So, you’ve had your license suspended in Mississippi and now you’re hearing about SR22 insurance. What is it? Basically, it’s a certificate that shows the state’s Department of Public Safety you’ve got the minimum car insurance required. Without this, you’re not getting back behind the wheel legally.
Getting SR22 insurance in Mississippi means your insurer files a certificate with the state. Most folks have to keep this coverage for at least three years.
Costs? They’re all over the place, depending on what you need and who you’re with. It’s worth understanding how SR22 works so you can get back on the road and steer clear of more penalties.
Key Takeaways
- SR22 insurance proves you meet Mississippi’s minimum car insurance rules.
- Your insurer has to file the proof with the state.
- You’ll usually need SR22 for about three years.
What Is SR22 Insurance in Mississippi?
SR22 insurance isn’t a regular policy. It’s a requirement for some drivers in Mississippi, showing you’ve got the minimum legal car insurance.
This affects your insurance situation and when you need to file proof with the state.
Definition and Purpose
An SR22 isn’t actually insurance. It’s a certificate your insurer files with the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS).
That form is proof you carry at least the state’s minimum liability coverage.
Why does the state want this? To make sure you’re financially responsible to drive after certain violations. It’s about accountability.
You’ll need to keep the SR22 on file for at least three years. If you drop it early, your license could get suspended again.
Who Needs SR22 Insurance?
You’ll need SR22 insurance in Mississippi if you’ve run into problems like:
- Driving without insurance
- DUI or DWI convictions
- Reckless driving charges
- License suspension or revocation
Usually, the DMV or court will tell you if you need to file an SR22. This comes up most often when you’re trying to get your license back.
If you don’t file the SR22, your driving privileges could get suspended again. It’s crucial to follow the rules.
Types of SR22 Forms
There are three main SR22 forms out there, depending on your situation:
| Form Type | Purpose | When It’s Used |
|---|---|---|
| Operator | Certifies insurance for your driving | Most common if you drive with a license |
| Owner | Shows your insurance covers your vehicle even if you don’t drive it | When you own a car but don’t drive often |
| Operator-Owner | Combines both purposes | If you both own and drive the car |
Which one do you need? It depends on whether you own the car, drive it, or both. Your insurance agent can help you figure it out.
How to Obtain SR22 Insurance in Mississippi
Getting SR22 insurance here isn’t complicated, but you do need to follow the steps. There are eligibility rules, a filing process, and you have to keep the coverage for a set time.
Steps to Filing an SR22
Start by contacting an insurance company that actually offers SR22 filings. Not every insurer does, so double-check before you buy.
Once you’ve got your policy, the insurer files the SR22 form with the Mississippi Department of Public Safety.
You have to keep your policy active while the SR22 is in effect. If your insurance lapses, the company will notify the state, and you could face more penalties or another suspension.
When the SR22 is filed and accepted, you’ll be able to reinstate your driving privileges.
Requirements for Mississippi Residents
If you’ve been convicted of a serious offense like DUI or had your license suspended, Mississippi will require you to have SR22 insurance.
You must carry at least the state’s minimum liability coverage, and your insurance company certifies this with the SR22 form.
Continuous coverage is a must—no gaps allowed. The cost can be higher due to your record, but some companies, like State Farm, offer rates starting around $30 to $85 per month, depending on what you need.
How Long You Need SR22 Insurance
Mississippi law says you’ll need SR22 insurance for at least three years. That clock starts ticking when your driving privileges are reinstated and the SR22 is on file.
If you let your coverage lapse, your license could get suspended again and you’ll have to start the three years over. After three years of uninterrupted coverage, you can ask to have the SR22 requirement removed.
Costs and Coverage for Mississippi SR22 Insurance
Needing SR22 insurance in Mississippi changes your costs and your coverage options. There are specific fees, and your regular car insurance rates will probably go up.
Average Costs and Fees
On average, SR22 insurance runs about $1,978 per year in Mississippi. Some companies are cheaper—Nationwide, for example, offers rates around $1,342 a year.
There’s also a filing fee for the SR22 itself, usually about $25 a year. Some insurers include this in your premium, so you might not see it as a separate charge.
Monthly payments can be as low as $30 with some providers for minimum coverage, but full coverage could be $85 or more.
Impact on Car Insurance Rates
Adding SR22 insurance almost always raises your rates. That’s because it’s required after serious violations like DUIs or driving without insurance.
How much your premium increases depends on the company. Some might bump it up by a few hundred dollars a year, others could be even pricier.
Your overall driving record matters too. More violations? Expect to pay more.
Coverage Options Available
SR22 insurance in Mississippi can be just the state minimum or full coverage.
At a minimum, you’ll need:
- $25,000 bodily injury per person
- $50,000 bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 property damage per accident
Full coverage—which includes collision and comprehensive—costs more but offers better protection for your vehicle.
It’s smart to compare providers and see what fits your budget and comfort level.
Maintaining and Removing SR22 Insurance
You’ve got to keep your SR22 insurance active, no exceptions. If there’s a lapse, you’re looking at more trouble. Once you’ve satisfied the required period, you can get the SR22 off your record.
Consequences of Lapse or Cancellation
If your SR22 insurance lapses or gets canceled, your license could be suspended again. Mississippi requires three years of continuous coverage, and missing even a single day resets the clock.
You might also face extra fees and have to file a new SR22, which just adds to your costs. Some insurers may even refuse to cover you if you’ve had gaps.
The best move? Pay your premiums on time and let your insurer know right away if anything changes. Keeping steady coverage is the only way to protect your driving privileges.
How to Remove SR22 from Your Record
Once you’ve kept SR22 insurance for the full required time, you can ask your insurer to file a certificate of cancellation with the state.
This tells the Department of Public Safety that you’re finally done with the SR22 requirement.
Before you do anything, double-check with both your insurer and the state to make sure the three-year period is really over.
If you stop filing the SR22 too soon, your license could get suspended all over again.
After it’s removed, you can go back to a regular insurance policy—no more SR22 restrictions.
It’s a good idea to keep proof of removal, just in case someone asks if you’ve met the state’s requirements.