In Indiana, SR22 rates refer to the additional fees that a driver pays in addition to their regular auto insurance. SR22 is an Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) mandated requirement for drivers who pose a significant risk on the road. Drivers in the state must purchase this vital insurance in the event of serious traffic offenses or certain court convictions.

Individuals who lose their driving privileges are required to maintain SR22 for the duration of their suspension. In the state, suspensions are either for a three year or five-year period based on the offense. Cancellation of the policy without notifying BMV results in a continuation of the suspension. Read below for more information on who needs SR22 insurance and how it can help you regain your driving privileges.


What is Indiana SR22 insurance?

An SR22 form is a voucher that the insurance company submits to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) that proves a driver has sufficient liability coverage. The BMV uses the SR22 information to ensure that those motorists determined to problematic drivers have appropriate coverage in the event of traffic-related offenses.

The BMV requires drivers to maintain 20/50/10 insurance. Specifically, $25,000 for bodily injury or death of an individual, $50,000 for bodily injury or the death of two or more individuals and $25,000 for property damage. The SR22 form verifies that the coverage is in effect and the specific amount of the coverage. The form is a BMV mandated requirement instead an optional add-on.

Usually, it is only required temporarily and may be dropped at the discretion of the BMV. The BMV must receive the SSR2 form directly from the insurance company rather than from the driver. Further, the policy may not be canceled without prior notice to the BMV.

Who needs SR22 insurance in Indiana?

Not all motorists are required to purchase Indiana SR22, and the state notifies individuals who must carry the coverage. The Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) determines who needs SR22 insurance in Indiana based on a variety of factors including certain court-related convictions. More specifically, the department requires SR22 for any suspension of driving privileges as outlined below:

  • Driving while intoxicated is a conviction for drivers who fail an alcohol sobriety test or who refuse to submit to an alcohol sobriety test.
  • Failing to maintain insurance or a lapse in SSR2 coverage is an offense in which a driver has not obtained the minimum amount of insurance required by the BMV.
  • Failure to appear in court is a violation in which a motorist has received traffic violations but has not appeared in court to resolve the matter.

Motorists must maintain the insurance for the duration of their suspension. Failure to do so results in the continuation of the suspension. Drivers who have questions on who needs SR22 insurance should contact the BMV for more details.

Reinstating Driving Privileges With SR22 in Indiana

Drivers may cease paying SR-22 rates when they are eligible to have their driving privileges restored. The BMV notifies motorists when they are eligible to drop the SR2 and the procedures they must follow to do so. At a time set by the BMV, drivers will receive what is known as a Reinstatement Requirement Notice.

In that notice, is information on the requirements that must be satisfied and any applicable fees for the reinstatement. Once SR22 has been dropped, motorists will still need to maintain liability insurance to keep their driving privileges.

How to Get SR22 Insurance in Indiana

The BMV does not issue Indiana SR-22 insurance nor does it regulate the rates. Insurance companies set SR-22 rates and offer this coverage to its customers. Typically, SR-22 is an add-on to an existing policy. In this case, drivers would pay an extra fee to add it to their plan.

In some cases, the insurance company may require a driver to purchase a new policy that has it combined into the plan. Drivers should speak with an insurance agent for SR-22 insurance quotes and for more information on how to obtain it. SR22 is an insurance add-on for those with repeated driving-related incidents.

As such, many insurance companies consider these drivers to be “high risk’. As such, some companies don’t offer the coverage, or they may charge a premium for it. Motorists may need to shop around for the best rates for their situation.

How to File SR22 Insurance in Indiana

Only an insurance company may file an Indiana SR22 with the BMV, and the department does not accept them from drivers. Once a driver purchases SR22, the insurance company will submit the form on their behalf. Should a driver cancel their policy, the insurance company must notify the BMV.

Penalties for Not Filing an SR22 Form in Indiana

An Indiana SR22 form is required to reinstate driving privileges. Motorists who do not file an SR22 with the DMV will have a continuation of the suspension on their driving record. Once the SR22 has been filed, and the driver complies with all BMV requirements, drivers may regain driving privileges.

Last updated on Wednesday, October 14 2020.