An SR-22 is filed electronically by an auto insurance company with the state DMV on behalf of a policy holder to certify their customer has at least the minimum required car insurance. Typically, an SR-22 requirement is part of the fallout from a DUI or DWI conviction, a driving without insurance citation, reckless driving, multiple traffic offenses or some other highly reckless behavior behind the wheel. An SR-22 has a time limit – depending on what state you are in, you may be required to carry the SR-22 for two to five years. There are many things to learn about how SR-22 insurance works.
If your SR-22 lapses, the time period generally starts over, so it’s important to never let even a day pass without car insurance. Your insurance company is required by law to report electronically in real time if your policy lapses or is cancelled.
The First Steps for Getting SR-22 Auto Insurance
You’ll need to find an insurance company that provides insurance to high-risk drivers. Don’t be afraid to shop around and compare quotes – after all, high-risk insurance is expensive. Stay current with your payments and keep a clean driving record and one day, your car insurance rates will return to something closer to normal.
1. Your License Reinstatement
In most cases, SR-22 is an agreement between you and the state: the state will give you back your suspended driver’s license if you purchase the required amount of car insurance.
States require drivers to carry liability car insurance so that the burden of paying for the costs associated with car wrecks falls on the people involved – not the state. SR-22 works by assuring your state that if it allows you to have your driver’s license, you will have the required amount of car insurance. You’ve done something while behind the wheel to cause the state to consider you a risky driver. If the state believes you have a higher than average risk of getting into a car crash, they want to make sure you have the insurance to pay for injuries and damages you may potentially cause. An SR-22 certificate means you have that required coverage.
2. SR-22 Has a Filing Fee
You’ll need to get an insurance company to file the one-time fee for filing an SR-22 is $25 to $40. Your insurance will double and even triple compared to regular car insurance. That’s because an SR-22 tells an insurance company that you have exhibited some sort of irresponsible, risky behavior when driving and the company is just trying to hedge its bet on you.
SR-22 Insurance is Required for Several Driving Infractions
Most people associate SR-22 insurance with DUI because the insurance is a necessary part of the driver’s license reinstatement process after a DUI conviction. However, SR-22 insurance also covers people who get caught driving without insurance, without a driver’s license, with a suspended or revoked license, or with several traffic offenses in a short period of time.
In other words, this proof of insurance signifies to both insurers and state DMVs that a particular driver has historically participated in high-risk behavior. Most people need to get SR-22 insurance for two to five years.
An SR22 Requirement Does Not Go Away if You Move to Another State
Even if the state you move to does not require SR-22 insurance, you still need to carry it through your required term. Moving to a different state will not absolve you of the responsibility of maintaining your SR-22 – or similar – auto insurance.
Find Affordable SR-22 Car Insurance Online Today
Freeway Insurance offers a wide variety of insurance options, including auto and motorcycle coverage. We encourage you to visit our website and get a fast and free car insurance quote online. Our customer service representatives are available to answer any questions you may have about your coverage options. For more information about SR-22 insurance, contact us today at (800) 777-5620 or stop in one of our convenient locations.
