The state of Montana uses the SR-22 form to help protect its citizens against problem drivers by monitoring their insurance. It requires the auto insurance company to file the SR-22 form as a proof of a problem driver's financial responsibility, stating that his/her auto insurance liability is in effect. The state does not send notifications and it is the responsibility of the driver and the auto insurance company to submit the form as well as the renewals, to the state, if required.

WHAT IS A SR-22 FORM?

There are three different types of SR-22 forms:

1. The Operator's Certificate covers the financial responsibility in the case the motorist does not own a vehicle.
2. The Owner's Certificate covers the financial responsibility for vehicles owned by the motorist.
3. The Operators-Owners Certificate covers financial responsibility for all the vehicles that are owned or non-owned by the motorist.

WHEN IS SR-22 REQUIRED?

The SR-22 financial responsibility Insurance form is required in the following cases:

1. If you have any safety responsibility suspensions. For example, if an uninsured driver was involved in an accident in the past but did not pay the requisite compensation then he or she needs to fill the SR-22.
2. If you have any unsatisfied judgment suspensions. For example, if a driver involved in an accident in the past has an unsatisfactory judgment entered against him then he or she needs to fill the SR-22.
3. In case of revocations of license.
4. In the case of mandatory insurance supervisions.
5. For individuals who have received more than three convictions for mandatory insurance violations.

FILING FOR THE SR-22

1. Contact a state-authorized insurance agency to request for a SR-22 filing.
2. Pay the correct processing fee to the agency. The fee amount may vary between agencies. You can request an insurance quote from our Montana auto insurance page and companies such as Esurance will allow you to request an SR-22 filing automatically.
3. As per the State laws of Montana, the minimum amount of coverage should be $25,000 for one person killed or injured, $50,000 for two or more persons killed or injured and $10,000 for property damage.
4. Upon receiving the request from the agent the central office then sends the SR-22 directly to the Secretary of State in about 30 days.
5. If accepted, you will receive the SR-22 from the agency along with a letter from the Secretary of State.
6. The SR-22 has to be maintained for a minimum period of 36 months. If the motorist does not renew it at least 15 days before the expiration date the agency notifies the State. The State may then suspend the driving record of the motorist until the insurance is reinstated. So it is advisable to renew the SR-22 at least 45 days in advance.

FOR OUT OF STATE RESIDENTS

1. If you are out of state you can request a waiver of your financial responsibility proof by filing an affidavit.
2. In case you move to another state, the affidavit filed will only waive off your financial responsibility in Montana, the requirements of your new state of residence will however be applicable to you.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• The following may be used as a Proof of Financial Responsibility in place of SR 22:
• A certificate of insurance from an insurance company authorized to conduct business in the state of Montana.
• A bond from a surety company authorized to conduct business in the state of Montana or a bond from 2 individual sureties owning real estate in the state can be deposited with the department.
• Deposit of cash or securities worth $55,000 can be deposited with the State treasury.
• A certificate of self insurance issued by the department to any person who owns more than 25 vehicles in his name. Such a person will pay the same judgments and the same amounts that an insurer would have to pay under the owner's motor vehicle liability policy.
• For related information, see Auto Insurance, DUI/ DWI Lawyers, DUI/DWI Information and Suspended License.