You know that feeling when you hit “submit” on your SR22 filing and think, “Phew, done”? Yeah, well, maybe not.
The state just wants proof you have liability insurance. That’s the SR22 part. It doesn’t care about your car.
But if you’re financing that car? The bank cares. A lot. They’ll want it protected. That’s where collision coverage sneaks in. It’s two separate things bundled together because life is complicated.
Is collision coverage required for SR22 insurance in every state?
Nope. No state law says you must have collision for an SR22 filing. That’s a huge myth.
The SR22 form only verifies your state’s minimum liability limits. Think of it as a tattletale note to the DMV, proving you’re insured to pay for other people’s stuff you might hit.
Collision is for your car’s repairs after an accident, regardless of fault. A deer runs out? You swerve into a pole? That’s collision. It’s optional, always. Unless your lender says otherwise.
How much does SR22 insurance with collision add to my cost?
Oof. This stings. The SR22 filing fee itself is usually a one-time $25-ish charge from your insurer. But the insurance? That’s the killer.
Adding collision to a policy for a driver who needs an SR22… it’s like double jeopardy. You’re already a high-risk driver in their eyes (DUI, at-fault accidents, lots of tickets). Adding comprehensive and collision coverage can easily double or triple your premium.
Let’s say basic liability for an SR22 driver is $200/month. Adding collision? Could jump to $400 or more. It depends wildly on your car’s value, your deductible, and your driving record’s gory details.
I paid $317 more for six months when I added it. Felt like a second car payment.
But it beat a $10,000 loan balance on a totaled car I’d still owe.
What is the best deductible for collision coverage with an SR22?
This is a math game with your savings account. Higher deductible = lower monthly premium. But can you actually pay that deductible if you crash tomorrow?
Common deductibles are $500,$1000, $2500.
With an SR22, your rates are sky-high. Choosing a $1000 deductible over a $500 one might save you a decent chunk each month. But you gotta have that grand sitting around, untouched, for “just in case.”
Ask yourself: If I crash tomorrow, what’s the max I could pull together in 72 hours without using a payday loan? That’s your deductible.
I went with $1000. The monthly savings helped me rebuild my emergency fund faster. Took a gamble, but it made sense for my busted budget.
What if I have an old car with SR22 filing?
Here’s the real talk. If your car is worth less than a few thousand dollars, collision coverage might be burning money.
Do the math: Annual premium for collision + your deductible. If that total is close to or more than your car’s actual cash value, just drop the collision. Use the money you save each month for a future down payment.
The SR22 requirement is unaffected. You still have liability. You’re just choosing to self-insure the risk to your own beater car.
It’s a financial decision, not a legal one.
My 2008 sedan was worth maybe $2,500. I dropped collision. Felt scary for two weeks, then I just drove more carefully. Saved over $800 a year.
The paperwork is done. The SR22 is filed. But the real decisions start now. Collision isn’t about the state. It’s about your wallet, your loan, and that metal box you rely on every day. Choose with your eyes open, not just your fears.
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