Hardship License Insurance — Colorado
A hardship license (also called a restricted license or probationary license) allows limited driving during a suspension period—typically to work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered treatment—and requires you to carry SR-22 insurance even though your regular license is suspended.
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What Is Hardship License Insurance Insurance?
Hardship license insurance is the SR-22 liability coverage you must carry to activate and maintain a restricted driving privilege during a suspension. Colorado grants restricted driving through the Ignition Interlock Restricted License (IIRL) for alcohol-related revocations or through probationary reinstatement for other suspension types. You cannot drive at all—restricted or otherwise—without an active SR-22 filing on record with the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles.
Who Needs Hardship License Insurance Insurance?
You need hardship license insurance if Colorado has suspended your license and you qualify for restricted driving privileges—most commonly an Ignition Interlock Restricted License after a DUI revocation, or probationary reinstatement after a points or administrative suspension. You also need it if you are approaching full reinstatement and must satisfy the SR-22 filing requirement before the DMV will restore your regular license. Even if you do not currently own a vehicle, you must maintain an active SR-22 filing (via a non-owner policy) during the entire required period or your restricted privilege or reinstatement eligibility is cancelled immediately.
If you must drive to work, medical appointments, or court-ordered treatment and Colorado has approved your restricted license or IIRL application, you have no choice—SR-22 filing is mandatory and your restricted privilege is revoked the day your SR-22 lapses. If your suspension is under six months and you have access to rideshares or family help, waiting it out is often cheaper than paying for SR-22 and restricted privileges.
How Much Does Hardship License Insurance Insurance Cost?
- SR-22 filing duration required by Colorado—most suspensions mandate three years, DUI-related restricted licenses require one to four years depending on offense count.
- Carrier acceptance—many standard carriers (State Farm, Allstate) will not write SR-22 policies in Colorado, forcing you into non-standard carriers (The General, Direct Auto, Acceptance) with higher base rates.
- Additional moving violations or lapses during the SR-22 period—any lapse restarts your SR-22 clock and triggers immediate re-suspension; additional tickets during SR-22 filing can double your premium.
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