SR-22 Insurance in New Jersey
New Jersey requires SR-22 insurance for 3 years after qualifying offenses. You must carry at least $15,000/$30,000 bodily injury and $5,000 property damage coverage. Common triggers include dui/dwi conviction, 6+ points on license, breathalyzer refusal. Some sources list New Jersey as not requiring SR-22, but the state does require it in certain circumstances through the Motor Vehicle Commission.
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Overview
The Motor Vehicle Commission of New Jersey will require an SR-22 in situations where a motorist has committed a major traffic violation. This could include drivers with 6+ points on their driver's license, those who have a DUI, those who refused a breathalyzer test, and those who were driving without insurance.
Key Facts
Minimum Coverage Requirements
What Triggers SR-22 Requirement
- DUI/DWI conviction
- 6+ points on license
- Breathalyzer refusal
- Driving without insurance
Cost
How to File
Contact Your Insurance Provider
Call your current auto insurance company and request an SR-22 filing. Not all insurers offer SR-22 — if yours doesn't, you'll need to find a new provider. Compare quotes from multiple companies to find the best rate.
Purchase Required Coverage
Ensure your policy meets New Jersey's minimum requirements: $15,000/$30,000 bodily injury and $5,000 property damage. You'll also need PIP coverage. UM/UIM coverage is also required.
Insurer Files SR-22 with the State
Your insurance company electronically files the SR-22 certificate with the New Jersey DMV/motor vehicle agency. This usually takes 1-3 business days. You'll receive a confirmation copy.
Apply for License Reinstatement
Once the SR-22 is on file, complete your license reinstatement process including paying the reinstatement fee and any outstanding fines or court costs.
Maintain Continuous Coverage for 3 years
Keep your SR-22 insurance active for the full required period of 3 years without any lapses. Set up autopay to avoid missed payments. If your policy lapses, your insurer will notify the state and your license may be re-suspended.
What Happens If Coverage Lapses
If your SR-22 insurance lapses in New Jersey, your insurer is required to notify the state DMV by filing an SR-26 form. This will likely result in immediate license suspension, potential fines, and a restart of the full SR-22 filing period (3 years). Avoid any gaps in coverage by setting up automatic payments.
Important Notes
Some sources list New Jersey as not requiring SR-22, but the state does require it in certain circumstances through the Motor Vehicle Commission.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long do I need SR-22 insurance in New Jersey?
- In New Jersey, you typically need to maintain SR-22 insurance for 3 years. The clock starts from the date your SR-22 is filed with the state. Any lapse in coverage may reset this timeline.
- How much does SR-22 insurance cost in New Jersey?
- The SR-22 filing fee itself is typically $15-$50. However, the real cost is the insurance premium increase — expect to pay $300-$800+ more per year than standard rates. Total additional cost over the filing period is typically $1,000-$3,000+. Shop around and compare quotes to find the best rate.
- What triggers SR-22 requirement in New Jersey?
- Common triggers include: DUI/DWI conviction, 6+ points on license, Breathalyzer refusal, Driving without insurance. The specific requirement depends on the offense and may be determined by the court or DMV.
- What happens if my SR-22 lapses in New Jersey?
- If your SR-22 policy lapses, your insurance company is required to notify the New Jersey DMV. Your license will likely be re-suspended, and you may need to restart the entire SR-22 filing period from the beginning. You could also face additional fines and penalties.
- What are New Jersey's minimum coverage requirements for SR-22?
- New Jersey requires minimum coverage of $15,000 per person / $30,000 per accident for bodily injury and $5,000 for property damage. PIP (Personal Injury Protection) is also required. UM/UIM coverage is also required.
Video Guides
Take Action — Direct Links
- New Jersey DMV — License Reinstatement
Official information about license reinstatement requirements in New Jersey, including SR-22 filing instructions.
- New Jersey Minimum Insurance Requirements
Insurance Information Institute — New Jersey minimum coverage: $15,000/$30,000/$5,000.
- Compare SR-22 Insurance Quotes
Compare SR-22 insurance quotes from multiple providers to find the best rate.
More for New Jersey
Suspension periods, IID requirements, penalties, and step-by-step reinstatement process.
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