Cheap SR-22 Insurance in Alabama From $57
The average monthly rate for SR-22 insurance in Alabama is $108, but you may find more affordable rates by comparing quotes.
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An SR-22 is a form that proves to the state that you have the minimum required car insurance coverage after certain violations, like driving under the influence (DUI) or reckless driving. In Alabama, carrying an SR-22 helps ensure high-risk drivers maintain continuous insurance coverage as mandated by state law.
Here’s what you need to know about SR-22 coverage in the state of Alabama.
Quick Facts
As an Alabama driver, you’ll typically need to maintain an SR-22 for three years after a DUI or other major traffic offense.
Insurance companies can charge a fee of up to $200 for issuing an SR-22.
If you move out of Alabama, you still need to maintain the SR 22 until the state-mandated period is complete.
Cheapest companies for SR-22 insurance in Alabama
Several insurance companies offer competitive rates for high-risk drivers. The table below highlights some of the cheapest options available for both liability-only and full coverage in Alabama so you can easily compare costs.
Just remember, the best policy for you depends on your driving history, ZIP code, coverage needs, and other factors.
What is SR-22 insurance in Alabama?
SR-22 insurance isn’t actually a type of insurance policy. Instead, it’s a proof of financial responsibility certificate your insurance company files with the state. An SR-22 confirms you carry the required minimum liability insurance coverage after a serious driving violation, like a DUI or multiple traffic offenses.
When your car insurance company issues an SR-22 to the state of Alabama, it also promises to inform the state if your insurance lapses for any reason.1 This extra layer of monitoring is necessary for high-risk drivers who want to regain their driving privileges.
Difference between SR-22 and FR-44
Alabama uses an SR-22 form to prove high-risk drivers have the required minimum insurance coverage. The minimum limits required by Alabama law are:2
$25,000 of bodily injury liability per person
$50,000 of bodily injury liability per accident
$25,000 of property damage liability
In Florida and Virginia, another form called an FR-44 serves a similar purpose, but an FR-44 focuses on DUIs and other serious violations.
The difference between an SR-22 and an FR-44 is the level of coverage required. If you need an SR-22, you only need to carry the state-mandated minimum liability limits. But an FR-44 requires liability insurance beyond the minimum limits.
Alabama drivers don’t need to worry about FR-44 forms unless they move to Virginia or Florida.
When you need SR-22 insurance
You may need an SR-22 in Alabama after a serious traffic violation. The most common reasons for needing one include:
DUI: If you’re convicted of driving under the influence, Alabama will likely require you to carry an SR-22 to reinstate your driver’s license.
Driving without insurance: Being caught driving without the state’s minimum insurance coverage often leads to an SR-22 requirement.
License suspension or revocation: After accumulating too many traffic violations or points on your driving record, Alabama may suspend your driver’s license and require an SR-22 to reinstate it.
Serious traffic offenses: Reckless driving, speeding, or causing a motor vehicle accident without insurance can also trigger an SR-22 requirement.
How to get SR-22 insurance in Alabama
To get SR-22 coverage in Alabama, you should:
How long Alabama requires SR-22 insurance
Alabama typically requires drivers to maintain SR-22 insurance for three years following the violation that triggered the event. But certain circumstances can extend this timeline.
For example, the state may extend the timeline if you commit additional traffic violations while you have an SR-22 or you let your insurance lapse.
It can also make getting an SR-22 more difficult. Finding SR-22 insurance can be challenging because not all insurance companies offer them, and insurance companies view drivers who need them as high risk, which means they’re usually expensive. If you have an SR-22, staying compliant throughout the required period can help you avoid further penalties.
How SR-22 insurance affects driving record and future rates in Alabama
An SR-22 itself doesn’t affect your driving record, but the violations leading up to needing one affect your driving record and insurance rates. Insurance companies view drivers with DUIs and people who drive without insurance as high-risk, and they charge higher rates to offset that risk. This is true for the duration of the SR-22 period and sometimes beyond.
Here are a few tips to improve your driving record and lower your insurance rates:
Maintain a clean driving record. Safe driving helps you avoid tickets and accidents, which helps improve your standing with insurance companies over time and leads to lower premiums once the SR-22 period ends.
Complete a defensive driving course. Some insurance companies offer discounts if you complete an approved defensive driving course.4
Shop around for auto insurance quotes. Compare rates from different insurance companies. Some may offer lower premiums even with an SR-22 requirement.
Drive a safe vehicle. You can lower your insurance premiums by driving a vehicle with good safety scores.
Bundle insurance policies. If possible, bundle your car insurance with other policies, like home or renters insurance. Many insurers offer discounts when you combine policies.
Improve your credit history. In Alabama, insurance companies are allowed to use your credit history as a factor when calculating your car insurance premiums. Improving your credit can lead to better rates over time, even if you have an SR-22 requirement.
Alabama SR-22 insurance FAQs
If you’re new to SR-22 insurance in Alabama, you may have additional questions about how it works and what to expect. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions.
How do you know if you need an SR-22 or FR-44?
You may need SR-22 insurance in Alabama if you’re convicted of serious violations like a DUI, reckless driving, or driving without insurance.
Alabama doesn’t use an FR-44. It only applies in Florida and Virginia. But if you’re required to carry an FR-44 in either state, you’ll have to carry liability coverage above and beyond the minimum required limits.
Are there any fees with SR-22 insurance?
Yes. Your insurance company may charge a fee for filing an SR-22. Insurance companies typically charge fees up to $200. Insurers also consider SR-22 drivers as high-risk, so you can expect higher premiums than someone with a clean driving record.
How much do car insurance rates increase after filing an SR-22?
Expect your car insurance rates to increase quite a bit if you need an SR-22. For example, Alabama drivers with a clean record pay an average of $64 per month, while drivers with a DUI pay an average of $103 per month, according to Insurify data. The exact increase depends on several factors, including the violation that led to the SR-22, your driving history, and your insurance company.
How long do you have to hold an SR-22 in Alabama?
Alabama generally requires drivers to maintain an SR-22 for three years, but the duration can vary depending on the nature and severity of the offense. Any lapse in your auto insurance policy coverage can extend the SR-22 period or lead to additional penalties.
How do you get rid of an SR-22 in Alabama?
Once you’ve met the state’s requirement — usually three years — you can contact your insurance company and ask it to send an SR-26 form to the Alabama DMV. This form removes your SR-22. Before getting rid of your SR-22, confirm with the state that you no longer need it.
What happens to your SR-22 in Alabama if you move?
If you move out of Alabama, you’re still required to maintain your SR-22 until the state-mandated period is complete. Even if you move to another state, your insurance company will need to continue filing the SR-22 certificate with Alabama to avoid penalties.
Your new state of residence may have additional requirements.
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