If you’ve been told you need SR22 insurance in Maryland, you might be scratching your head about what that actually means. SR22 insurance is a certificate proving you carry the minimum liability coverage required by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) for certain high-risk drivers.
It’s not its own kind of insurance—think of it more like a receipt that shows you’re following the rules.
You might need an SR22 if your license got suspended or you’ve racked up some violations on your record. Usually, this filing sticks around for up to three years.
After you’ve jumped through all the right hoops, you can ask to get it taken off your record.
Key Takeways
- You need SR22 to prove you have required liability insurance in Maryland.
- SR22 is often required after license suspension or traffic violations.
- The filing typically lasts up to three years before it can be removed.
Understanding SR22 Insurance in Maryland
SR22 insurance is a special kind of proof showing you’re meeting the state’s financial responsibility rules. It’s for people who’ve had serious driving violations or a suspended license.
You’ll have to stick to Maryland’s coverage minimums and keep the SR22 for a set amount of time.
What Is SR22 Insurance?
SR22 isn’t actually an insurance policy—it’s a certificate your insurer files with the Maryland MVA. This lets the state know you’re carrying enough liability coverage.
If you have SR22, your insurer keeps the MVA in the loop with regular updates. This goes on for a few years, usually three.
If your insurance lapses or drops, the MVA can suspend your license again. Not fun.
Who Needs SR22 Insurance in Maryland?
You’ll probably need SR22 if the MVA says so after something like a DUI or a string of serious traffic offenses. It’s a common requirement after your license gets suspended or revoked.
If you were caught driving without insurance or caused an accident while uninsured, SR22 might be in your future. The state just wants to know you’re now carrying enough coverage in case something happens again.
Maryland State Requirements
Maryland says you have to keep certain minimums for liability coverage if you’re under SR22:
- Bodily injury liability: minimum $30,000 per person, $60,000 per accident
- Property damage liability: minimum $15,000 per accident
You’ve got to keep this coverage active the whole time the SR22 is required—usually three years. If you let it lapse or cancel, your insurer has to tell the MVA right away.
Lose SR22 status and you could be looking at another license suspension, or worse.
How to Obtain SR22 Insurance in Maryland
Getting SR22 insurance in Maryland isn’t super complicated, but you’ll need to follow a few steps and have the right paperwork ready. Knowing what to expect can save you some headaches.
Steps to Get SR22 Filed
First, find an insurance company in Maryland that handles SR22 filings. Not all of them do, so you might need to shop around a bit.
Buy an auto policy that meets the state minimums, and your insurer will send the SR22 form to the MVA electronically.
You have to keep your insurance going as long as the SR22 is in effect. If your coverage lapses or gets canceled, the MVA will hear about it, and you could end up with more penalties.
There are extra fees, too. Insurance is usually pricier for folks needing SR22, and you might also get hit with a separate filing fee.
Documents Required
You’ll need some basic info to get started:
- Your driver’s license number
- Vehicle registration details
- Proof of prior insurance (if you had any)
- Court or MVA documents ordering SR22 filing
If your suspension was for something specific, like a DUI, you’ll need to show court paperwork. This confirms you actually need SR22 and helps your insurer file everything right.
Having your paperwork ready makes the process smoother and gets you back on the road faster.
How Long SR22 Is Needed
Maryland usually wants you to keep SR22 insurance for 3 years from when you get your license back.
You’ve got to keep your coverage active the whole time. If you drop it early, your license will probably get suspended again.
Once you’ve made it through the required time and met all other conditions, you can ask your insurer to stop filing the SR22. Let the MVA know you’re done, usually by showing proof of insurance without the SR22 attached.
Costs and Impacts of SR22 Insurance
SR22 insurance in Maryland isn’t cheap, and it comes with some strings attached. The price depends on your driving record, what kind of car you drive, and a few other things.
You’ll also have to pay extra fees, and missing payments or letting your insurance lapse can land you in serious trouble.
Factors Affecting Insurance Rates
Your driving record is the main thing that affects your SR22 insurance cost. If you’ve got a DUI or a bunch of violations, expect to pay more.
Credit scores and the type of car you drive matter too. Expensive or high-risk cars can bump up your rates.
In Maryland, SR22 insurance can run anywhere from $62 to $122 per month, depending on your situation.
If you’ve got major violations, you could end up paying $2,000 or more each year.
SR22 Surcharges and Additional Fees
Filing for SR22 comes with a fee, usually between $15 and $50. It’s a one-time thing you pay to the state or your insurer.
Your premiums will be higher the whole time you’re required to have SR22. This surcharge sticks around for 3 years or until Maryland says you’re off the hook.
Some insurers tack on extra administrative fees for all the extra paperwork and risk. It’s just part of the deal for SR22 drivers.
Consequences of Lapses or Non-Compliance
If your SR22 insurance lapses or you forget to file proof with the DMV, your driver’s license might get suspended. That suspension sticks around until you get coverage back and pay whatever fines are waiting.
Missed payments or a canceled policy? The state usually hears about it right away. You’ve got to move quickly to dodge extra penalties.
Non-compliance can also push your insurance rates up when you try to get coverage again. Insurers tend to see you as a bigger risk after that.
Honestly, it’s worth the hassle to keep your SR22 active and current. No one wants to deal with more legal or financial headaches than they already have.