Wyoming drivers with serious traffic violations on their record may have to file an SR-22 to reinstate their license after a suspension. An SR-22 isn’t insurance — it’s a document your insurance company files with the state as proof that you carry the minimum amount of auto insurance coverage to drive legally.
Here’s what you need to know about getting SR-22 insurance in the Equality State.
Cheapest companies for SR-22 insurance in Wyoming
The amount you pay for auto insurance premiums with an SR-22 in place can vary greatly, depending on your insurance company, your ZIP code, and the severity of the driving violation that prompted your need for an SR-22 certificate.
You should prepare to pay higher auto insurance premiums with an SR-22 in place than you would for standard car insurance. That’s because insurers consider people who need an SR-22 as high-risk drivers, which means more expensive auto insurance.
Wyoming drivers who need an SR-22 may be able to find the cheapest car insurance from the following insurance companies:
What is SR-22 insurance in Wyoming?
The term “SR-22 insurance” is a misnomer since an SR-22 isn’t an insurance policy. An SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility that your auto insurance company files with the Wyoming Department of Transportation on your behalf. The SR-22 proves that you carry an auto insurance policy that meets the state-minimum requirements.
Wyoming only requires SR-22 certificates for drivers who’ve been convicted of serious driving offenses. If you’re found guilty of any of these types of violations, the Wyoming Department of Transportation may suspend your driver’s license.
In order to reinstate your driving privileges, you’ll need to file an SR-22 after completing the suspension period. In addition, you’ll also have to pay a reinstatement fee and may need to fulfill other requirements, depending on the nature of your driving violation.1
Difference between SR-22 and FR-44
FR-44 forms sound similar to SR-22 filings, but they have a number of important differences. The FR-44 is specifically required for high-risk drivers who’ve been convicted of more serious violations, like driving under the influence or driving with a suspended license. In addition, the FR-44 also requires the driver to carry more than just the state-minimum requirements for auto insurance.
Wyoming doesn’t require FR-44 certificates. In the U.S., only Florida and Virginia require high-risk drivers to file this kind of paperwork to reinstate their driving privileges.
When you need SR-22 insurance
The state of Wyoming may require you to file an SR-22 if you’ve been convicted of a serious traffic offense, including the following:2
Driving while under the influence (DUI)
Reckless driving
Causing an accident while uninsured
Driving without liability insurance
Wyoming’s SR-22 requirements can differ depending on the severity and number of offenses. For instance, a driver’s first-offense DUI results in a 90-day suspension of driving privileges, as long as the driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) is less than .15%. But subsequent DUI convictions or first offenses with higher BAC levels require longer suspensions.
Any conviction that results in a suspension of driving privileges will require you to file an SR-22 with the state to reinstate your license.3
How to get SR-22 insurance in Wyoming
The process of getting an SR-22 in Wyoming starts after receiving a conviction for a serious traffic violation. The court that issued your conviction or the Wyoming DMV will notify you if you need to file an SR-22 with the state.
Here are the specific steps you’ll need to follow to get SR-22 coverage after a serious driving offense:
How long Wyoming requires SR-22 insurance
Wyoming requires drivers to maintain an SR-22 form on file for three years from the date it was initially required. Your insurance company must notify the Department of Transportation if you cancel your policy or allow it to lapse during that three-year period. At the end of the period, the state may continue your driver’s license suspension if you don’t have an SR-22 on file.
In addition, Wyoming won’t allow you to reinstate your driving privileges after a suspension if you don’t have an SR-22 on file. You must turn the SR-22 form in before you’re allowed to start driving again.
How SR-22 insurance affects driving record and future rates in Wyoming
If the state of Wyoming requires you to file an SR-22, you can expect your auto insurance premiums to go up during the three years the SR-22 is on your record — and your rates may remain high even after the SR-22 requirement has expired. Despite the expiration of the state’s requirement for the SR-22, insurance companies may still regard you as a high-risk driver, which leads to higher rates.
That doesn’t mean you’re stuck with premium increases that never go down. The following strategies can help you improve your driving record, which could help you lower your insurance rates — even when you’re still required to file an SR-22 with the state:
Maintain the state minimum insurance requirements. Wyoming drivers must carry a minimum of $25,000 per person for bodily injury liability with a maximum of $50,000 per accident and $20,000 for property damage. Carrying this minimum coverage without any lapses for the duration of your SR-22 requirement will help keep your premiums from increasing further.
Take a defensive driving course. Not only is learning driving skills a good idea, but a defensive driving course may also help improve your driving record and lower your future insurance costs.
Limit your driving. Spending less time on the road reduces your opportunities for getting into an accident. Also, your insurance company may give you a lower rate based on your reduced mileage.
Ask about discounts. You can typically lower your auto insurance rates with discounts. Ask your insurance agent for additional information about ways to get the lowest rate for your situation.