Insurance SR22: A Comprehensive Guide

SR22 insurance is a type of car insurance that is required for drivers who have had their license suspended or revoked. The SR22 form is filed by the insurance company to provide proof of financial responsibility. In this article, we will discuss what SR22 insurance is, who needs it, and how to get it.

What is SR22 Insurance?

SR22 insurance is not a type of insurance policy, but a form that is filed with the state to prove that the driver has insurance coverage. The SR22 form is required for drivers who have had their license suspended or revoked due to traffic violations or other infractions. It is a legal requirement that drivers must fulfill before they can get their license reinstated.

When you file for an SR22 form, your insurance company will provide proof of your liability coverage to the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This will ensure that the state knows that you are financially responsible for any accidents you may cause while driving on the road.

It is important to note that not all insurance companies provide SR22 coverage. So, if you need SR22 insurance, you should talk to your insurance company to confirm if they offer it. If not, you can look for an insurance company that provides SR22 coverage.

What Does SR22 Insurance Cover?

SR22 insurance covers the same things as standard car insurance. This includes liability coverage, which pays for damages or injuries that you cause to others in an accident. There are different types of liability coverage, including:

Liability Coverage
Covers damages or injuries that you cause to others or their property
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Covers damages or injuries caused by a driver who does not have enough insurance coverage to pay for the damages or injuries
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Coverage
Covers medical expenses and lost wages if you or your passengers are injured in an accident

It is important to note that SR22 insurance does not cover damages or injuries to your own vehicle or injuries to yourself. For these things, you will need additional coverage, such as collision coverage or medical payments coverage.

Who Needs SR22 Insurance?

Not everyone needs SR22 insurance. It is only required for drivers who have had their license suspended or revoked due to certain infractions, such as:

  • DUI or DWI conviction
  • Reckless driving
  • Driving without insurance
  • Multiple traffic violations

If you have been convicted of one of these offenses or have had your license suspended or revoked, you may be required by the state to file an SR22 form. The length of time you will be required to maintain SR22 coverage depends on the state and the offense. In most cases, you will need to maintain SR22 coverage for at least three years.

How to Get SR22 Insurance

If you need SR22 insurance, you should contact your insurance company to see if they offer it. If not, you can look for an insurance company that does provide SR22 coverage. You will need to request an SR22 form from your insurance company, and they will file it with the state’s DMV on your behalf.

Be prepared to pay more for SR22 insurance than you would for standard car insurance. This is because SR22 insurance is considered high-risk coverage, and insurance companies charge higher premiums for high-risk coverage.

FAQs

How long do I need to maintain SR22 coverage?

The length of time you will be required to maintain SR22 coverage depends on the state and the offense. In most cases, you will need to maintain SR22 coverage for at least three years. However, in some states, the requirement may be longer.

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

Yes, you can get non-owner SR22 insurance if you do not own a car but still need to fulfill the SR22 requirement. This type of coverage provides liability coverage when you are driving a car that you do not own.

What happens if I don’t maintain SR22 insurance?

If you do not maintain SR22 insurance for the required length of time, your license will be suspended or revoked again. It is important to maintain SR22 coverage until the requirement is fulfilled, or you obtain a release from the state.

Can I switch insurance companies if I have SR22 insurance?

Yes, you can switch insurance companies if you have SR22 insurance. However, you will need to make sure that the new insurance company also provides SR22 coverage. You will also need to request that they file a new SR22 form with the state’s DMV on your behalf.

How much does SR22 insurance cost?

The cost of SR22 insurance varies depending on the insurance company, your driving record, and other factors. On average, SR22 insurance can cost two to three times more than standard car insurance.

Can I drive out of state with SR22 insurance?

Yes, you can drive out of state with SR22 insurance, but you should make sure that you meet the insurance requirements of the state you are driving in. It is also important to make sure that your SR22 coverage is valid in that state.

Can I cancel my SR22 coverage once the requirement is fulfilled?

Once you fulfill the SR22 requirement, you can cancel your SR22 coverage. However, it is important to make sure that you obtain a release from the state before you cancel your coverage. Otherwise, your license may be suspended or revoked again.

Conclusion

SR22 insurance is a legal requirement that drivers must fulfill before they can get their license reinstated. It is a form that is filed with the state to provide proof of financial responsibility. If you need SR22 insurance, talk to your insurance company to see if they offer it. If not, you can look for an insurance company that provides SR22 coverage. Remember to maintain SR22 coverage until the requirement is fulfilled, or you obtain a release from the state.