SR-22 Requirements in South Dakota

If you’ve been convicted of a DUI or another serious driving charge in South Dakota, it’s time to start getting familiar with SR-22 insurance laws in your area. Knowing the SR-22 requirements in South Dakota can make all the difference when you’re dealing with license restrictions. To get back behind the wheel without extra issues, you’ll need to understand what an SR-22 form is, why you need to file it, how to get the right coverage, and how to avoid lapses or delays in the future.

Although SR-22 requirements in South Dakota can seem complicated, doing a little bit of research can get you on the road to success. This guide breaks down everything there is to know about South Dakota SR-22 laws to help you stay on track.

Every year, tons of drivers are ordered by the court to file a certificate of financial responsibility — also known as an SR-22 form — as a stipulation for getting their driving privileges back. Essentially, this form verifies that you have a basic amount of liability coverage to protect other drivers if you cause an accident. If you don’t keep your SR-22 insurance for a set amount of time, the DMV will automatically suspend your license.

Who Needs an SR-22 in South Dakota?

While every driver in South Dakota is required to have a minimum level of protection, the state requires extra proof of car insurance for bad drivers or high-risk drivers who have been convicted of certain motor vehicle violations. Here are a few reasons you might need to file an SR-22:

• Driving under the influence
• Driving without a license
• Driving without insurance
• Reckless driving
• Having too many tickets or points on your license

South Dakota’s financial responsibility laws put a few extra restrictions on drivers who need to file an SR-22 as part of reinstating a suspended license. If you’ve been court-ordered to file a certificate of financial responsibility, you will need to submit proof that you’re meeting the state’s minimum liability coverage requirements. That means you’ll need at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability and $25,000 per accident in property damage liability.

Luckily, getting SR-22-compliant coverage is easier than you might think. All you have to do is secure the right South Dakota auto insurance, have your insurer file the form, and keep up with your policy.

Steps To File an SR-22

You actually don’t have to file your form on your own. Once you inform your insurer that you need to submit an SR-22, they will file it with the DMV for you and renew it as needed.

Cost of SR-22 Insurance in South Dakota

Getting insurance after a DUI or another serious charge can be expensive. SR-22 insurance rates are typically higher than premiums for drivers without SR-22 restrictions. Your rate will vary depending on your personal risk level and the severity of your charges, but you can expect your rates to increase by about 30%.

Average Rates by Violation

The reason you have to file an SR-22 has more of an impact on your premium than simply being under SR-22 restrictions. More serious infractions will lead to greater increases, while less serious convictions may only have a small increase. Here are some examples of average yearly premium costs in South Dakota for different SR-22 infractions:

• DUI: $2,049
• Hit and run: $2,134
• Reckless driving: $2,056
• Driving with a suspended license: $1,994

Keep in mind that SR-22 insurance rates vary by state, so it’s important to look at average costs in your specific zip code to make sure you’re getting a fair rate.

The best way to lower your SR-22 premiums is to reduce your risk levels in other ways. While you can’t take back a DUI or another violation, you can show that you’re a safe, responsible driver by following South Dakota traffic laws going forward. Taking a defensive driving class may also help lower your risk level and get you a lower rate. Additionally, you can take steps like switching to a car that’s cheaper to insure. Some insurers may also offer discount options such as bundle deals, student discounts, safety feature discounts, and more.

Setting up a policy and filing your certificate is just the first step in navigating your restrictions. You also need to keep the plan active for the entire SR-22 period.

What Happens When Your SR-22 Expires

If your SR-22 coverage expires before you’ve completed your legal requirement period, the state will suspend your license until you get a new policy and file a new form. Ultimately, you need to keep your coverage active for the entire period, or you’ll have to deal with delays, fees, and additional suspensions.

When your SR-22 period finally ends, your insurer can simply stop filing the SR-22 form. They may get a notice directly from the DMV, but you can also alert your insurer about the end date of your restricted period. After that, your rates will probably decrease, and you’ll have more flexibility when it comes to adjusting your policy or changing providers.

Getting the right automotive liability coverage is essential if you want to drive again after being convicted of a DUI or another serious moving violation. Not only do you need to be able to file a proof of insurance certificate, but you also need financial protection if you ever get into an accident. The right high-risk driver insurance will help you restore your license, safeguard your finances, and make it through your SR-22 restrictions with ease.

At SR-22 Adviser, we understand the challenges of getting quality insurance while dealing with SR-22 limitations. Because we specialize in working with high-risk drivers and DUI coverage, we can walk you through the entire process of getting affordable coverage, filing your form, and avoiding lapses. Get your free custom quote today to find a budget-friendly policy and put your SR-22 troubles in the rearview mirror.

Learn more about the ins and outs of SR-22s in South Dakota by checking out these frequently asked questions:

What Happens If I Fail To Maintain My SR-22 Insurance?

If you don’t keep your insurance active while under SR-22 restrictions, your license will be suspended again. If you want to keep driving, you will need to restore your policy, and you may need to file additional paperwork to get your driving privileges restored.

Can I Get an SR-22 If I Don’t Own a Car?

The state may still require you to get SR-22 coverage, even if you don’t own a car. There are non-owner SR-22 insurance plans available specifically designed for people who don’t own their own vehicles. These policies will ensure you have coverage if you get into an accident while driving a borrowed or leased car.

How Can I Remove My SR-22 Requirement?

There is no way to remove your SR-22 requirements in South Dakota; you simply have to wait out your restrictions. SR-22 requirements in South Dakota usually last for three years. By keeping your coverage active the entire time, you can prove financial responsibility. Once you reach the end of the period, your insurer will no longer have to file the form.