SR-22 insurance in Michigan
What Michigan requires after a DUI, a lapse or driving uninsured, how long the filing lasts, what it costs the state, whether a non-owner filing works, and which companies in Michigan write the policies that carry it, from the state's own pages and the insurance company directory.
Michigan uses the Insurer certificate (not called SR-22) filing. Who needs it: Uninsured at-fault drivers who can't pay a court judgment for damages and want a financial-responsibility restricted license. Other triggers (DUI, points) are not stated by the state. How long: Until the judgment is paid in full; in general the state may release proof on request after 3 years. The insurer files it electronically with the state once the policy is bound; a non-standard auto policy with the filing is often cheaper than people expect. 0 companies write personal auto in Michigan; the ones used to filings are tagged below.
By Sam Alishahi, independent insurance broker · Every state
What Michigan requires
From Michigan Department of State (Secretary of State), Driver Record Activity Unit; sources at the bottom.
| Filing | Insurer certificate (not called SR-22) |
|---|---|
| Who needs it | Uninsured at-fault drivers who can't pay a court judgment for damages and want a financial-responsibility restricted license. Other triggers (DUI, points) are not stated by the state. |
| How long | Until the judgment is paid in full; in general the state may release proof on request after 3 years. |
| State fees | No certificate filing fee stated by the state; insurer charges vary. The reinstatement fee for a judgment suspension is not stated by the state. |
| Non-owner filing | Accepted. An Operator's policy covers you in vehicles not registered to you; an Owner's policy covers your registered vehicles. You may carry either or both. |
| How it's filed | Apply through any agent; the insurer's home office sends the certificate to the Department of State (2-4 weeks). An application for insurance is not acceptable. Electronic: not stated. |
| If the policy cancels | Your insurer must give 10 days' notice before cancelling. The state suspends your license and registration until new proof is filed, and you must return them. |
| Minimum liability limits | 250/500/10 default; you may choose as low as 50/100/10 (bodily injury per person / per accident / property damage). |
| Who handles it | Michigan Department of State (Secretary of State), Driver Record Activity Unit |
How to get it today
- Send the quote request with the reason for the filing (DUI, lapse, uninsured accident) and the date the state gave you; that goes to the companies above that take it.
- Bind the policy; the insurer sends the Insurer certificate (not called SR-22) to the state electronically the same day in most cases.
- Keep the policy paid for the whole period: a cancellation is reported to the state and usually restarts the suspension.
I'm licensed in 48 states and Washington, DC and your request stays with my agency, not passed to another agent. In Florida and Washington, where my licenses are still being issued, a partner agency in your state helps in the meantime.
Questions people ask
How long do I need an Insurer certificate (not called SR-22) in Michigan?
Until the judgment is paid in full; in general the state may release proof on request after 3 years.
Who needs an Insurer certificate (not called SR-22) in Michigan?
Uninsured at-fault drivers who can't pay a court judgment for damages and want a financial-responsibility restricted license. Other triggers (DUI, points) are not stated by the state.
Can I get a non-owner Insurer certificate (not called SR-22) in Michigan?
Accepted. An Operator's policy covers you in vehicles not registered to you; an Owner's policy covers your registered vehicles. You may carry either or both.
What happens if my policy cancels during the Insurer certificate (not called SR-22) period?
Your insurer must give 10 days' notice before cancelling. The state suspends your license and registration until new proof is filed, and you must return them.
Sources
- https://www.michigan.gov/sos/faqs/license-and-id/financial-responsibility-restricted-licenses
- https://www.michigan.gov/sos/all-services/license-reinstatement-fee
- https://legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-257-512
- https://legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-257-513
- https://legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-257-517
- https://legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-257-518
Send it once. It gets filed.
A few minutes to request the quote; the companies that file Insurer certificate (not called SR-22) answer by email, and the filing goes to the state when you bind.
Get a reminder before your renewal.
Tell me when your policy renews and I’ll email you about six weeks before, when it’s worth comparing. One email, no calls.