SR22 Auto Insurance

 

People that have been arrested and charged with a DUI usually face several consequences. Some of these are civil punishments such as a suspended driver's license while other penalties are criminal in nature, such as spending time in prison. Beyond these items there are other consequences to consider. One such consequence is the SR22 requirement.

 

Basic Definition

 

The SR22 is a form that is on record with the state. This form indicates that the person who committed the DUI offense currently has the proper automobile insurance as required by the state's laws. The insurance company is obligated to inform the state if the insurance policy is not kept up to date.

 

Why Is SR22 Necessary?

 

The SR22 requirement is a way of imposing a penalty on the driver. Although all states do not require an SR22 for DUI convictions, the majority of states have a similar policy. For the first offense most people will have to keep this policy current for at least three years. The lengthy time period reminds people of their poor choice and hopefully encourages them to make better choices next time. Most states require the SR22 as a per-requisite to having a driver's license reinstated.

 

How to Obtain the Filing

 

The SR22 is simply a form on record with the state department. It does not replace any existing automobile insurance. The majority of reputable insurance companies that are authorized to sell insurance in your state can complete the necessary filing.

 

Cost Comparison

 

The actual cost associated with the SR22 is approximately $15 to $25 depending on the state. Some states will also charge a license reinstatement fee of $100 to $250. Other than these two fees there is nothing else that has to be paid. However, the real cost comes in the form of car insurance.

 

All car insurance agencies have different rates based on various levels of risk. For example, a person that has been involved in three wrecks over the past two years would be considered a high risk for the company and therefore would have to pay more for insurance. Conversely, a person who has never had a wreck and has not received any type of driving ticket in the past three years would be a good risk and would receive the best rates on their insurance.

 

A DUI, DWI, or drunk driving are all high risk activities. The arrest and subsequent prosecution merely add flame to the fire to prove that the person has exhibited high risk behavior. These extreme activities usually result in the highest rate of insurance available. Most people report that their car insurance after their DUI is at least double their previous insurance rate.

 

No Loop Holes

 

Even though all states do not require SR22 filings, there is a reciprocal relationship between states when it comes to high risk drivers. If a person is arrested and prosecuted for a DUI in one state and complies with the SR22 laws, they cannot drop it from their insurance by simply moving to a state with different laws. The person must continue to keep the filing and continue to pay the insurance premiums or face the possible loss of their license. States are not too keen on having a known high risk driver come into their state in an attempt to dodge other laws.

 

Furthermore, people cannot just avoid driving altogether for the three year period and then try to get a new license. The SR22 is a part of reinstating the driver's license and one cannot happen without the other. And if the insurance premiums are not paid on time and the policy lapses, then the three year period starts anew. As you can see, the courts and the states treat this very seriously in order to emphasize the seriousness of the DUI charge.

 

Non-owner Policy

 

Some people find themselves in a very awkward situation after their drunk driving arrest. The judge orders the person to maintain a SR22 filing but the person does not legally own a car. For these individuals to comply with the law they must obtain a non-owner policy. This is essentially a liability policy that will cover damages in the event of an accident. It should cover the person if they have an accident while operating the vehicle owned by someone else.