SR-22 insurance in Arkansas isn’t a type of insurance but rather a certificate of financial responsibility that some drivers must file. It’s often required for individuals who have been convicted of certain driving-related offenses, such as DUI, driving without insurance, reckless driving or multiple traffic offenses.
Your insurance company submits the SR-22 form to the Arkansas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) on your behalf. It proves that you carry the minimum liability insurance required by the state. Make sure to keep your insurance active for the duration mandated by the court or DMV.
This guide provides an overview of what SR-22 insurance covers in Arkansas and how it can influence your annual premiums.
Who needs an SR-22 in Arkansas?
In Arkansas, if your driver’s license gets suspended or revoked because of certain violations, you might need SR-22. It is a form that proves you have car insurance.
Here are some reasons why a driver might need an SR-22:
- DUI or DWI (driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated) conviction
- Reckless driving
- Driving without insurance
- Multiple traffic offenses within a short period
- If you’re involved in an accident and don’t have car insurance, the DMV may suspend your license and require you to file an SR-22
- Nonpayment of fines or penalties if you’re sued after an accident
The SR-22 requirement in Arkansas typically lasts 3 years, although it can vary depending on the violation. You must maintain at least the minimum car insurance coverage required by Arkansas laws during this period.
Learn more about how to find out if you still need an SR-22
How do I get an SR-22 in Arkansas?
To obtain SR-22 insurance in Arkansas, you must first get a car insurance policy. Then, the insurance company will submit an SR-22 form to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) on your behalf.
Getting the right auto insurance:
- Contact your current insurance company: Many insurance companies file SR-22 forms, but keep in mind that your rates will go up.
- Comparison shopping: It’s a good idea to compare rates from other insurance companies. Tell them you need an SR-22 so they give you accurate quotes.
- Meet state minimum car insurance requirements: You’ll need to purchase minimum liability coverage with limits of 25/50/25.
Filing the SR-22:
- Inform your insurance company about your SR-22 requirement. They will take care of the paperwork and file the form with the DMV for you.
- Pay the fees. There will be a filing fee for the SR-22 from your insurer and the increased premiums due to your high-risk status.
- Maintain continuous coverage. Make sure there is no lapse in the insurance coverage to avoid license suspension by the DMV.
Having an SR-22 may increase your car insurance costs because it signifies a riskier driver. To minimize the impact, compare quotes from different insurers and focus on safe driving habits to get lower rates in the future.
Discover your options for getting SR-22 insurance without a valid license
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- Non-owner car insurance in Arkansas: Find affordable rates
- Liability insurance for Arkansas drivers
- Minimum car insurance requirements in Arkansas
- Arkansas car insurance calculator: Get quotes by ZIP code & vehicle
- How much is car insurance for a 25-year-old in Arkansas?
- Car insurance for high-risk drivers in Arkansas
- Cheap car insurance for seniors in Arkansas
- Car insurance discounts in Arkansas; 12% potential savings
- What’s the cheapest car insurance in Arkansas?
- How much does car insurance cost in Arkansas?
How much is SR-22 insurance in Arkansas?
The cost of car insurance in Arkansas is $2,225 per year for full coverage with an SR-22, which is $132 higher than the national average of $2,093 annually. However, having a DUI on your driving record can significantly increase your premium to an average of $3,879 per year for full coverage.
In addition to the increased premium, there’s usually a small fee associated with filing the SR-22 form. To get your license reinstated, you must acquire car insurance and submit the SR-22 form.
How much is SR-22 insurance per month in Arkansas?
Drivers in Arkansas who have a DUI on their record can expect to pay $323 per month for a full coverage policy, which includes an SR-22.
Only some insurance companies provide car insurance for high-risk drivers, so you might need to look around to find one that does. When you do find an insurer, be prepared for higher premiums because of driving violations on your record.
However, by practicing responsible driving and steering clear of speeding, DUI and other violations, you can improve your driving record and possibly reduce your insurance premiums over time.
Affordable SR-22 insurance companies by state
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Cheapest SR-22 insurance companies in Arkansas
Nationwide offers the cheapest SR-22 car insurance rates to Arkansas drivers at an average annual premium of $1,582. Geico and State Farm also offer affordable SR-22 car insurance rates in Arkansas, based on an in-depth analysis by CarInsurance.com.
After a DUI or other traffic violation in Arkansas, getting SR-22 insurance is a requirement. While the SR-22 form doesn’t impact insurance costs, the violations that necessitate it typically result in higher premiums. However, high-risk drivers can still find affordable auto insurance rates in Arkansas.
Company | Full coverage rates without SR-22 | Full coverage rates after filling SR-22 |
---|---|---|
Nationwide | 1,503 | 1,582 |
Geico | 1,794 | 1,820 |
State Farm | 2,060 | 2,364 |
Progressive | 2,431 | 2,769 |
Allstate | 2,729 | 2,985 |
Farmers | 2,248 | 3,025 |
USAA* | 1,090 | 1,111 |
Find out which providers offer the cheapest SR-22 car insurance
How long do I need SR-22 insurance in Arkansas?
You will need an SR-22 in Arkansas for a period of 3 years. This document proves to the Arkansas DMV that you are maintaining state-mandated coverage.
SR-22 insurance varies by state and the reason you need it. Usually, it’s required for three years but in some cases, it might be longer. For example, if someone has repeat violations, the requirement could extend out to five years, says Dr. James Brau, Joel C. Peterson professor of finance at Brigham Young University.
What happens if I cancel my SR-22 insurance?
Canceling your SR-22 insurance before the mandated period ends can lead to several serious consequences
- Driver’s license suspension: Your insurance company is required to inform the state if your SR-22 is canceled. This will likely lead to your driver’s license being suspended.
- Fines and penalties: Non-compliance with SR-22 requirements may incur additional fines or penalties, adding to the financial consequences of policy cancellation.
- extended probationary period: If your SR-22 was a condition of probation for a driving offense, canceling it could reset the probation clock.
- Insurance premium increase: A lapse in coverage and violations can lead to significant spikes in insurance premiums.
It’s important to fulfill the SR-22 requirements for the specified duration without any lapses or cancellations to avoid legal repercussions and maintain driving privileges.
How to get an SR-22 removed in Arkansas
If you want your SR-22 filing removed in Arkansas, the easiest way is to wait out the mandatory filing period. In Arkansas, this period typically lasts for 3 years from the date of filing.
Brau explains that you should maintain continuous insurance coverage without any lapses. If you cancel your policy or let it expire, the SR-22 will no longer be valid. Wait out the required period. During this time, drive responsibly and maintain your insurance coverage.
“Check with your state’s DMV and confirm the exact duration and any additional requirements for removal. Some states may require you to submit a formal request or provide proof of good driving behavior,” he says.
“Once the required period has passed, ask your insurer to file an SR-26 form with the DMV. This form notifies them that you no longer need an SR-22. After your insurer submits the SR-26, check with the DMV to ensure the SR-22 is officially removed from your record.”
How does an SR-22 affect car insurance rates in Arkansas?
An SR-22 requirement can significantly impact your car insurance rates in Arkansas. Insurance companies often view drivers with an SR-22 as high-risk, which can lead to higher premiums.
The specific rate increase can vary depending on several factors, including the insurance company’s policies, driving record, the reason for needing the SR-22, and other personal factors.
Don’t settle for the first offer. Compare quotes from multiple insurers to get the best deal on car insurance with an SR-22. If you stay violation-free and comply with the SR-22 requirements, your rates could go down over time.
Select your age, gender and type of violation to see average annual SR-22 insurance rates by company.
Note: These rates are for a full coverage policy with limits of 100/300/100 with a $500 deductible.
Non-owner SR-22 insurance for Arkansas drivers
If you don’t have a car but require an SR-22 in Arkansas, non-owner SR-22 insurance can help you reinstate your driving privileges and meet the SR-22 requirements.
Non-owner car insurance provides liability coverage in case you get into an accident while borrowing or renting a vehicle. This protects you from having to pay for damages or injuries to others caused by an accident. Since not all companies offer non-owner insurance and SR-22, it’s important to shop around and compare options in your state to find the right coverage for your needs.
Frequently asked questions: SR-22 insurance in Arkansas
How do I check my SR-22 status online in Arkansas?
You can easily check your SR22 status by visiting the official website of the Arkansas DMV and using their online services. Alternatively, you can contact the Arkansas DMV by phone to inquire about your SR-22 status, and they can provide you with the required information.
Do I need an SR-1P or SR-22 in Arkansas?
Both the SR-22 and SR-1P are forms your insurance company submits to the Arkansas DMV, ensuring you meet the mandated liability coverage. For motorcycle riders, mopeds, and scooter users, the SR-1P is the relevant form. If you’ve been caught riding your two-wheeler without insurance or have had your license suspended, you’ll require an SR-1P.
What happens to your SR-22 insurance in Arkansas if you move?
An SR-22 requirement stays even when you move to a new state. Find a new insurance company licensed in your current state to file a new SR-22. They must submit the form with both the Arkansas DMV and your new state’s DMV to transfer the requirement. Maintain continuous coverage until the new SR-22 is in effect.
SR-22 requirements can vary from state to state, so it’s essential to consult with your new insurance company and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in your new state to determine the necessary steps.
Does Geico offer SR-22 in Arkansas?
Geico provides SR-22 in Arkansas, ensuring you meet the state’s insurance requirements and offer adequate coverage required by the state.
Resources & Methodology
Sources
SR-22 Adviser. “SR-22 Requirements by State.” Accessed November 2024.
Methodology
CarInsurance.com commissioned Quadrant Information Services to get SR-22 car insurance rates in Arkansas. The rates are based on the sample profile of a 40-year-old driver with a clean driving record and good insurance score. We have compared 50,73,544 from 138 national and regional car insurance companies across 548 cities and 1,468 ZIP codes to evaluate the premiums.
Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.