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An SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility that confirms you carry the required minimum car insurance coverage in South Dakota. You may need an SR-22 to restore your driving privileges after certain violations, like driving under the influence (DUI) or driving without insurance.1
While having an SR-22 can increase your insurance premiums, you can still find affordable coverage. Here’s what you need to know about getting SR-22 insurance in South Dakota.
Cheapest companies for SR-22 insurance in South Dakota
When shopping around for SR-22 car insurance in South Dakota, it’s important to compare companies to find the most affordable coverage. Below is a table highlighting the cheapest car insurance companies for SR-22 drivers, whether you want a liability-only policy or full-coverage car insurance.
What is SR-22 insurance in South Dakota?
SR-22 insurance isn’t actually a type of insurance policy. Instead, it’s a form your insurance company files with the state to confirm you meet the minimum coverage requirements. Your insurance company also promises to notify the state if your coverage lapses for any reason.
The state of South Dakota may order an SR-22 if you have serious driving violations, like a DUI or driving without insurance. The form allows reinstatement of your driving privileges so you can legally get back on the road.
Difference between SR-22 and FR-44
The main difference between SR-22 and FR-44 forms is that only Florida and Virginia use FR-44s. South Dakota requires an SR-22.
The SR-22 and FR-44 forms serve a similar purpose — they both prove you carry car insurance. Florida and Virginia require SR-22 forms for driving offenses that don’t involve alcohol and an FR-44 for DUI offenses or other serious violations.
An FR-44 also differs from an SR-22 in that an SR-22 only requires you to carry the state-minimum liability limits, while an FR-44 requires liability insurance beyond the minimum requirements.
Fortunately, South Dakota residents don’t need to worry about an FR-22 unless they move to Virginia or Florida.
When you need SR-22 insurance
South Dakota law may require you to get SR-22 insurance after certain traffic violations or legal issues. Some of the most common reasons for needing an SR-22 are:
Driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI): If you get a DUI or DWI conviction, the state may require an SR-22 to reinstate your driving privileges.
Driving without insurance: South Dakota may require you to carry an SR-22 if you get caught driving without the state’s minimum insurance coverage.
Multiple traffic violations: The state may require you to get an SR-22 if you have two reckless driving violations within a one-year period.
License suspension or revocation: South Dakota may require an SR-22 to restore your driving privileges after your license is suspended after a serious offense.
How to get SR-22 insurance in South Dakota
Here are the steps to follow if you need to get SR-22 insurance in South Dakota:1 2
How long South Dakota requires SR-22 insurance
If South Dakota requires you to carry an SR-22, you typically need to maintain it for three years. But getting other violations while you have an SR-22 can extend the timeline. For example, you might face additional penalties and restart your SR-22 period if your insurance lapses or if you get a DUI or another reckless driving conviction.
Barriers you might encounter when shopping for SR-22 insurance in South Dakota include:
Finding an insurance company: Not all insurance companies offer SR-22 coverage, so you may need to shop around or switch insurance companies.
Higher premiums: SR-22 filings usually classify you as a high-risk driver in the eyes of insurance companies, so they may charge you higher premiums.
Strict requirements: Any lapse in coverage can result in the state suspending your license and registration again.
How SR-22 insurance affects driving record and future rates in South Dakota
An SR-22 filing itself doesn’t affect your driving record, but the violations leading up to needing an SR-22 affect your driving record and future insurance rates. Insurance companies view drivers with DUIs or people caught driving without insurance as high-risk, and they charge higher rates to offset that risk.
To improve your driving record and lower your insurance rates, consider the following tips:3
Drive safely and avoid violations. Accidents and traffic violations can increase your premiums and extend the SR-22 requirement. Follow traffic laws and practice defensive driving to maintain a clean record.
Take a defensive driving course. Some insurance companies offer discounts for completing an approved defensive driving course. While South Dakota won’t dismiss your offense or remove points, this could help you get a discount on your premiums.
Shop around for the best rate. Even with an SR-22, it’s worth comparing auto insurance rates from different insurance companies. Some companies specialize in high-risk drivers and may offer lower rates than your current insurer.
Maintain continuous coverage. Failure to maintain car insurance coverage can lead to more penalties and potentially extend your SR-22 period, leading to even higher costs. Set up automatic payments or reminders to ensure you never miss a payment.
Improve your credit. In South Dakota, insurance companies can use credit history to determine rates. By improving your credit, you might qualify for lower rates, even if you carry an SR-22.