If you have faced a major traffic violation such as a DUI, you may need to fill out a SR-22 form to retain your driver’s license. More than likely, you’ve never heard of SR-22 insurance and have many questions.
Below you will find answers to help you understand and properly acquire an SR-22, as well as general information that will help you throughout the entire process.
What Is the Purpose of an SR-22?
An SR-22 is really a document that verifies that you have purchased your state’s minimum liability insurance. It permits you to maintain a driver’s license after serious or repeat offenses.
More or less, the insurance company assures the motor vehicle or state insurance company that you will hold vehicle insurance for a specified period of time. Failure to do so will result in the suspension or revocation of your driver’s license.
Unfortunately, as a result of your violation, your SR-22 car insurance rate will have additional fees, and you will not have as many insurance options from which to choose.
Who Requires an SR-22?
There are a variety of different reasons why a person might need to complete this form.
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- Failure to pay court-ordered child support
- Your license has been revoked or suspended
- Multiple traffic violations within a six-month window
- You were in an accident while uninsured
- You received a DUI or comparable serious offense
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How Can I Get One?
Here is what you need to do:
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- If you currently need an SR-22 without car insurance, you will need to get a policy first. Choose one that offers SR-22 as a service because not all of them will.
- Be prepared to shell out some money upfront—you may have to pay the entire six-month or one-year premium out of pocket.
- Once your insurance is secured, the company will file the SR-22 for you.
- If you already have car insurance, contact your insurer to see if they provide this service. If not, you may be looking at having to transfer.
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What Are Some Insurers Who Perform This Service?
A wide variety of insurance companies are available to help you file an SR-22. Here is a small listing to help you get started:
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- State Farm
- Traveler’s
- The General
- Geico
- Progressive
- Dairyland
- Direct Auto
- Nationwide
- American Family
- Gainsco
- Safe Auto
- . . . and many more
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Is There a Car Insurance Rate for Disqualified Drivers?
While it may be more difficult to find insurers willing to work with you, having insurance is a legal requirement, so you will definitely be able to find insurance, it just may require some additional research.
Don’t fret if some of the major car insurance companies refuse to accept you as there are specialist insurers who will be able to provide something for you. It may be expensive, though, due to your high-risk scenario.
There is car insurance for convicted drivers and the best way to find better car insurance quotes for convicted drivers is to shop around.
How Much Does an SR-22 Cost?
The document itself is only $25; however, remember that you will face higher insurance rates as a result of the situation that required the SR-22.
Are There Any Discounts I Could Get To Help With the Prices?
There are sometimes discounts for completing approved courses that are part of your conviction protocols. Examples of these include speed awareness courses or drunk driver rehabilitation courses.
Even if these cost money upfront, the amount you will save in the long-term makes them beneficial.
It’s also pertinent to keep in mind that smaller cars that are highly rated for safety are much cheaper to insure than, say, a muscle car. For what it’s worth, with a spotty record, you are probably not going to find an insurer who will take on a car like that.
Smaller engines and extra safety features will help you place a vehicle in the lowest insurance category, which will make those insurance payments easier to manage.
How Can Shopping Around Help?
Research shows that each company is different, offering a variety of rates that can be influenced by factors such as the driver’s age, how recent a conviction was, or even what state they are in.
Because of these factors, it’s not wise to accept the first offer that you find. You could save a lot of money by comparing different insurance companies.
There are even online tools you can find that will do a lot of the legwork for you.
If you find that your current insurance cancels your policy in light of recent events and refuses to cover you, research a variety of different insurers. Chances are, with a little bit of time and effort, you will find a price that is better for you.
Keep in mind that if you are struggling to find insurers who will cover you, there is a set of high-risk insurers you can research. And also remember, even among those candidates, shop around!
How Can I Get an SR-22 When I Don’t Own a Car?
There is a policy called non-owners insurance intended to cover any vehicle that you don’t own, such as a rented vehicle or a friend or family member lending out a car.
Having this insurance is typically enough for insurers who handle SR-22 forms to file for one on your behalf.
How Long Does a DUI Affect Car Insurance?
While states vary, you can typically expect to have the form and your insurance policy for at least three years. Failure to maintain your coverage could result in the insurance company notifying your DMV and a driver’s license suspension.
Keep in mind, a break in coverage will affect your ability to get better premiums after the SR-22 insurance period ends because you will be considered a risk.
What Happens After My SR-22 Ends?
Once you have fulfilled the term of your SR-22 insurance, the status requirement will be removed, and you will no longer need one.
Make sure that you notify the insurance company of this updated status so that you can have it removed, and it might be a good time to consider shopping around again since you will have better prices on insurance available again.
Featured Image: Megapixl
