7+ years writing insurance and personal finance content
Contributor to top media, including USA Today
A passionate personal finance advocate, Sarah’s writing has graced the pages of many of the personal finance and insurance industries’ top web publications.
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Licensed auto and home insurance agent
4+ years in content creation and marketing
As Insurify’s home and pet insurance editor, Danny also specializes in auto insurance. His goal is to help consumers navigate the complex world of insurance buying.
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Corporate communications director for Insurance Information Institute
20+ years in insurance and communications
As Director, Corporate Communications for Triple-I, Mark serves as the non-profit’s national spokesperson, sharing information and education on a wide array of insurance issues.
Updated October 30, 2024
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Table of contents
SR-22 forms indicate that you’re carrying the minimum amount of liability coverage your state requires. Not every driver needs to carry one, but if a major traffic violation appears on your record, you might be required to file for one with the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles. Importantly, only Florida and Virginia require FR-44 forms — Colorado drivers only need to understand SR-22 forms.
An SR-22 isn’t actually insurance, but rather a form that proves you meet Colorado's minimum liability insurance requirements.
Your insurance company will notify the DMV if you drop your insurance policy.
Failing to keep up with your SR-22 form could lead to suspension of your driver's license and vehicle registration.
What is SR-22 insurance in Colorado, and when do you need it?
Many mistakes behind the wheel only result in a simple traffic ticket. But if you get a DUI or reckless driving violation, you might face a license suspension. If you want to reclaim your driving privileges, the state of Colorado will likely require you to file an SR-22 form.[1]
An SR-22 isn’t a type of insurance policy. Instead, it’s a form that your insurer must file with the Colorado DMV to indicate that your insurance policy meets the state’s minimum liability coverage requirements.[1]
If you drop your insurance coverage, your insurer must let the DMV know. Dropping your coverage will typically lead to a suspended driver’s license, and possibly suspension of your vehicle registration as well.[1] Since not every insurer is willing to offer an SR-22 form, drivers facing this requirement face an extra wrinkle in getting the insurance coverage they need. And, if you require an SR-22 form, you'll pay more for car insurance than a driver with a clean motor vehicle record.
How can you get an SR-22 in Colorado?
A serious traffic violation, like reckless driving or a DUI, can lead to a suspended license. As a part of getting your license back, you’ll likely need to file an SR-22 form. If you’re not sure whether you need to file this form, confirm the details of your situation with the Colorado DMV.[1]
Once you know you need an SR-22, it’s time to get one from your insurance company. But not every insurance company provides these forms, so you might need to find a new insurer.
“Many major insurance companies will file an SR-22 for you,” says Jesse Cunningham, an insurance agent and owner of Bauple. “There are often smaller insurance companies specific to a state that specialize in offering insurance to high-risk drivers.”
Once you buy an insurance policy that meets Colorado’s minimum coverage requirements, an agent from the insurance company will issue an SR-22 form. You can then file this form with the DMV. If you’re also looking to get your license reinstated, you’ll need to file a reinstatement application as well.[1]
How long is an SR-22 required in Colorado?
In most cases, you’ll need to maintain your SR-22 form for three years.[2] If you aren’t sure about your situation’s exact requirements, contact the DMV. If you try to remove your SR-22 form early or drop your insurance coverage, you’ll likely trigger a driver's license suspension, and possibly suspension of your vehicle registration.[1]
How much is SR-22 insurance in Colorado?
Insurance companies consider your driving history when determining your rates. And drivers with a clean record tend to pay less for car insurance than drivers with a history of violations. If you’ve had to file an SR-22 form, it’s relatively safe to assume that you’ll pay more for car insurance due to negative marks on your motor vehicle record.[3]
On top of potentially higher insurance rates, many insurance companies charge a fee to provide an SR-22 – typically $25. And you’ll also need to pay a $95 fee to the Colorado DMV when you submit your driver's license reinstatement application.[4]
Cheapest companies for SR-22 insurance in Colorado
Not every insurance company offers SR-22 forms, but Insurify researched the average prices of companies that do. On average, Colorado drivers pay $223 per month for insurance with an SR-22, according to Insurify’s data. Sun Coast is the cheapest option, with an average monthly rate of $168. The following table shows average monthly rates for liability-only and full-coverage car insurance with an SR-22.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Liability Only ▲▼ | Full Coverage ▲▼ |
---|---|---|
State Farm | $57 | $122 |
USAA | $74 | $157 |
American Family | $79 | $168 |
GEICO | $87 | $186 |
Sun Coast | $88 | $212 |
Allstate | $88 | $189 |
Root | $93 | $179 |
Nationwide | $94 | $202 |
Progressive | $100 | $214 |
Auto-Owners | $102 | $218 |
The General | $108 | $293 |
Bristol West | $115 | $292 |
Safeco | $123 | $232 |
Dairyland | $128 | $313 |
Foremost | $142 | $422 |
Travelers | $144 | $306 |
Direct Auto | $149 | $341 |
Farmers | $150 | $321 |
National General | $177 | $355 |
Liberty Mutual | $215 | $348 |
Cheapest insurance companies in Colorado with SR-22 by city
Every insurance company determines premiums slightly differently, which means you can find different rates for the same coverage. Location is one of the most influential factors insurers consider when setting rates.[3] Below is a look at some of the cheapest insurance companies offering SR-22 insurance in Colorado.
City ▲▼ | Insurance Company ▲▼ | Average Monthly Cost ▲▼ |
---|---|---|
Denver | Sun Coast | $169 |
Denver | Safeco | $205 |
Denver | Bristol West | $219 |
Pueblo | Bristol West | $219 |
Denver | Kemper Specialty | $221 |
Colorado Springs | Bristol West | $239 |
Colorado Springs | Kemper Specialty | $250 |
Denver | The General | $262 |
Colorado Springs | The General | $292 |
Denver | Dairyland | $295 |
How SR-22 insurance affects driving record and future rates in Colorado
“It’s usually the driving offenses that triggered the SR-22 requirement that increase the insurance rates,” says Cunningham. “That’s because the insurance company [determines], based on your record, you are a larger risk to insure. A larger risk means higher premiums to offset the risk.”
Drivers facing an SR-22 requirement typically have a DUI, multiple accidents, or a reckless driving infraction on their records, which are red flags to insurers. The SR-22 form just provides proof of insurance to the DMV. The underlying infraction that triggered a driver’s license suspension is usually what an insurance company bases a rate increase on.
Even with a less-than-perfect driving record, though, you can find ways to lower your car insurance costs. Here are some ways to find lower rates:
Shop around. Every insurance company has a slightly different approach to determining rates. Comparing quotes from multiple insurance companies can help you find the best rates.
Raise your deductible. A higher deductible for comprehensive or collision coverage usually results in lower insurance premiums. Before raising your deductible, make sure you can easily come up with those funds if you need to file a claim.
Drive safely. Insurance companies tend to charge drivers with past violations higher rates. Driving safely is one of the easiest ways to keep your rates low.
Drive less. If you can commit to driving fewer miles, you might be able to find more affordable coverage through pay-per-mile insurance.
Explore discounts. Just about every car insurance company offers a variety of discounts. Research available discounts and take advantage of the ones you qualify for.[5] As a driver with an SR-22 requirement, you may still be able to qualify for bundling, multi-vehicle, pay-in-full, or electronic billing discounts.
Cheapest recent rates in Colorado for drivers with an SR-22
Recent Colorado car insurance prices for Saturn, Ford, Honda , and more.
*Quotes generated for Insurify users within the last 10 days. Last updated on October 30, 2024
Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 100+ insurance companies and Quadrant Information Services data. Insurify’s algorithm excludes anomalous quotes and anonymizes personal details, then displays refined quotes by price, date, and insurer popularity up to 10 days ago from October 30, 2024. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.*Quotes generated for Insurify users within the last 10 days. Last updated on October 30, 2024
Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 100+ insurance companies and Quadrant Information Services data. Insurify’s algorithm excludes anomalous quotes and anonymizes personal details, then displays refined quotes by price, date, and insurer popularity up to 10 days ago from October 30, 2024. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
Colorado SR-22 insurance FAQs
SR-22 insurance can be confusing and stressful. We’ve answered some of the most common questions drivers have about the insurance form.
How long do you have to hold an SR-22 in Colorado?
In general, Colorado drivers need to hold an SR-22 for three years. If you drop your insurance coverage during this time frame, the insurance company will report this lapse to the DMV, and your three-year requirement will reset.[2]
How do you get rid of an SR-22 in Colorado?
You can’t get rid of an SR-22 form until you’ve met the DMV’s requirements. In other words, it’s impossible to eliminate your SR-22 form requirement until the DMV says you’re allowed to. After meeting the required time frame, you can remove the SR-22 form by contacting the DMV.
What happens to your SR-22 in Colorado if you move?
If you move out of Colorado, you may have to file a separate SR-22 form with the DMV in your new state. Check with your new state’s DMV to see what it requires. Know that prices and policies vary between states, so be sure to shop around in your new state so that you aren’t suddenly stuck with higher rates.
Do you need an SR-22 in Colorado if you don’t have a car?
If you want to get your license reinstated, you’ll need an SR-22. If you want to drive but don’t own a car, you may be able to get lower rates with nonowner insurance. Reach out to an insurer directly to learn more about nonowner policies.
Related articles
More cities in Colorado
Sources
- Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles. "SR-22 and Insurance Information."
- Allstate. "SR-22 insurance: What does it do?."
- Insurance Information Institute. "What determines the price of an auto insurance policy?."
- Colorado Department of Insurance. "Application for Reinstatement."
- Insurance Information Institute. "How to save money on car insurance."
Sarah Sharkey is a personal finance writer who enjoys helping people make savvy financial decisions. She covered insurance and personal finance topics. You can find her work on Business Insider, Money Under 30, Rocket Mortgage, Bankrate, and more. Connect with her on LinkedIn.
Licensed auto and home insurance agent
4+ years in content creation and marketing
As Insurify’s home and pet insurance editor, Danny also specializes in auto insurance. His goal is to help consumers navigate the complex world of insurance buying.
Featured in
Corporate communications director for Insurance Information Institute
20+ years in insurance and communications
As Director, Corporate Communications for Triple-I, Mark serves as the non-profit’s national spokesperson, sharing information and education on a wide array of insurance issues.