What are the requirements in Washington to get a SR-22?

If you are convicted of a DUI, you are stopped while driving without proof of insurance, or your driver license is suspended or revoked, you will be required to carry SR-22 coverage. This certificate is purchased directly from the auto insurance company, but is not part of your auto insurance policy. SR-22 is a statement of financial resonsibility which states you are covered for the minimum required liability insurance, but it does not provide the coverage directly, merely rides on top of your car insurance policy as an indicator should the policy become forfeit.

Once you have been instructed to purchase an SR-22, you will be notified how long ou will be required to carry it, ranging from 6 months to as many as four years. SR-22 is a penalty imposed by law, and failure to maintain the SR-22 or to allow a lapse in your car insurance coverage could result in your driver license or vehicle registration being suspended. Keep in mind that this coverage is in addition to any other fines, penalties or requirements, and must be maintained even if you no longer possess an insurable vehicle. In that situation, request a special version of the SR-22 that provides the correct SR-22 coverage but exists independently of a car insurance policy.