SR-22 in Wisconsin: What You Need to Know

You’ll need an insurer to file a Wisconsin SR-22, which may be required in certain circumstances to prove you meet the state’s car insurance requirements.
Written by Bonnie Stinson
Edited by Pat Roache
background
You may be required to file an SR-22 through your insurance provider to prove to the state that you meet the minimum requirements for
Wisconsin car insurance
.
  • The Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires an SR-22 from drivers who want to reinstate their driver’s license after a major traffic violation.
  • The fee to file a Wisconsin SR-22 ranges from $15 to $50.
  • Your car insurance company should file your SR-22 on your behalf—but not every provider will cover SR-22 drivers.

SR-22 insurance in Wisconsin

An
SR-22 certificate
(also known as SR-22 insurance) is a form that your auto insurance company provides to the Wisconsin DMV to prove that you meet the minimum
liability insurance coverage
required in the state.
  • $25,000 for bodily injury liability coverage per person
  • $50,000 for bodily injury liability coverage per accident
  • $10,000 for property damage liability coverage per accident
Who needs it: SR-22 forms are often required to prove financial responsibility for Wisconsin drivers to
reinstate a license
that’s been suspended or revoked. It may also be required for drivers under 18 who don’t have an adult sponsor.
An SR-22 has to be maintained for a minimum period of 36 months in the state of Wisconsin. The state will be notified if the driver does not renew it at least 15 days before the expiration date, and their driving privileges may be resuspended or revoked.
Key Takeaway An SR-22 is a form filed by your insurance provider that proves you meet the state’s minimum coverage requirements. It’s often a requirement to reinstate a revoked or suspended license.

Wisconsin SR-22 requirements

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation should notify you if you’re required to complete SR-22 filing. Here are the most common circumstances when a Wisconsin driver would need an SR-22:
  • License suspension/revocation: You may need an SR-22 to reinstate suspended driving privileges after certain driving violations such as
    driving without car insurance
    , multiple speeding tickets, reckless driving, or a
    Wisconsin OWI
    (DUI/DWI). 
  • Driver under 18: Wisconsin minors may be required to file an SR-22 if they don’t have a parent or adult guardian to sponsor their car insurance.
Did you know? If you’re required to file an SR-22 certificate but you don’t own a vehicle, you can get a
non-owner SR-22 insurance policy
that will follow you instead of your car.

How to get Wisconsin SR-22 car insurance

Most insurance companies will need to
fill out and file an SR-22
on your behalf. Be sure to ask the company to check off the "Owners Policy" box and write "All Owned Vehicles" if you need an SR-22 owner-only car insurance policy.
How long it takes: The filing process takes just a day or two if submitted electronically. Note that a summary or other proof of insurance will not suffice—you must have the official SR-22 certificate.
How much it costs: It should cost you no more than $50 (or a similarly nominal fee) to get SR-22 coverage in Wisconsin. The average fee is between $15 and $35.

How an SR-22 impacts your insurance in Wisconsin

Drivers who are required to file an SR-22 in Wisconsin almost always fall into a category of high-risk drivers (i.e. drivers under 18 or drivers with major infractions on their records).
High-risk drivers
can expect to:
  • Pay higher car insurance premiums than experienced drivers with clean
    Wisconsin driving records
  • Face limited options when it comes to providers that will insure SR-22 drivers
But don’t be discouraged! Shopping around for the cheapest rates is a smart way to uncover the lowest possible rate given your driving record.
Key Takeaway If you need an SR-22 policy, you might be facing higher-than-average insurance rates—but shopping around with Jerry can help you find savings.
“I have a really bad record, so all of my previous insurance quotes were pretty high. I started using
Jerry
and the fantastic app saved me $130 a month on my insurance.” —Jett A.
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