Everyone makes mistakes during their lifetimes. Some mistakes are more serious than others.
Getting a reckless driving or DUI ticket or causing an accident can be very expensive mistakes. A driver’s license can be suspended for four months or longer, and then the driver will have to meet new requirements to get their license reinstated. In California and other states, an SR22 form might have to be filed with proof of insurance coverage. This is expensive insurance.
What is SR-22 Insurance?
SR-22 insurance is really a form that must be added to a regular car insurance policy to prove the driver’s liability is covered in case of an accident. This form is required by the California Department of Motor Vehicles for drivers with reckless driving or DUI offenses. If a driver is involved in an accident involving DUI or reckless driving, they will also be required to have an SR-22 form filed by a car insurance company on their behalf.
First, the driver’s license to drive will be canceled for an average of four months, depending on the offense. Then, the state will not reissue the driver’s license until this SR-22 is filed. The SR-22 insurance must be maintained for three years before the driver can switch to regular car insurance. This is all dependent on the driver having a good driving record with no additional traffic offenses.
This form SR-22 is proof that the car insurance company is providing the driver with coverage and proof of financial responsibility in case of additional incidents. This is an expensive addition to a car insurance policy. A person’s existing insurance company might drop them after this type of driving offense. In that case, the driver will need to shop for an insurance company that will offer insurance coverage including the SR-22 form. Look further to see phone number for more SR-22 information.
When a driver cannot find an insurance company to file an SR-22 form or give car insurance, they will need to get insurance through California’s special Automobile Assigned Risk Plan. It will not be cheap. SR-22 insurance will be a lot more costly than regular car insurance policies. It is important to find a good agent with access to multiple insurers to find the best SR-22 policy to meet a driver’s needs and budget.
What Offences Require SR-22 Insurance?
There are a number of serious offenses that lead to the SR-22 form being required. Minor driving offenses will not bring this requirement. So a parking ticket, minor speeding ticket, or going through a stop sign will probably not result in a requirement to get this insurance add-on.
The offenses will include:
- A DUI conviction
- Reckless Driving tickets
- Being caught driving without insurance coverage
- Being caught driving with a suspended license
It is vitally important for the driver who has committed these offenses to mend their ways and learn from these mistakes. The driver cannot repeat any of these offenses and keep their SR-22 insurance coverage or their ability to drive. Second, third, or more offenses have more and more serious consequences. And, it will take an average of ten years to be considered a “good driver” again by insurance companies. Hiring a good defense attorney might help limit the overall costs of these offenses.
What Happens When the SR-22 is No Longer Required?
After three years with a good driving record and no additional offenses, the driver may be able to get insurance without this SR-22 form attached.
They will still not be considered a “good driver,” so the rates will still be higher than before the offense. But they can be more affordable. This is where having a good insurance agent comes in handy. A good agent can shop for the best insurance policy available for the driver. No one is going to offer that “good driver” discount many drivers enjoy.
Getting the best car insurance rates will take a number of years without any additional traffic offenses or accidents. Being a careful driver is very important from now on.
