One of the most common consequences of a DUI is the requirement for SR22 insurance. If you break the law by drinking and driving, the court and DMV may only allow you to continue driving if you purchase this type of auto insurance. Once you buy a policy, you might be wondering if you can switch insurance providers. The answer is yes, you can switch providers, but you should use caution when doing so. Here are a few things to understand about SR22 and switching auto insurance providers.
Understand What Happens When You Have SR22
When you need SR22 insurance, you will have to buy a policy within a specified time period if you want to avoid losing your driving privileges. When you choose a company for the policy, they will provide a form to you called an SR22. They will also file the form with your local DMV. If the DMV gets the form before the deadline, you will not lose your license.
If you do not pay your auto insurance bill and end up with a canceled policy, your insurance company will also file a form with the DMV to let them know. When the DMV receives this notification, they will suspend your driver's license.
You Should Avoid a Lapse in Coverage
One of the most important things to know about SR22 is that you must keep an active policy for the stated time period, and it must be consecutive. If you need SR22 for two years, it must run for two years consecutively. You cannot have a break in coverage. If you do, the two-year period starts over when you buy a new policy. To avoid a lapse in coverage when switching providers, make sure your new policy starts before you end your current policy. This step is vital if you want to avoid major consequences.
Switching May Result in Saving Money
Switching to a new provider may help you save money, and that is the reason people do this when they have SR22. To find out if you can save money, call a different company, and request a quote.
If you need SR22 insurance, you will need to have a policy in place for the entire period you need it. If you have questions about what it is or how it works, call an auto insurance agent. The agent can also help you switch your policy to a new company without experiencing a lapse in coverage.
For more information, reach out to a company like Illinois Insurance Center Inc.
