SR22 insurance in Wyoming is a pretty specific type of coverage. It’s what you need to prove you have the required liability insurance after certain driving violations.
If you’ve been told you need SR22 insurance, you’ll have to file a certificate with the state. That certificate is what lets you keep your license or get it back after a suspension.
The SR22 form isn’t actually insurance. It’s a document your insurer sends to Wyoming’s Department of Transportation.
It just proves your insurance meets state rules. Costs for SR22 insurance can be all over the place, but a lot of drivers do find something affordable.
Key Takeaways
- You have to file an SR22 form after certain driving offenses in Wyoming.
- Your insurance company files the SR22 to the state as proof of coverage.
- SR22 insurance usually costs more but lets you keep or restore your license.
What Is SR22 Insurance in Wyoming?
SR22 insurance is a document attached to your auto insurance. It shows you meet Wyoming’s minimum coverage requirements after certain violations.
That’s how state officials check you’re carrying the right insurance.
Legal Definition and Purpose
An SR22 isn’t actually insurance. It’s a certificate your insurance company sends to the Wyoming DMV.
This form proves you’ve got the minimum required liability insurance.
Wyoming asks for an SR22 after pretty serious driving violations. It’s how the state makes sure you keep valid insurance during that “high risk” period.
If you don’t, your license can get suspended or revoked.
The main point of the SR22 is public safety—it’s the state’s way of keeping tabs on your insurance status for usually three years, though sometimes it’s a bit different.
How SR22 Differs from Standard Auto Insurance
SR22 is just a filing. You’re still buying regular auto insurance that meets Wyoming’s minimums.
The difference is, your insurer has to tell the DMV if your coverage ends or lapses. With standard insurance, they don’t do that automatically.
Because SR22 is for high-risk drivers, your premiums usually go up. It’s just the reality.
There’s sometimes an extra fee for the SR22 filing itself. That could be a one-time or annual charge, stacked on top of your regular premium.
Who Needs SR22 in Wyoming
You’ll need an SR22 if the DMV requires it after certain incidents. These include:
- Driving without insurance
- DUI or DWI convictions
- Multiple traffic violations
- License suspension or revocation
- Reckless driving
If you skip filing the SR22 when you’re supposed to, your license can be suspended. Your insurance company can help you file the SR22 when you ask for coverage.
It’s smart to check with Wyoming’s DMV or your insurer if you’re not sure you need one. You have to keep the SR22 for the required period or you’ll face penalties.
Wyoming SR22 Filing Process
There’s a set process for filing an SR22 in Wyoming. You’ll need certain documents, and there are fees and deadlines to watch out for.
Step-by-Step Filing Guide
First step: call your current insurance provider. Let them know you need an SR22.
They’ll know how to add it to your policy and send it to the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WyDOT).
If you don’t have insurance, you’ll have to find a company that offers SR22 insurance in Wyoming.
Once your insurer files the SR22, it’s on you to keep your policy active for the required time.
You can’t file the SR22 directly with the state. Only insurance companies authorized by WyDOT can do that.
Required Documentation
You’ll need a valid Wyoming driver’s license or ID. Non-residents might need to file a Non-resident Proof of Financial Responsibility form instead.
Have your insurance policy number handy. Your insurer will need it to link the SR22 filing to your policy.
If your license is suspended, you might need proof you’ve finished any court or reinstatement requirements.
Timeline and Fees
Once your insurance company files the SR22, it usually takes a few days for the state to process.
You have to keep this filing active for the whole period set by the court or WyDOT—often three years.
Filing fees depend on your insurer and risk profile. There’s usually an extra charge for the SR22 on top of your regular premium.
Missing payments or letting your policy lapse can mean license suspension and more fees. Stay on top of your insurance and SR22 until you get an official release from WyDOT.
Cost and Impact of SR22 Insurance
SR22 insurance in Wyoming is almost always pricier than regular coverage. Your rates depend on where you live, your driving history, and a few other details.
This insurance can hit your finances for years—not just at renewal.
Factors Affecting SR22 Insurance Rates
Where you live in Wyoming changes your SR22 cost. Bigger cities like Cheyenne and Casper tend to have higher rates.
The average cost for SR22 insurance is about $1,808 per year, which is definitely higher than standard insurance.
Other things that affect your rate:
- Your driving record, especially DUIs or license suspensions
- The coverage limits you pick
- Your insurer’s approach to high-risk drivers
The SR22 filing fee is usually separate but not huge compared to your total premium. Your company reports your SR22 status to the state to keep your license valid.
Long-Term Financial Considerations
You’ll pay higher rates for several years, even after the SR22 period ends. On average, drivers with a DUI pay about $3,295 a year for SR22 insurance nationwide, though Wyoming’s rates can be different.
You might have to stick with minimum state insurance limits, which sometimes cost more than bare-bones policies.
Skipping coverage or missing SR22 paperwork can mean losing your license and facing fines.
It’s worth planning ahead for these costs so you’re not caught off guard.
Maintaining and Removing SR22 in Wyoming
You have to keep your SR22 active and follow all vehicle insurance rules the whole time it’s required. If your SR22 lapses or gets canceled, you could face fines, license suspension, or have to start the SR22 period over.
Once you finish the required filing time and stay in compliance, you can ask to have the SR22 removed from your record.
Ongoing Compliance Requirements
You must keep continuous liability car insurance with the SR22 filing. Your insurer has to send proof of financial responsibility to the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WyDOT).
Canceling your coverage or letting your policy lapse will violate your SR22 requirement.
You’ll need to keep the SR22 active for at least three years from the date your license was reinstated. During that time, try to keep your driving record clean to avoid extensions.
Your insurer will automatically report to WyDOT while your SR22 is on file.
What Happens if SR22 Lapses
If your insurance lapses or your SR22 is canceled, WyDOT can suspend your license right away. You might have to pay reinstatement fees and start the SR22 filing period from scratch.
Late payments, switching companies without a new SR22, or policy cancellations can all cause a lapse. It’s really important to stay in touch with your insurer and make sure your coverage is always active while you’re under the SR22 requirement.
How to Remove SR22 After Eligibility
Once you’ve hit that three-year mark and kept your record clean, it’s time to reach out to your insurance company. Ask them to stop filing the SR22 for you.
Let WyDOT know you want to remove the SR22 requirement, too. If you end up moving out of Wyoming, they might want a Non-resident Proof of Financial Responsibility form instead.
Keep your regular insurance policy up to date, but you can finally drop the SR22 after it’s officially removed. Double-check with your insurer to make sure the SR22 is actually canceled, just to avoid any headaches down the road.