Did you know that roughly thirty-two people die from drunk driving-related accidents every day? This alarming statistic is just one of the reasons why local governments crack down so hard on this form of reckless driving. Aside from legal repercussions, there are also financial consequences. This comes in the form of SR22 auto insurance. But, what is SR22 auto insurance? And if you do need it, then how do you get it?
If you want to learn the answer to these questions and more, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll teach you everything you need to know to understand this type of insurance. Let’s get started!
What Is SR22 Auto Insurance?
Many people think that SR22 is a specific type of auto insurance. Indeed, it’s often referred to in this way. However, the reality is that an SR22 is a document.
This document is used as evidence of your financial responsibility in the potentially likely event that you’re involved in a car accident. SR22 isn’t a ubiquitous term either.
For example, in Virginia and Florida, it’s referred to as an FR44. An SR22 is needed on your insurance policy because it shows that you have the minimum liability coverage that’s required in your state.
Every state (except New Hampshire) requires drivers to have liability coverage. For example, here are the liability requirements needed for California SR22 insurance in our home state.
This pays for the injuries or property damage when the accident is your fault. When you get a certificate that proves you have SR22 coverage, then it will be posted on your driving record.
There it will stay until you’re no longer required by your state to have this additional coverage. Typically, you will need to post a copy of your SR22 to your state’s DMV, as well as pay any applicable fees that are needed.
Who Needs SR22 Auto Insurance?
It’s important to note that the rules regarding who needs an SR22 vary from state to state. As such, you should make sure that you look into the local laws where you live.
However, generally speaking, they’re required for anyone that poses a liability risk to other drivers. Again these rules aren’t hard and fast. But, some of the common reasons you might need SR22 auto insurance include:
- You have a DUI or DWI conviction on your record
- You were arrested for driving without a license
- You were caught driving without insurance
- Your license was suspended because of too many accidents, reckless driving tickets, or moving violations
- You received a lot of driving violations in a short amount of time
- You’re applying for a probationary driving permit
- You’re applying for a hardship driving permit
- You’re behind on child support payments
If any of these reasons apply to you, then you should look into SR22 coverage. However, typically it will be quite clear when you need it.
You’ll either be told that you need it at your hearing in person, or you’ll receive directions to get it through the mail.
What Are the Different Types of SR22 Auto Insurance
Many people think that SR22 auto insurance all falls under one category. But, the reality is that there are three different types you need to consider. Each one depends on how your use the vehicle you’re operating.
The first type of SR22 auto insurance is called an operator’s certificate. This is also referred to as non owner SR22 insurance. This type of certificate is made for people who don’t own a vehicle but need to borrow or rent one.
This is typically needed for work. For example, if a contractor is driving around a company car, then they would need non-owner SR22 insurance. The next type of SR22 auto insurance is an owner certificate.
This form is appropriate for people that both own and drive their cars. The last type of insurance is operator/owner SR22 insurance.
You can think of this as a hybrid option that combines owner and operator SR22 insurance. It’s a good option for people that own their car but also need to rent or use a separate car for work on occasion.
How and Where to Get SR22 Auto Insurance
To get an SR22 certificate, you will first need an auto insurance policy. This policy will require you to have the minimum liability coverage (and remember that it varies from state to state).
Once you have a policy, you can ask your insurer whether or not they provide an SR22 certificate. If they don’t, then you will need to look for one that does.
If you want to save money, then we recommend telling your insurer upfront that you require an SR22 with your policy. This will give them time to look around for the best policy.
Otherwise, you’ll be at the mercy of whatever your insurance company charges you.
Consider going with companies that specialize in SR22 like Pacific Sun Insurance Services/E-SR22Filing.com. That way you have the best odds possible of getting a good quote.
How Expensive Is SR22 Auto Insurance
On its own, an SR22 certificate won’t cost you much money. Most of the time, companies will just charge you a $25 fee for filing. However, don’t think that you’re out of the woods when it comes to saving money.
The insurance policy that you need with your SR22 will likely be significantly more expensive than it was before you needed it. Why is this? Because the insurance companies view you as a higher risk.
Due to your driving record or convictions, it’s been deemed that you are more likely to be involved in serious accidents.
The insurance companies use this reason to charge you more. So, expect to pay more for SR22 auto insurance than you would normal auto insurance.
What Happens If I Can’t Make Payments?
If you can’t make insurance payments, then your auto insurance policy will lapse. When this happens, your insurance company will alert the DMV in your state that your policy has been officially canceled.
The consequences of this can depend on the state. However, most of the time, it will result in losing your driver’s license.
Because of this, you should make all your payments to avoid losing the ability to drive. If you have trouble remembering to make a payment, consider setting reminders so that you don’t forget.
How Long Do You Need SR22 Auto Insurance?
Again, the specific time you need an SR22 certificate attached to your policy will depend on the state you’re living in.
So, you should make sure that you ask your insurance provider how long you will need to have it on your driving record. That being said, most states require you to have an SR22-related policy for at least three years.
What to Look For From an SR22 Insurance Company
Sadly, not all insurance companies that offer SR22 certificates are created equally. The reality is that there are quite a few that will provide you with overpriced policies. So, how do you avoid these companies?
First, you want to check the reviews. This will give you a good idea of what the average client’s experience has been like. In addition to online reviews, you should make sure that no official complaints have been lodged against them.
For example, here at Pacific Sun Insurance Services/E-SR22Filing.com, we haven’t had one complaint lodged against us from The California Department of Insurance.
Next, you want to make sure that they have experience. If the insurance company has been around for a few decades, then they’re probably a good option. Why?
Because this gives them the networking experience needed to provide you with quotes from as many different insurance providers as possible. This is the secret to getting a great deal on your SR22 insurance.
The more quotes you look at, the better your odds are of getting a lower price while still maintaining the minimum liability coverage that you require.
Need SR22? Let Us Get You a Quote
We hope this article helped you learn more about SR22 auto insurance. The key to getting good SR22 insurance coverage is to work with a company that regularly scans the insurance markets for the best deals.
Luckily, we here at E-SR22Filing.com have you covered. Our three decades of experience give us the ability to provide you with the best rate in under thirty minutes.
So, if you’re ready to save money on your SR22 insurance, then get in touch with us today.
