a good driving record or has experienced an insurance lapse, then the NY DMV will be able to set some definitive penalties on you. Going without the proper SR22 insurance could land applicable New York drivers with the following consequences if they are caught driving without it:

  • Revoked license and registration
  • A fine of up to hundreds of dollars
  • Their vehicle to be impounded
  • Arrest, if the infraction is serious enough

In order to prevent these potential issues, you should make sure that your driver’s license is in good standing with not only the New York DMV but also the DMV of any state in which you have had a previous infraction. Getting SR-22 is often not an enjoyable process, but it is a necessary one for many New York drivers in order to continue driving legally and responsibly.

Last updated on Wednesday, October 14 2020.