There are certain circumstances under which you may be required to fill an SR-22 form when you're purchasing car insurance. Usually, this notice comes from the department of motor vehicles or the state as a result of your driving record. Filling out SR-22 forms is usually a requirement for drivers who are a proven risk on the road.
SR-22 auto insurance allows you to still legally drive on the road despite your driving record. This documentation is proof that you have purchased adequate liability insurance.
Situations That May Require Filling in an SR-22 Form
There are a number of situations that may lead you to be required to have SR-22 insurance. A few such situations include:
-
Committing many traffic offenses or getting very many tickets in a short space of time
-
Being involved in an accident in which you were at fault and you didn't have valid insurance coverage
-
Getting caught driving with a license that was suspended
-
Careless or reckless driving
-
Driving under the influence
-
Getting your driver's license revoked or suspended
Filling out this form allows people with serious driving offenses to still be able to drive.
How Can You Get SR-22 Insurance?
Getting SR-22 insurance is fairly straightforward. The filing can be added to an existing policy or to a new one. Filing an SR-22 form isn't expensive by itself. However, having to fill in the form means that you're considered a high-risk driver, and this will likely mean having to pay higher insurance rates. To fill in the form, you'll be charged a small one-time fee.
There is no telling how high your insurance premiums will get once you've made this filing. There are insurance companies that may not be willing to cover you due to the implied risk. However, there are plenty more that you can turn to. Talk to your insurance agent if you already have coverage. They can advise you on the rates, help you to fill the form in, or recommend another insurance company if the rates of your current insurer are too high. Contact a company like Kesner Insurance Agency Inc for more information.
How Long Will You Need an SR-22 Insurance?
How long you'll be required to have an SR-22 filing will be determined by the traffic violation that demanded it in the first place. This can stay in place for 3 – 5 years for offenses as serious as DUIs. You can ask the DMV or check the paperwork to see how long it'll last.
