Understanding What is a SR22 Insurance

Car accidents can be a tricky situation, and you never know what can happen while you’re driving. The state of mind, a few seconds of negligence, or even a single mistake can lead to an accident, which can cause severe damage. It can impact your life in many ways from emotional to financial. What makes it worse is if you do not have insurance coverage.

If you are one of the drivers who have received a DUI, DWI, or other severe traffic offenses, you may need to get an SR22 insurance policy. If you are confused about what SR22 insurance is, then this article is just for you. Here, we will cover everything you need to know about SR22 insurance policies from its definition to how you can get one.

What is SR22 Insurance?

SR22 insurance is not an auto insurance coverage, rather it is a legal document or certificate filed by your insurance company for the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to affirm that you currently have insurance coverage. This document certifies that you meet the minimum insurance requirements of your state, and you are financially responsible for any damages or injuries caused by your vehicle.

When you get into an accident, and it’s your fault, the victims can sue you for the damages they have sustained. The SR22 certificate ensures that you have the ability to compensate for the damage caused. It is usually required for drivers who have had their license suspended due to traffic violations or other offenses.

What is the Difference Between SR22 and Auto Insurance?

Auto insurance and SR22 insurance are not the same things. Auto insurance is a policy that you purchase from an insurance carrier that offers protection against financial losses due to accidents or damage to your vehicle. It is a legal requirement in almost every state, and violators are penalized with fines and suspension of the license. On the other hand, SR22 insurance is not an insurance policy. It is a form filed by your insurance company with the DMV to prove that you are carrying the required liability coverage.

If you already have auto insurance, adding an SR22 form to it should not change your policy or any limits on your coverage. However, if you are required to get SR22 insurance, but you do not have auto insurance, you cannot get an SR22 form without first buying an insurance policy.

When Do You Need SR22 Insurance?

SR22 insurance is generally required when you are caught breaking traffic laws and your driving privileges are suspended by the court. Some of the reasons that may lead to the suspension of your driver’s license include:

If you receive an order for SR22 insurance, you must act immediately to avoid the suspension of your driver’s license. The DMV can notify you of this requirement either directly, or it can be done through the court or your insurance company.

How Long Do You Need SR22 Insurance?

The duration for which you will need SR22 insurance varies from state to state. On average, SR22 insurance is required for three years, but it can range from one to five years. It is essential to keep the SR22 policy active and updated for the entire period of your license suspension.

How to Get SR22 Insurance?

Getting SR22 insurance is a straightforward process. Once you receive a notification from the DMV, court, or insurance company, you should contact your insurance carrier to request an SR22 form. Here are some of the steps to follow when getting an SR22 insurance policy:

1. Contact your auto insurance company and inform them that you need an SR22 form.
2. The insurance company will prepare and file the form to your local DMV office, where they will verify and approve the form.
3. Make sure that you pay any fees associated with the filing of your SR22 form.
4. Once approved, the DMV will notify you to return your license and reinstatement of your driving privileges.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can speeding tickets affect my SR22 insurance?

Speeding tickets have no effect on your SR22 insurance. However, if you have multiple traffic violations, it could lead to the suspension of your driver’s license and a requirement for SR22 insurance.

2. Can I switch my insurance provider during the SR22 period?

Yes, you can change your insurance provider during the SR22 period. However, it would be best if you informed the new insurance company that you need an SR22 form before you make the switch.

3. What happens if I fail to pay my SR22 insurance premiums?

If you miss paying your SR22 insurance premiums, your insurance carrier can notify the DMV, which can lead to the suspension of your driver’s license.

4. Can I drive someone else’s car with SR22 insurance?

Yes, you can drive another person’s car with SR22 insurance. However, you must be listed as one of the drivers in their policy for coverage to apply.

5. Can I cancel my SR22 insurance before the period is over?

No, you cannot cancel your SR22 insurance before the period is over. If you cancel the policy before the period is over, the insurance carrier will notify the DMV, which will result in the suspension of your driver’s license.

Conclusion

SR22 insurance is a legal document you may need to file to prove that you are carrying the required liability coverage. It is essential to maintain your SR22 insurance policy for the entire duration of your license suspension to avoid any penalties or fines. Getting an SR22 insurance policy is a straightforward process, and your insurance carrier should be able to help you with it. We hope this article clarified your doubts about what SR22 insurance is and how it works.