The SR22 Form
If you have been involved in an accident or convicted of a traffic offense and were not able to show proof of an active auto liability insurance policy, most states require that you obtain an SR22 form from your insurer in order to restore a revoked driver's license. An SR22 form is a document your insurer provides to the state's DMV as proof to the court that you have a valid liability insurance policy in effect. Although most states require an SR22 form for the above situations, the wording and requirements may differ.

SR22 Insurance Companies
Not all insurers are filed with the state to issue SR22 forms. Expect to pay a $15 to $25 filing fee and, for DUI convictions, most insurers require a 6 month premium to be paid in full before they will issue an SR22. Many insurers require a policy be paid in full regardless of the offense for which you are mandated to obtain an SR22 form.

Form SR22 State Requirements
Some states do not issue SR22 forms. If you move into a non-SR22 state from a state that requires it, you must maintain the same level of liability insurance in the new state and keep up with the SR22 filing period for the previous state. The SR22 requirement follows you if you move into a non-SR22 state. It is important therefore, to learn about the SR22 requirements for your current state and the state you are moving to.

Why States Require an SR22 Insurance Form
If you have been convicted of a DUI offense or were apprehended while driving without proof of liability insurance and were involved in an accident, many states mandate that you show proof of financial responsibility before they will give your license back. A suspended driver's license, no matter what the cause, is a serious handicap for any working person and courts revoke licenses in order to protect the public and send offenders a message. You must prove you are financially responsible and willing to obey the law before being allowed back on the road.

Who Benefits From the SR22 Requirement
Reversing a revoked license requires a lot of work on the part of the offender. Doing so is an exercise in taking responsibility and represents a meaningful step in rehabilitating the law-breaker. A drop in DUI recidivism is occurring in the states where SR22 insurance forms are required. Not only is that good news for the public at large, but it also suggests that the SR22 requirement can play a role in the long-term recovery of alcoholics as well. In more ways than one, the SR22 process is a benefit to the individual law-breaker and society in general.