SR-22 Insurances Explained: What It Is & How to Get It
SR-22 insurance is a type of liability insurance typically required by state law for certain high-risk drivers to verify coverage with the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This type of insurance is necessary to maintain a suspended or revoked drivers license or operate a vehicle if convicted of a DUI or other serious traffic violations. SR-22 insurance can be a difficult policy to understand, but it doesnt have to be. Its important to know what it covers, who needs to buy it and how to purchase it.
SR-22 insurance is considered a high-risk insurance policy due to the drivers record. It guarantees that the driver will maintain liability insurance coverage that meets the state minimums. Drivers must keep the SR-22 coverage active and submit periodic proof of coverage to the DMV each year. If a driver fails to uphold their part of the contract with SR-22 insurance policy, the DMV or court may suspend their license.
When considering an SR-22 insurance policy, first think about who exactly needs it. Not all drivers are required to obtain an SR-22 form, but certain drivers with repeat offenses or serious traffic violations may be required by the DMV or courts to purchase one. Common violations that may require the purchase of SR-22 insurance include opioid-related DWI, reckless driving, driving without insurance and multiple tickets in a short amount of time. A driver can verify if they are required to have an SR-22 by inquiring with the DMV or the court involved.
Once a driver realizes they need an SR-22, the next step is to find an insurance provider. Most major insurers provide SR-22 coverage, so its important to shop around for the best coverage at the best rate. Drivers can also work with independent agents or brokers who can provide numerous quotes to save time and money, as SR-22 filings can be expensive.
When purchasing SR-22 insurance, also consider the type of coverage bought. Depending on state law, full coverage on a policy might be required with liability insurance. The type of insurance coverage required depends on the drivers record and violation. The insurance company or state will often require proof of coverage, such as a letter or certificate, to guarantee that a driver has the minimum required coverage.
Once proof of coverage is provided, the final step is for the insurance company to submit an SR-22 filing to the DMV. This process can be done electronically or by mail, but the DMV will receive notification that the insurance company filed an SR-22 on the drivers behalf. Now that the driver has completed the SR-22 process, they can get back to what really matters, safe and responsible driving.
Comparing Costs. One factor to look at when considering SR-22 insurance is the cost. Finding affordable coverage should be a top priority, and drivers can compare quotes to make sure theyre getting the most coverage at the lowest possible cost. Additionally, drivers should be aware that once theyve purchased an SR-22, they need to keep their coverage in place for the period of time mandated by the court or the state. If a driver cancels their SR-22 policy before the period ends, they risk losing their license.
Meeting Requirements. With any SR-22 filing, its important for drivers to understand what type of coverage they need to have and satisfy any requirements from the state or court that isnt a part of the standard coverage. Some states may require drivers to purchase additional coverage for the SR-22 or to have an SR-22 policy for a certain period of time. Additionally, its beneficial for drivers to keep track of when their SR-22 policy renewal is due, and make sure they always keep minimum state coverage.
Filing An SR-22. Filing an SR-22 is a multi-step process thats relatively easy to complete. It requires drivers to make sure theyre aware of the requirements, shop around to get the best coverage, fill out necessary forms and submit proof of coverage to the state. Its important for drivers to make sure the SR-22 form is properly filed and documented to keep their driving privileges active.
Maintaining Coverage. Once the SR-22 has been filed, the real work starts. Drivers must make sure they maintain the coverage requirements for the entire period specified by the court or the state to ensure their driving privileges remain active. Additionally, many states require drivers to update their DMV records with proof of insurance each year. If all required forms and documentation are not properly filed, the drivers license could be suspended or revoked.
Additional Steps. When faced with an SR-22 requirement, drivers should also look into an additional type of coverage, such as an SR-50 policy. This specialized type of policy helps cover any uninsured losses or damages that may occur if the driver is unable to pay. Additionally, drivers should find out what kind of operational limits the policy has, such as travel restrictions or night-time driving limitations.
Getting Educated. One of the most important steps drivers can take when facing an SR-22 is to educate themselves on the requirements and their responsibilities. Drivers should contact the DMV or the court before shopping for SR-22 insurance and make sure they understand what coverage theyll need. Knowing what type of coverage is necessary and what the rules and regulations are can help save money and keep the driver in compliance.
Making Payments. When buying SR-22 insurance, drivers also need to make sure payments are made on time in order to keep the policy active. Drivers should look at the payment plan when deciding which provider to purchase coverage from, as some providers may be flexible with payment plans or have easier methods for making payments. Keeping the policy active is essential, so drivers should stay aware of payment due dates and use whichever payment option works best for them.
Proactive Reflection. After purchasing an SR-22, its important for drivers to stay proactive and reflect on their driving behaviors. Drivers should look at why they got to the point of needing SR-22 coverage in the first place and start implementing healthier and safer behaviors to ensure that they don’t have to purchase policies like this anymore. While having an SR-22 policy is necessary and important in some cases, it shouldnt be used as an excuse to not take driving seriously.
Avoiding Unnecessary Offenses. Finally, drivers should be aware of new laws and regulations and pay attention to their surroundings when driving to prevent further offenses. By staying safe, following traffic regulations and refraining from risky behaviors, drivers can avoid hefty fines, administrative fees and the potential need for an SR-22 policy in the future.
Staying Up to Date. Its also essential that SR-22 drivers stay up to date on all requirements and legal obligations. Staying familiar with the requirements of the policy and ensuring that any and all paperwork is always up to date is essential in order to protect ones drivers license and maintain legal driving privileges.
Weighing the Pros and Cons. Ultimately, when faced with an SR-22, drivers should take the time to research their options and weigh the pros and cons of purchasing this type of policy. Drivers should shop around for the most cost-effective coverage with the best benefits and keep the policy active for the duration required by the state. Doing so can help drivers maintain legal driving privileges while still saving time and money.
Getting Extra Coverage. Most states will require drivers to have extra coverage when filing an SR-22 or other policies to make sure the driver has the proper coverage in place. Drivers can look into Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists Insurance or Medical Payments Coverage, as both types of insurance can help protect drivers and passengers during an accident. Additionally, drivers should look into any additional discounts available to them for enrolling in multiple policies.
Making Necessary Adjustments. After fully understanding the requirements and costs of an SR-22 policy, drivers may need to make necessary adjustments to their daily life. These adjustments can include setting a budget to make sure payments are made on time or reducing the number of miles driven to stay in accordance with the policy. Making adjustments in other areas of life can also prove beneficial, such as enrolling in a driver safety course or attending a traffic school.
Having Patience. Last but not least, drivers should have patience when dealing with an SR-22 policy. This process can take time and drivers should be prepared; it can be easy to become frustrated with all the paperwork and the DMV or court process. But by staying patient and following the protocol, drivers will be able to maintain their driving privileges with an SR-22 policy.