If you’ve been told you need SR22 insurance in South Dakota, it means the state wants proof you have the right coverage after certain driving violations. SR22 is a form your insurance company files to confirm you carry the minimum required auto insurance.
This requirement usually pops up if your license was suspended or you got caught driving without insurance.
Getting SR22 insurance can feel confusing. Really, it just means you’ll have to work with an insurer that files this form with the South Dakota DMV.
It’s important to know when this requirement applies and how it might affect your insurance costs. The process might seem overwhelming, but knowing the basics makes it a lot less stressful.
Key Takeaways
- You need SR22 to prove you have required insurance after violations.
- Your insurance company files the SR22 form with the DMV.
- SR22 can increase your insurance costs and requires maintaining coverage.
Understanding SR22 Insurance in South Dakota
If you’ve had certain driving offenses or let your insurance lapse, you may need to file an SR22 in South Dakota. This certificate proves you meet the state’s insurance rules and lets you keep your driving privileges.
What Is SR22 Insurance?
SR22 isn’t actually insurance. It’s a certificate your insurance company files with the state to show you have the minimum liability coverage required by South Dakota.
The SR22 acts as proof of financial responsibility after serious driving incidents. You’ll need to keep the SR22 filing for a set period, usually three years.
If your insurance lapses or is canceled, your insurer has to let the state know. That can lead to a license suspension.
Who Needs SR22 Insurance in South Dakota
You’ll probably need SR22 insurance if you’ve had:
- DUI convictions
- Reckless driving charges
- Driving without insurance
- Multiple serious traffic violations
- Lapses in your auto insurance coverage
The state uses SR22 to make sure you carry proper insurance after these kinds of risks. It’s their way of making sure you can cover damages if you cause an accident.
Legal Requirements and State Regulations
South Dakota law says you have to keep the SR22 for a specific time, typically three years from the date of your offense or license reinstatement.
Your insurer files the SR22 with the South Dakota Division of Motor Vehicles. If you don’t keep up with SR22 requirements, you could lose your license again or face other penalties.
You’re required to carry at least this much liability coverage:
| Coverage Type | Minimum Amount |
|---|---|
| Bodily Injury | $25,000 per person |
| Bodily Injury | $50,000 per accident |
| Property Damage | $25,000 |
During this time, you’ll probably pay higher premiums since you’re considered high risk.
How to Obtain SR22 Insurance in South Dakota
To get SR22 insurance in South Dakota, you’ll need to file the right form with the DMV, pick an insurer that offers SR22 coverage, and follow the state’s timeline for approval.
Each step matters if you want your proof of insurance to be valid and accepted.
Steps to File an SR22 Form
Start by contacting an insurance company that offers SR22 insurance. Your insurer will file the SR22 form with the South Dakota DMV for you.
You need to keep at least the state’s minimum liability coverage while the SR22 is active. After filing, there’s usually a small filing fee, which varies by company.
Once the DMV gets your SR22 form, it serves as proof you meet the insurance requirements after your citation or suspension.
Choosing an SR22 Insurance Provider
Not every insurance company offers SR22 filing. You’ll need to find one that’s authorized to file on your behalf in South Dakota.
It’s smart to compare rates from different providers. Pay attention to both the cost of SR22 insurance and any filing fees.
Look for a provider with experience in SR22 filings. Some insurers bundle SR22 filing with affordable auto insurance policies, which can help save some cash.
Timeline for Approval and Filing
Your insurer usually files the SR22 form with the DMV within a few days.
Once the DMV receives it, your SR22 status is updated, often within 24 to 72 hours. You’ll need to keep your SR22 insurance active for the period set by the state, usually 1 to 3 years.
If you cancel your coverage or let it lapse before the required period ends, the DMV will be notified and your license could be suspended again.
Costs and Financial Considerations
Understanding the costs tied to SR22 insurance in South Dakota helps you plan your budget. Several factors affect how much you’ll pay, but there are ways to keep your expenses in check while meeting the law.
Average Premium Increases
SR22 insurance in South Dakota usually bumps your premiums up quite a bit. On average, you can expect to pay between $300 and $900 extra per year for the SR22 alone.
Some sources report yearly costs around $1,500 to $2,300, depending on your insurer and driving record.
There’s also a small fee for filing the SR22 form—usually about $0 to $25 per term—sometimes it’s rolled into your insurance payment.
Factors Affecting SR22 Insurance Costs
Your driving history is the biggest factor in your SR22 insurance costs. A DUI or other serious violations make you a higher risk, so rates go up.
Other things that matter:
- Insurance company: Rates can be all over the place depending on the provider.
- Length of SR22 requirement: Usually three years, sometimes longer.
- Vehicle type: More expensive cars can mean higher premiums.
- Your location: Costs can change depending on where you live in South Dakota.
- Your age and credit history: Younger drivers or those with poor credit might pay more.
How to Reduce Your SR22 Insurance Expenses
There are a few ways to try to lower your SR22 insurance costs:
- Shop around: Rates really do vary. Some, like Nationwide, offer lower rates around $1,538 yearly.
- Keep a clean driving record: Don’t add any new violations if you can help it.
- Take defensive driving courses: Some insurers give discounts for finishing approved courses.
- Choose a higher deductible: Lowers your premium, but you’ll pay more if you need to file a claim.
- Look for discounts: Safe driver, multi-policy, or loyalty discounts can help.
Managing these factors can help you avoid paying more than you have to.
Maintaining and Canceling SR22 Insurance in South Dakota
You’ve got to keep your SR22 insurance active for a set time and avoid any gaps in coverage. Canceling your policy early or letting it lapse can bring serious penalties.
Removing the SR22 filing means following specific state rules.
How Long You Need to Keep SR22 Coverage
In South Dakota, you usually need to maintain SR22 insurance for 3 years from the date it was filed. This period might be different if the court or DMV says so.
You have to keep the coverage active without any breaks. Your insurance company will notify the DMV if your policy ends or is canceled early.
If that happens, your driver’s license could be suspended right away. To avoid problems, always pay your premiums on time and double-check that your insurer files the SR22 with the state.
Impact of Lapses or Violations
If your SR22 coverage lapses, your license can be suspended. That means you’re not legally allowed to drive.
Violating SR22 requirements—like driving without insurance or getting into more serious trouble—can extend how long you need SR22 or require more filings.
You might also get hit with fines or other penalties from the DMV or court. And yes, your insurance rates could climb even higher.
Staying current with your coverage and following traffic laws is the best way to steer clear of these headaches.
Process for Removing SR22 Filing
To get rid of the SR22 filing, you’ll need to stick it out for the required period—no insurance lapses, no new violations.
Once that’s behind you, reach out to your insurance company and ask them to stop filing the SR22 form with the DMV.
They’ll send proof showing you’re off the hook for the SR22.
It’s a good idea to double-check with the DMV yourself to make sure your driving status is actually updated and the requirement’s gone.
Don’t forget to keep regular insurance after all this. Driving uninsured just opens up a whole new can of worms.