SR-22 insurance is something most people do not learn about until there is a need to obtain it. It does not matter why you have to have SR-22 verification. You'll need to secure it if the Department of Motor Vehicles is requiring you to have it.
If you have to get an SR-22, the DMV has determined you are a high-risk driver. It’s important to know that SR-22 is not an insurance policy. Rather, it is a certificate required by the DMV that shows you have liability insurance in place. Obtaining it does not have to be hard in most cases.
How Do You Know If You Need SR-22 Insurance?
Most of the time, you will know you need this type of coverage because the DMV or the courts have stated you cannot drive without it. It is often required in situations such as:
- DUIs and DWIs
- Driving without insurance or without a license
- Involvement in an at-fault accident
- Having too many moving violations or tickets in a short period of time
- Repeat traffic offenses of other types
- Revoked or suspended licenses
The court will notify you of the need to obtain and maintain this type of auto insurance coverage. They will inform you of what you need and how long you will need to maintain this coverage.
How Do You Get SR-22 Insurance?
Once you learn that you need SR-22 insurance, your next step is to call your car insurance provider. Generally, this will cost a processing fee of about $25 (though it can be more).
Your insurance provider may also increase the cost of your current car insurance plan. This is because of your high-risk status. This depends on the type of violation. Keep in mind, the rate increase is likely the result of the violation, rather than of the SR-22 itself.
Most of the time, you will be able to put this type of policy in place within a few days or sooner. Your current car insurance provider or a new one that you select can usually handle the request. However, not all insurers will write SR-22 certificates.
You may need to maintain the SR-22 policy for two to five years. If there are additional violations or coverage lapses, this time can become even longer. It’s essential to keep the right coverage in place at all times while you are have an SR-22.