Do I Need An Sr22?

By Author: Ramey Fesperman
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If you are convicted of driving under the influence or are involved in a motor vehicle accident without the proper insurance, your driving privileges can be suspended for at least 30 days to one year depending on what state you are in. Before your full privileges can be restored, you must show your licensing agency, usually your local Department of Motor Vehicle, that you have the required insurance coverage. This disclosure is done with a certificate called an SR22 which is issued by your chosen provider and simply states that you have the requisite motor liability insurance coverage. Should you let this coverage lapse or cancel the policy, under the SR22 law, the insurer must notify the licensing agency and your driving privileges will be rescinded.

Some drivers may be required to obtain an SR22 even if they were insured at the time of the accident and were not driving under the influence. This is usually in cases where the driver is unable to provide the officer with proof of insurance or financial responsibility at the time the driver was pulled over. The SR22 does not exempt the driver for any fines resulting for ...
... driving without a proof of insurance. Drivers convicted of operating a motor vehicle under the influence will be required to get an SR22 even if they were insured and had proof of financial responsibility at the time of their arrest.

You can request an SR22 form from many insurance providers. However, you will automatically be considered a "high-risk" driver and your premiums increase, particularly if you were previously in a "preferred class" or received discounts as a safe driver. Some insurers do not provide SR22 certification; if your previous insurance provider is one of these insurers, they may summarily cancel your policy after your conviction. This cancellation will be a demerit on your claims history, and any subsequent insurer will raise your premiums based on this history. In some states, insurance companies are prohibited from cancelling a policy before its term has expired. If you live in one of these states, you will be protected for the full term of your policy and you will avoid the mark on your claims history for pre-cancellation. Be sure to check the laws in your state.

Again, depending on your state, your insurance status will be adversely affected for at least three years for your first drunk driving conviction. The length of time will increase for any subsequent convictions. In some states, penalties are increased in circumstances where someone was injured or a child was in the car. These enhanced penalties also apply in cases where the driver was under 21 or had an alcohol measurement above a specific legal limit.

In nearly every state, a driver with a blood alcohol level of above .08 is considered legally intoxicated. In 40 states, penalties in a DUI conviction are doubled if the driver registers a blood alcohol level of .15 or .20.

No matter where you move, you will find an insurer that provides SR22 certification. If you need to obtain an SR22, you should shop around for a provider that offers the lowest premiums. Not every provider offers competitive rates, so it may be more practicable to find an independent agency to "shop around" for your specific financial needs. They will have industry information on those specific providers who offer SR22 certification as well as their rates. The independent agency can offer you the best quotes from which you can choose.

If you are facing financial hardship, some states offer temporary or limited vehicle operating permits for drivers with financial difficulties who need to drive to and from work.

Remember, before you search for SR22 certification, check any state laws that may be favorable to you as well as those agencies that can provide you with competitive quotes.
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Most states require an SR22 for major convictions such as a DUI or DWI, driving while license suspended or revoked and at fault accidents without insurance to name a few. Visit Southeast Insurance Agency for your next cheap sr22 insurance quote today.