SR-22 Insurance

SR-22 insurance is an auto policy that is order by a state court. It a policy is court-ordered, it is revealed to you at a hearing regarding a traffic offense. If the policy is state-ordered, you normally receive a letter from the motor vehicle department or bureau.

Why You Would Need an SR-22

You are required to obtain SR-22 insurance if you are stopped by the police and do not have insurance or a valid license. To elaborate, you may need to obtain SR-22 insurance for the following:

A DUI or DWI charge and conviction.
Driving without sufficient insurance coverage.
Having a driving record of numerous violations or accidents.
Having repeat offenses in a short period of time, such as three or more tickets for speeding within six months’ time.
Being negligent about paying court-ordered child support.
Being in possession of a hardship license – issued temporarily for driving to and from work because your driving license was revoked or suspended.

How to Obtain SR-22 Coverage

To obtain SR-22 insurance coverage, you need to contact your insurer. If you already have auto insurance, you do not need to buy a new policy. You can include SR-22 insurance in your current plan and your insurance company will file the SR-22 paperwork with the state.

What Happens If You Do Not Have Insurance?

If you do not have vehicle insurance and need to purchase a policy, you will need to tell your prospective insurance agent about your situation. Many insurers do not provide SR-22. Therefore, you should ask upfront if the insurance carrier provides SR-22 so you do not waste your time.

If you find a compliant insurer, you can have SR-22 set up fast and conveniently. It does not matter why you need the insurance. Most carriers who offer SR-22 can electronically file your SR-22 document with your motor vehicle department unless the document must be filed by mail.

How Long Will You Need the Insurance?

You will need to contact the Department or Bureau of Motor Vehicles in your state to see how long you need to carry SR-22 coverage. In most states, you will need the coverage three years. Make sure that your policy does not lapse while you are carrying an SR-22. Otherwise, the insurer will alert the Department or Bureau of Motor Vehicles in your state and you license will automatically be suspended.

If you require an SR-22 in a different state from where you reside, make sure that the insurance company you choose provides the coverage in all 50 states. Some people receive a violation when they are temporarily living or visiting another state.

What Is an FR-44 and When Is It Used?

Virginia and Florida use an FR-44, which is usually mandated after a conviction for DWI or DUI. This document is similar to an SR-22 but the liability limits are usually twice the minimum required by the state. For instance, the minimum liability cover in Virginia is $25,000 per person, 50,000 per accident, and $20,000 per property damage. In this case, an FR-44 in the state would necessitate that you obtain double these amounts – or $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident and $40,000 for a property damage claim.

What Is a Non-owner SR-22?

If you do not have a car and need a non-owner SR-22 policy, you are covered under your state’s liability requirements when you drive an auto. An agent can write this type of policy whether you have access to a car or not.

What Are the Types of SR-22 Certificates?

You can obtain three types of SR-22 certificates. Drivers who rent or borrow cars, but do not own a car, can get an operator’s certificate. People use this type of certificate with a non-owner insurance policy. An owner’s certificate is for a driver who owns and drives his or her own car. An operator/owner certificate or form is a combination certificate. These are used by car owners who may rent or borrow a care on occasion.