You have just found out that you will need SR22 auto insurance but does that mean you are now a high risk for auto insurance? The short answer is maybe or maybe not. Read on to find out if your SR22 requirement makes you a high risk for auto insurance companies.
What is SR22 Auto Insurance?
There really is no such thing as SR22 auto insurance its a auto insurance policy with a SR22 filing attached. The SR22 on the policy requires the insurance company to notify DMV if the policy cancels. When DMV receives notice that the auto insurance has cancelled they will suspend the drivers license. The amount of time a SR22 filing is required can vary from state to state but 3 years is pretty standard in most states. The SR22 requirement does not go away until you start the policy and carry the insurance for 3 years. Reasons for needing a SR22 can vary greatly and it does not necessarily mean you are a high risk. Below is a list of reasons you may need the sr22 filing but would not be considered a high risk driver.
- You had a Driving Under Influence that is over 3 years old.
- No auto liability insurance ticket
- accident with no auto insurance older than 3 years.
- Suspended for failure to pay child support
- Numerous traffic violations that are more than 3 years old.
The reason you are not high risk is the violations can not be more than 3 years old. The failure to pay child support and no auto liability are not assigned as driving record points. If you fall into one of these categories you can purchase a regular insurance policy and just add the sr22 for a small or no fee. You can get prices for SR22 insurance here . Below is a sample list of reasons you would be considered a high risk driver.
- Driving Under the Influence under 3 years old
- 2 or more Driving Under the influence in 10 years
- Accident with no auto insurance under 3 years old
- Multiple minor traffic violations under 3 years old
- 1 or more driving on a suspended license under 3 years old
If your in any of the above categories you will likely be considered a high risk driver and can expect higher premiums. A good place to look for cheaper insurance is through a insurance broker who can sell multiple companies. If the record is so bad and no one wants to insure you there is the state assigned risk pool for each state. The assigned risk pool requires all insurance companies to accept a certain number of risks at predetermined rate set by the state. You can find out more about assigned risk here.
