SR-22 in Oregon
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In the state of Oregon, if you have a serious violation on your driving record, you may be required to obtain an SR-22 in order to avoid license suspension. SR-22 insurance in Oregon is a certificate that proves the driver carries the minimum liability insurance coverage required in the state. It is not a true form of insurance, but rather a special form of proof of insurance.
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Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed. Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.
What is SR-22 insurance?
Oregon drivers are legally required to purchase an SR-22 if they have certain negative marks on their driving record. SR-22s are also required when a driver loses their license for any reason. Some situations where a driver might need to purchase an SR-22 in Oregon include:
- Getting charged with a DUI/DWI
- Getting charged with reckless or negligent driving
- Having multiple traffic violations or accidents in a short period of time
- Getting convicted of driving without insurance
- Applying to reinstate driving privileges after a license suspension
- Applying for a hardship or probationary permit
In some cases, a driver in Oregon may not automatically lose their license after a serious violation. However, they may lose their license if they do not have an SR-22 on file by the required deadline.
For example, if a driver is caught without car insurance, they may be required to have an SR-22 starting on the date of conviction. For drivers who lose their license and want to reinstate their driving privileges, the SR-22 requirement typically starts on the end date of the suspension. Out-of-state drivers who are required to carry an SR-22 in Oregon may not obtain a license from another state until they file one in Oregon.
The Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) does not disclose how long drivers must file an SR-22 for, but in many states, SR-22 insurance stays on a driver’s record for three years, depending on the severity of the violation.
Non-owner SR-22s for Oregon drivers
Drivers who need SR-22 insurance but do not own a vehicle are typically required to purchase non-owners insurance. For instance, if a driver borrows their friend’s car to drive home from a bar, and they get pulled over for a DUI. In this case, the driver would likely be required to purchase non-owners insurance and file an SR-22 with the state.
Non-owners insurance provides bodily injury and property damage liability coverage. It covers the driver’s legal and financial responsibility in the event that they cause an accident in a borrowed vehicle. Non-owners insurance may be purchased from insurance companies that specialize in high-risk insurance.
Drivers should know that non-owners insurance does not typically offer any protection for the vehicle they are driving. If a driver caused an accident in a borrowed vehicle, they would likely be responsible for paying for the vehicle’s damages out-of-pocket.
Cost of SR-22s in Oregon
The cost of SR-22 insurance in Oregon may vary based on the company that issues it. The cost to file an SR-22 with the state is typically fairly low, but the cost of the insurance policy associated with the SR-22 may be quite high as drivers with DUIs and other severe driving infractions typically pay some of the highest average auto insurance rates.
For example, after a DUI, the average cost of a full coverage car insurance policy increases by over $1,600 per year. In addition, drivers who get their license suspended are required to pay a $75 reinstatement fee to the Oregon DMV.
Frequently Asked Questions
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SR-22s and FR-44s are often grouped together, but they are actually two separate documents. SR-22s are issued for high-risk drivers in most states, whereas FR-44s are usually issued in Florida and Virginia only. FR-44 certificates usually require the driver to carry at least $100,000 in liability coverage. With an SR-22, the driver is only required to meet the state’s minimum liability requirement.
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No, many insurers do not issue SR-22s. If you are required to file an SR-22 and your current insurer doesn’t issue them, then you may have to switch to an auto insurer that does. In these situations, you may consider researching auto insurance companies that specialize in high-risk auto insurance.
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The first step is usually to make sure that you have an auto insurance policy with an insurance company that issues SR-22s. This policy must meet the state’s mandatory minimum coverage requirements. Once those requirements are met, you may contact your insurer and request that they issue you an SR-22. A small fee may be associated with the request, and then your insurance company will file the rest of the paperwork and issue your documentation.
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Most states require SR-22 insurance, with the exception of Florida and Virginia, where FR-44s are required. However, some states do not require SR-22 insurance. Drivers who live in Delaware, Kentucky, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania are not required to purchase SR-22 insurance if their license is suspended.
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