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After a DUI in Colorado, you'll need SR-22 insurance to reinstate your license. Learn what SR-22 is, how much it costs, and how to get the best rates.
3 years
Duration
State requirement
$15-25
Filing Fee
One-time
50-300%
Rate Increase
Above standard rates
SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility, not a type of insurance. Your insurer files it with the Colorado DMV to prove you carry required coverage.
Day 0
Court order or DMV notice received
Your requirement starts here. Note the exact duration and any coverage minimums specified.
Day 1
Contact insurers — get 3–4 quotes
Call your current insurer first. If they'll file SR-22 and keep you on, that's usually cheapest. Otherwise shop high-risk specialists.
1–3 days
Purchase a qualifying policy
Your insurer attaches the SR-22 endorsement to your new or existing policy. Confirm they file electronically.
2–5 days
DMV receives the SR-22 filing
Most electronic filings land at the DMV within a few business days. Verify via your driving record.
3 years
SR-22 requirement ends
Contact your insurer to stop the filing. You can then shop for standard insurance rates.
How long you need SR-22 depends on your offense
| Offense Type | SR-22 Required | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st DUI | 3 years | 3 years | State requirement |
| 2nd DUI | 3 years | 3 years | May be longer in some states |
| 3rd+ Offense | 3-5 years | 3-5 years | Extended requirement |
| Driving Without Insurance | 3 years | 3 years | Non-DUI trigger |
| At-Fault Accident (Uninsured) | 3 years | 3 years | May require higher limits |
* Durations are typical. Your court order may specify different requirements.
$25K
Bodily Injury
per Person
$50K
Bodily Injury
per Accident
$25K
Property
Damage
Written as 25/50/25 coverage
Carriers licensed to file SR-22 in Colorado. Compare costs, filing speed, and who each carrier is best for.
State Farm
Est. Annual Cost
$1,500–3,500
Filing Speed
Same-day electronic
Filing Fee
$15–25
Best For
Existing State Farm customers after a DUI
Acceptance Insurance
Est. Annual Cost
$1,300–2,800
Filing Speed
Same-day in-store or online
Filing Fee
$15–25
Best For
Drivers who want in-person help
Progressive
Est. Annual Cost
$1,500–3,000
Filing Speed
Same-day electronic
Filing Fee
$15–25
Best For
First-time DUI drivers
The General
Est. Annual Cost
$1,400–3,200
Filing Speed
Same-day
Filing Fee
$15–25
Best For
Instant coverage / no credit check
Dairyland
Est. Annual Cost
$1,200–2,800
Filing Speed
Same-day electronic
Filing Fee
Included
Best For
Multiple violations / repeat DUI
Follow these steps to get your SR-22 filed and license reinstated
Confirm you need SR-22 by checking your court order or DMV notice. Colorado requires SR-22 for DUI convictions, driving without insurance, and certain other violations.
Call your current insurer first—if they offer SR-22, staying with them is often cheapest. If they drop you or dont offer SR-22, get quotes from high-risk specialists.
Choose a policy that meets Colorado's minimum liability requirements: 25/50/25. Your insurer will file the SR-22 form with the DMV.
Your insurer electronically files the SR-22 with the DMV. Allow 24-72 hours for processing. Verify receipt by contacting the DMV or checking your driving record.
Do NOT let your SR-22 lapse. If your policy cancels for any reason, your insurer files an SR-26 form notifying Colorado DMV. Your license will be suspended immediately.
After 3 years, your SR-22 requirement ends. Contact your insurer to stop the SR-22 filing. You can then shop for standard insurance rates again.
Letting your SR-22 coverage lapse has serious consequences—avoid at all costs
Your license will be suspended immediately upon SR-26 notification. This can happen within 24 hours of the lapse.
Some states reset your SR-22 clock after a lapse. You may need to start the 3 years period over.
Youll need to pay license reinstatement fees ($50-250) on top of any back premiums.
A lapse on your record makes you even higher risk, resulting in increased premiums when you re-obtain coverage.
If caught driving with a suspended license, you face additional criminal charges, fines, and potentially jail time.
Set up autopay, calendar reminders, and treat your SR-22 payment as seriously as rent. A single missed payment can undo years of progress and cost you thousands in additional fees and increased rates.
Don't own a car? You can still get your license back with non-owner SR-22 insurance. This policy provides liability coverage when you drive vehicles you don't own (rentals, borrowed cars, etc.).
Information sourced from Colorado DMV, state insurance regulations, and industry resources.
Last updated: January 2026
Compare companies that specialize in high-risk coverage. Many can file your SR-22 the same day you purchase.
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