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After committing a serious traffic violation or driving without insurance, you might find yourself with a suspended license. If this happens, you may need SR-22 coverage before your state’s DMV will reinstate your license. SR-22 insurance can be expensive or difficult to find, but if you want to drive legally, look for a company that offers this type of insurance. Thankfully, Wisconsin has plenty of options to help you get back on the road. Let’s explore the SR-22 insurance Wisconsin offers.
What Is SR-22 Insurance?
SR-22 is technically not a type of insurance. It’s a certificate insurance companies provide that guarantees you’ll keep the minimum required coverage for a specified period. Because the insurance company offers this certificate on your behalf, you must pay a higher premium and keep up with your policy payments for the required length of time, which is usually three years. Typically, an insurance policy that meets the needs of an SR-22 will cover a minimum of:
- $25,000 in the event of a death
- $50,000 to cover personal injury costs
- $10,000 for damaged property
Why Would You Need SR-22 Insurance?
Typically, you wouldn’t choose to purchase SR-22 insurance. Drivers often look for an insurance company that provides this type of policy because the state requires proof of coverage to continue driving. Examples of scenarios requiring SR-22 include:
- A driver who’s younger than 18 years old and doesn’t have an adult sponsor
- Someone who wants an occupational license after a governing body suspends their license
- A motorist who wants to reinstate their driving privileges following the suspension of their license
Often, someone seeking SR-22 coverage has a suspended license. The Wisconsin DMV might choose to suspend a person’s license if they:
- Commit a serious traffic violation, such as an OWI, DUI, or DWI
- Receive too many tickets in a short period
- Earn more than 12 points on their license within a year
- Cause a car accident while driving without insurance
If you accumulate 12 or more points in 12 months, you might be able to reduce your points by up to three by attending a DMV-approved traffic safety course. Contact the Wisconsin DMV if you want to pursue this option, as it can be much cheaper than purchasing an SR-22 policy. You can only take this course once per year, however, so check to see if you’re eligible.
How Do You Get SR-22 Insurance in Wisconsin?
If you need an SR-22 certificate, you can follow a few simple steps to request this certification from an insurance company. First, review the coverage you need to satisfy the SR-22 requirements for your situation. Look at how long you need this proof of coverage so you can find a company that provides the insurance policy you need.
Second, research companies that offer SR-22 coverage and compare quotes. You might need to contact several companies to find one that can complete your SR-22 requirements at an affordable price. Tell your insurance company if you’re purchasing SR-22 insurance because you’re a minor who doesn’t have a sponsor, rather than as a requirement to reinstate your license.
Another option to consider is a non-owner SR-22 insurance policy, which can cost less than a regular SR-22 insurance policy. Keep in mind that non-owner insurance is only available for people who don’t own or live with someone who owns a car, so it might not be available to everyone.
Third, purchase your policy and pay the SR-22 certificate filing fee to your insurance company. Typically, this fee is less than $50, and you’ll only need to pay it once.
After completing these steps, you’ll need to wait until your insurance company files the SR-22 and the DMV reinstates your license. This can take a few business days. Then, you can resume driving. Remember to maintain your policy for the specified length of time. If you miss a payment or cancel your policy, your insurance company will report the lapse in coverage to the DMV, and you might find yourself with a suspended license again.
SR-22 Insurance Companies in Wisconsin
Many insurers provide SR-22 coverage, including companies with a national presence. While this isn’t an exhaustive list, the following companies offer SR-22 insurance in Wisconsin:
- USAA: On average, USAA offers the lowest rates for an SR-22 certification, with some reporting a cost increase of just $10 a month. USAA is only available for members of the military or their families.
- AAA: Many know AAA for its roadside assistance and travel discounts, but this company also offers SR-22 coverage. The rates are, on average, some of the highest, so compare prices first.
- West Bend Mutual Insurance Company: If you choose this company, you’ll pay one of the lower costs for SR-22 certification. People who don’t qualify for USAA insurance might want to request a quote from West Bend Mutual.
- GEICO: While most people know this company for its cost savings, GEICO is one of the more expensive insurance companies to offer SR-22 insurance, with average rates of a little more than $1,000 per month. Rates depend on your circumstances, however, so request a quote.
- State Farm Insurance: This company often advertises itself as supporting its customers and saving them money. Even customers who need SR-22 coverage will find that to be the case, as State Farm offers one of the lower rates for this type of insurance.
- American Family Insurance: American Family Insurance focuses on helping customers and building up communities. It also offers a low average rate for SR-22 insurance.
- Grange Insurance: This regional insurance company provides SR-22 coverage, along with plenty of discounts. It also gets lots of good reviews from its customers.
- Progressive Insurance: Another insurance company with a low cost for SR-22 insurance, Progressive provides non-owner SR-22 policies if you’re considering this option.
SR-22 certification can help you drive legally after a suspended license. While you might need to shop around, you can find plenty of companies that offer SR-22 coverage in Wisconsin. With any luck, you’ll be back on the road again in no time.
At FIXD, our mission is to make car ownership as simple, easy, and affordable as possible. Our research team utilizes the latest automotive data and insights to create tools and resources that help drivers get peace of mind and save money over the life of their car.
