If you’re looking at SR22 insurance in Colorado, chances are the state wants proof that you have at least the minimum required auto insurance. This comes up after things like major driving offenses or license suspensions.
SR22 isn’t actually a type of insurance—it’s a certificate showing you’ve got the coverage Colorado says you need.
You have to keep your SR22 active, or you risk more penalties. Your insurance company files this proof with the Colorado DMV.
If you don’t, your driving privileges might get restricted or even yanked.
Finding affordable SR22 insurance in Colorado isn’t impossible. Some companies have rates way below the state average.
Knowing how SR22 works and how it affects your wallet can save you a lot of hassle.
Key Takeaways
- You need SR22 to prove you have the right insurance after certain violations.
- Your insurer files the SR22 form with the state to keep your license valid.
- Costs vary, but you can find affordable SR22 insurance in Colorado.
Understanding SR22 Insurance in Colorado
SR22 insurance has its own set of Colorado rules. It’s not a typical policy—just proof you meet minimum coverage.
Here’s what you need to know about SR22, who needs it, and the laws around it in Colorado.
What Is SR22 Insurance?
SR22 is basically a certificate your insurer sends to the Colorado DMV. It’s proof you’ve got the state’s minimum auto insurance.
It’s not actual insurance, just a form confirming you’re covered. If your policy gets canceled or lapses, your insurer has to tell the DMV.
Lose coverage while SR22 is required? Your license could be suspended again. Usually, the SR22 sticks around for about three years, but that depends on your situation.
Who Needs SR22 Insurance in Colorado
You’ll need SR22 insurance if the DMV or a court orders it. Some common reasons are:
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Reckless driving or other major traffic violations
- Driving without insurance
- License suspension or revocation
If you’re caught driving with no insurance after losing your license, you might have to file SR22 too. Not every insurer does SR22 filings, so double-check if yours will.
Legal Requirements for SR22 in Colorado
Colorado law says you need to keep SR22 insurance for a specific time—usually one to three years. You must have at least these minimum liability limits:
| Coverage Type | Minimum Required Limits |
|---|---|
| Bodily Injury | $25,000 per person |
| Bodily Injury | $50,000 per accident |
| Property Damage | $15,000 per accident |
Your insurer has to report any gap or cancellation to the DMV. If your SR22 isn’t active, your license gets suspended again.
After you’ve met the time requirement, you can ask your insurer to file paperwork to end the SR22 with the DMV.
How to Obtain SR22 Insurance in Colorado
Getting SR22 insurance in Colorado means filing the right forms, picking a provider, knowing the costs, and understanding how long you’ll need to keep it.
Each step matters if you want your driving privileges back.
Steps to Filing an SR22 Form
First, call your auto insurance company. Not all companies handle SR22 filings, so you might have to shop around.
Your insurer will file the form electronically with the Colorado DMV. The SR22 confirms you have the right coverage.
Once the DMV gets the form, most restrictions on your license are lifted. Keep your insurance active—if it lapses, your insurer tells the DMV and you could lose your license again.
If your provider gives you a paper SR22, you can upload it yourself on the Colorado DMV website.
Choosing an SR22 Insurance Provider
Not every insurer offers SR22 coverage. Look for companies that specialize in SR22s or clearly say they handle them.
Some bigger companies and certain agencies are set up for this. Get quotes from a few providers, since SR22 insurance usually costs more than regular policies.
Some companies include the SR22 filing fee in their quote, but others don’t. Ask about extra costs.
Make sure the insurer will file the SR22 electronically with the DMV so you don’t run into delays.
Costs and Fees Associated with SR22
SR22 insurance almost always costs more than regular liability insurance. You’re seen as a higher risk by the state and insurers.
On top of higher premiums, there’s a one-time SR22 filing fee—usually $15 to $50 in Colorado. Your total price depends on your driving record, car, and insurance company.
Calling around can help you find a better deal.
Duration and Renewal of SR22 Insurance
You’ll need to keep SR22 insurance for at least as long as the Colorado DMV requires—usually three years. The clock starts once you get your driving privileges back.
Your insurer sends proof of continuous coverage to the DMV during this time. If you let your insurance lapse or don’t renew, your license will be suspended again.
After the required period, ask your insurer to file a certificate of “SR22 removal” to show you’re done. Renew your policy on time to avoid problems.
Implications of SR22 Insurance on Driving in Colorado
SR22 insurance affects your car insurance rates, driving record, and the steps to get your license back. It’s good to know what you’re in for.
Impact on Car Insurance Rates
Once you file an SR22 in Colorado, expect your insurance rates to jump. Insurers see you as high risk.
Premiums can go up a lot, sometimes even double. The exact cost depends on your driving history and why you needed the SR22—like a DUI or driving without insurance.
You have to keep the SR22 active for the whole required period, often three years. If your policy lapses or the SR22 is dropped, your insurer tells the state and your license could be suspended again.
Driving Record Considerations
Filing an SR22 means you’ve had some serious driving violations—DUIs, reckless driving, or driving uninsured.
These stay on your record and affect your driving privileges. The violations that led to your SR22 usually come with points or penalties that both insurers and authorities can see.
Your record will also help determine how long you need the SR22. More serious or repeated offenses can mean longer requirements and higher costs.
License Reinstatement Process
Before you can even think about an SR22, your license might be suspended or revoked. Colorado has a few hoops you’ll have to jump through to get it back.
First up, file the SR22 form with your insurance company. There are also fines and fees tied to the suspension—those need to be paid.
You won’t get your driving privileges back until the SR22 is approved and active. After you’ve met the required time with the SR22 on file, you can apply to restore your full driving rights.
If you don’t keep your SR22 current, your license could get suspended all over again. Stick to the state rules—nobody wants more headaches than they already have.