What Is an SR-22 in Colorado—and Do You Need One?

If you’ve had your license suspended or are facing serious traffic violations in Colorado, you may have heard the term SR-22 thrown around. But what is it, and how do you know if you need one?
Let’s break it down simply and clearly.
What Is an SR-22?Despite how it sounds, an SR-22 is not insurance. It’s a certificate filed by your insurance company with the Colorado DMV that proves you carry minimum liability insurance. This document serves as a financial responsibility filing that tells the state you're covered—and that your insurance provider will alert them if that coverage lapses.
In short: it’s a way for the state to make sure you’re insured after a serious driving-related offense.
Who Needs an SR-22 in Colorado?You may be required to file an SR-22 if:

• You were convicted of driving under the influence (DUI or DWAI)
• You were caught driving without insurance
  
• You caused an accident while uninsured
  
• You accumulated too many points on your driving record
  
• ​You committed multiple or severe traffic violations

The requirement usually comes from the court or DMV as part of reinstating your driving privileges.

Minimum Insurance Requirements for an SR-22To file an SR-22 in Colorado, your auto insurance policy must meet the state’s minimum liability requirements:

• $25,000 for bodily injury per person
• $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
• ​$15,000 for property damage

In some cases—depending on your violation—you may be required to carry higher limits.

How Long Do You Need to Carry an SR-22?In most cases, Colorado requires you to maintain continuous SR-22 insurance coverage for three years from the date of reinstatement.
If your policy is canceled or lapses during that time, your insurance company must notify the DMV. That usually results in an automatic license suspension and may restart the three-year clock. It's critical to avoid any gaps in coverage.
What If You Don’t Own a Car?No car? No problem—you can still get an SR-22 through a non-owner policy. This type of insurance provides liability coverage when you drive vehicles that aren’t yours, like rentals or borrowed cars. It’s often more affordable than standard auto insurance and meets the state’s SR-22 requirements.
How Much Does an SR-22 Cost?The filing itself is relatively inexpensive—most insurance companies charge a one-time fee of $15 to $25 to file the SR-22.
However, the real cost is in the premiums. Because SR-22s are associated with high-risk drivers, your rates will likely be higher than average. For example, the average minimum coverage cost for a Colorado driver with an SR-22 is around $88/month, compared to $52/month for someone with a clean record.
How to Get an SR-22 in ColoradoHere’s how to get started:

1. Contact your current insurer. Not all insurance companies offer SR-22 filings, but if yours does, they can file it with the DMV for you.
2. Shop around if needed. If your insurer won’t file an SR-22 or raises your rates significantly, look for providers that specialize in high-risk drivers.
3. Stay covered without gaps. Your compliance period will reset if your coverage lapses, so staying consistent is key.

Final ThoughtsAn SR-22 can feel like a hassle, but it’s a manageable part of getting back on the road after a driving-related incident. It’s also a great time to review your insurance coverage, ask questions, and make sure you’re not overpaying—especially now that you're rebuilding your record.
If you need help navigating your options, I’m happy to walk you through it. Whether you own a vehicle or not, there’s a policy that fits your situation—and a way forward.