Everything You Need to Know About Car Insurance SR22

Car insurance is an essential part of owning and driving a vehicle. It helps protect you financially in case of accidents, theft, or damage to your car. However, getting car insurance can be challenging, especially if you have a history of traffic violations or other issues. This is where SR22 comes in. In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about car insurance SR22.

What is Car Insurance SR22?

SR22 is not actually a type of insurance, but rather a document that proves you have insurance coverage. It’s also known as a Certificate of Financial Responsibility (CFR). An SR22 is typically required by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for drivers who have been convicted of certain violations, such as driving under the influence (DUI) or driving without insurance.

The SR22 certificate shows that you have the minimum amount of liability insurance required by your state. This includes coverage for bodily injury and property damage caused by you in an accident. The SR22 is filed by your insurance company with the DMV, and it usually needs to be maintained for a certain period of time, depending on the state and the violation.

Why is Car Insurance SR22 Required?

If you’re required to get an SR22, it’s because the DMV considers you a “high-risk” driver. This means that you have a history of traffic violations or other issues that make you more likely to be involved in an accident. By requiring an SR22, the DMV is ensuring that you have insurance coverage and are financially responsible in case of an accident.

The specific violations that can lead to an SR22 requirement vary by state. In general, they include:

DUI or DWI conviction
Driving without insurance
Driving with a suspended or revoked license
At-fault accidents without insurance
Repeat traffic offenses or moving violations
Failure to pay court-ordered damages

How Does Car Insurance SR22 Work?

If you’re required to get an SR22, you’ll need to contact your insurance company. They will provide you with an SR22 certificate, which they will file with the DMV on your behalf. You will typically need to pay a fee for the SR22 filing, in addition to your regular insurance premiums.

Once the SR22 is filed, you will need to maintain your insurance coverage for the duration of the requirement period. If you cancel your insurance or let it lapse, your insurance company will notify the DMV, and your driving privileges may be suspended or revoked.

The length of time you need to maintain the SR22 depends on the state and the violation. In most cases, you’ll need to maintain the SR22 for at least three years, but it could be up to five years or more.

FAQ About Car Insurance SR22

How much does Car Insurance SR22 cost?

The cost of an SR22 varies by state and insurance company. You will typically need to pay a one-time fee for the filing, which can range from $15 to $50. You may also see an increase in your insurance premiums due to the SR22 requirement.

How long do I need to have Car Insurance SR22?

The length of time you need to maintain the SR22 depends on the state and the violation. In most cases, you’ll need to maintain the SR22 for at least three years, but it could be up to five years or more.

What happens if I let my Car Insurance SR22 lapse?

If you cancel your insurance or let it lapse while you have an SR22 requirement, your insurance company will notify the DMV, and your driving privileges may be suspended or revoked. You will need to maintain the SR22 for the entire requirement period, even if you no longer own a car or no longer have a driver’s license.

Can I get Car Insurance SR22 if I don’t own a car?

Yes, you can still get an SR22 even if you don’t own a car. You’ll need to get non-owner car insurance, which provides liability coverage for accidents you cause while driving someone else’s car. Non-owner car insurance can be more expensive than regular car insurance, but it’s still cheaper than the fines and penalties for driving without insurance.

Do I need to get Car Insurance SR22 from the same company that insures my car?

No, you don’t need to get an SR22 from the same company that insures your car. However, it’s usually easier and more convenient to get both from the same company. Some companies may not offer SR22 filings, so you may need to shop around to find an insurance company that provides the service.

Can I switch insurance companies while I have Car Insurance SR22?

Yes, you can switch insurance companies while you have an SR22 requirement. However, you’ll need to make sure your new insurance company is aware of the SR22 requirement and can provide the filing to the DMV. You may also need to pay another filing fee.

Conclusion

If you’re required to get car insurance SR22, don’t panic. It’s a common requirement for drivers with certain violations, and it’s designed to protect you and others on the road. Contact your insurance company to get the SR22 filing and make sure you maintain your coverage for the required period. With patience and diligence, you’ll be able to get back on the road and drive legally and responsibly.