Function

• Upon a driver's request, an automobile insurance company will file an SR-22 with the state Department of Motor Vehicles when insurance has been acquired. The filing serves as proof that the individual has purchased automobile insurance which meets the minimum liability requirements for that particular state. Basically, it is a certification providing the driver's financial responsibility in the event of an accident. You do not need to own a car to need an SR-22.
  
  

Individual State Requirements

• SR-22 requirements vary from state to state. There is no universal requirement. Some states, like New York and North Carolina, do not require an SR-22. However, many other states including California and Alaska do require it, and the level of coverage for minimum liability varies within those states.
  
  If a driver acquires an SR-22 form in a state which requires it, and subsequently moves to a state which does not, the driver must still continue that coverage until the SR-22 filing period has ended. For example, if a driver resides in a state which requires a higher level of minimum liability coverage and then moves to a state with a lower level of required coverage, that higher level of coverage must be maintained until the window of requirement ends.
  
  

When is an SR-22 required?

• SR-22 required for high risk drivers.car crash and police rescue team image by Canakris from Fotolia.com
  
  An SR-22 filing is required when a driver is involved in an automobile accident and does not have sufficient liability insurance in place at the time of the accident. Driving with a suspended license and traffic violations for lack of insurance are also common reasons why an SR-22 filing may be required by the state Department of Motor Vehicles. A judge may order a driver to acquire an SR-22 as well.
  
  

Enforcement

• The police will not verify the presence of an SR-22.police car up close image by Aaron Kohr from Fotolia.com
  
  The state Department of Motor Vehicles is the enforcement agency which ensures an SR-22 filing takes place. Law enforcement does not require nor check to make sure the driver has an SR-22. An SR-22 form is not required to be in the vehicle while driving.
  
  

Purpose

• The purpose of an SR-22 filing is to ensure that a driver maintains a sufficient level of coverage for a specific time period, typically three years. This proves that the driver has insurance and has kept current with their insurance payments. A lapse in insurance, or a cancellation of the automobile insurance, will result in the auto insurance company filing an SR-26 to show that the driver is no longer carrying sufficient insurance with the company.