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Filing the SR-22 Insurance Form

Updated on Thu, 4/28/2011

The state of Ohio 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 are involved in an accident that resulted in death, injury or property damage exceeding $400 and did not have liability insurance at the time.
  2. If you were unable to provide proof of valid insurance to a police officer.
  3. If you were found guilty of a of a major traffic violation.

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 Ohio 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 Ohio, the minimum amount of coverage should be $12,500 for one person killed or injured, $25,000 for two or more persons killed or injured and $7,500 for property damage.
  4. Upon receiving the request from the agent the central office then sends the SR-22 directly to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. This process may take a maximum of 5 days.
  5. If accepted, you will receive the SR-22 from the agency along with a letter from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
  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.

FOR OUT OF STATE RESIDENTS

  1. Under normal circumstances, your liability insurance from another state will be sufficient to meet financial responsibility requirements in the state of Ohio. However, it is always a good idea to check with your insurance company.
  2. In case you are required to file a SR-22 in Ohio, you will have to procure it from an insurance company that is licensed to do business in the state.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • An amount of $30,000 in cash or securities may be deposited with the State Treasurer in place of the SR-22. The motorist can also file a surety bond for $32,500 with a licensed insurance company.
  • For related information, see Auto Insurance, DUI/ DWI Lawyers, DUI/DWI Information and Suspended License.