SR-22 insurance in Kentucky

Does Kentucky require an SR-22?

No. Kentucky doesn't use the SR-22 certificate. Insurers report your coverage to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet electronically, and the state checks it at registration and on an ongoing basis.

The proof-and-certificate sections of Kentucky's old financial responsibility law are listed as repealed (1975–1978) in KRS Chapter 187. Today, KRS 186A.040 sets up an online insurance verification system, and 601 KAR 9:120 spells out what insurers must report to it. So if someone is selling you a "Kentucky SR-22," ask exactly what form they mean and which agency asked for it.

What Kentucky requires instead

• Minimum liability: 25/50/25 split limits ($25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $25,000 property damage) or a $60,000 single limit (KRS 304.39-110). Kentucky policies also include personal injury protection, called basic reparation benefits, unless you formally reject it. The minimum is a floor, not a plan; see state minimums aren't a plan.
• Proof at the county clerk: when you register or renew in person, bring an original (not a copy) Kentucky insurance card with an effective date within 45 days (KYTC Vehicle Registration & Renewals).
• If coverage drops out of the system: the state notifies the owner, and the registration is revoked unless proof is provided, or the system shows coverage, within 14 days after the insurance became invalid (KRS 186A.040).
• Reinstating a revoked registration: a $40 fee at the county clerk under KRS 186.040(8), as noted on the KYTC Mandatory Insurance page.

If you were caught without insurance in Kentucky

Under KRS 304.99-060, an owner who doesn't keep the required security can face:

• A fine of $500 to $1,000, up to 90 days in jail, or both.
• Revocation of the registration and suspension of the plates for one year, or until proof is furnished that the security "is then and will remain in effect."
• For a second or later offense within five years, revocation of the driver's license and higher penalties.

For a second offense, a court can reduce penalties only with proof of coverage and a receipt showing at least a six-month policy premium was paid, and the court checks the renewal when that six months ends. If your driver's license was suspended, the KYTC License Reinstatement page explains that a $40 reinstatement fee may apply and that suspensions stay in effect until every requirement is met.

Practical tip: keep the policy active and paid, keep your insurance card handy, and follow the exact instructions in your court order or Transportation Cabinet letter. We can't give legal advice, but we can help you get coverage in place.

Moved to Lexington with an out-of-state SR-22?

Moving doesn't end another state's requirement. Kentucky won't issue or renew a license while your license is suspended or revoked in another state for a traffic offense less than five years old, until you resolve it there (KRS 186.442).

• Ohio: a first non-compliance suspension requires carrying an SR-22 or bond for one year; for older records added before April 9, 2025, the requirement is three years, or five years for repeat offenses (Ohio BMV non-compliance suspension).
• Indiana: some suspensions require an SR22 filed electronically by your insurer. Out-of-state residents may use Indiana's Out of State Residency Affidavit to waive some SR22 requirements, but not those tied to specialized driving privileges or suspensions stayed with an SR22 (Indiana BMV proof of financial responsibility).

What we do: look for a carrier that will write your car in Kentucky and can file the other state's SR-22. Not every carrier does, so tell us up front. We'll check which carriers can file; we can't promise that any will.

Car insurance after a lapse, tickets, an accident or a DUI

We compare carriers that write Lexington drivers, including Liberty Mutual, Grange, Progressive, GEICO, Travelers and Openly, depending on the driver and the vehicle. What affects the quote: your driving record, how long coverage lapsed, the vehicle, your ZIP code and garaging address, and who else drives. A lapse can move you into higher-priced markets for a while, which is why continuous coverage matters; see insurance lapses.

Have these ready: your driver's license, the VIN or year, make and model, any Transportation Cabinet or court letter, and any out-of-state BMV letter.

Lexington office

2240 Executive Dr Ste 103, Lexington, KY 40505 · (859) 368-0162 · Mon–Fri 9–7, Sat 9–5. You can quote by phone or text, so there's no need to drive across town. We help drivers across Lexington and, by phone and online, in Georgetown, Nicholasville, Richmond, Versailles, Winchester and Paris. See our Lexington office page, car insurance in Lexington and Kentucky car insurance, or start an online quote.

General information, not legal advice. Your court order or KYTC/BMV letter controls. Coverage is subject to underwriting.

Questions we hear

Does Kentucky require an SR-22?

No. Kentucky doesn't use SR-22 certificates. It verifies insurance electronically through the Transportation Cabinet (KRS 186A.040).

What happens if my insurance lapses in Kentucky?

The state notifies you, and your registration is revoked unless proof is provided or coverage shows in the system within 14 days. Reinstating a revoked registration is $40 at the county clerk.

What's the minimum car insurance in Kentucky?

25/50/25 split limits or a $60,000 single limit (KRS 304.39-110), plus personal injury protection, also called basic reparation benefits, unless you formally reject it.

I moved from Ohio or Indiana and still owe an SR-22. Can I get one in Lexington?

That state's requirement continues. You need a carrier that files with that state, and we can check which ones will.

Will a DUI in Kentucky require an SR-22?

Kentucky has no SR-22 filing. A DUI is handled through license suspension and the court or Transportation Cabinet requirements. Follow your court order and KYTC letter, and keep continuous insurance.

How long do I have to keep insurance after an uninsured conviction?

For a second offense, courts can require proof of a paid 6-month policy and check the renewal (KRS 304.99-060). Keep coverage continuous.

Do I have to come to the office?

No. You can quote by phone, text or online.

Educational only — not a quote, not legal advice, and not a coverage guarantee. Coverage, eligibility, and pricing are set by each carrier and vary by ZIP, property or driver details, and underwriting. Talk with a licensed Asshield™ agent about what fits your situation.