What Kind of Auto Insurance Do You Need After a DUI / DWI Conviction?

 

After a DUI / DWI conviction, obtaining affordable auto insurance can be extremely difficult. According to some state DUI laws, if you are convicted, you will be required to carry a high-risk insurance for up to three years, even if you do not drive. This DUI insurance is known as SR-22 or FR-22 and is different from standard auto insurance.

 

What is SR-22?

 

Obtaining auto insurance can be very difficult after a DUI conviction and even if you do find a company which is willing to provide you with insurance, their rates will be sky-high. States which require drivers to have DUI insurance have provisions that help drivers obtain proof of insurance by registering with a state-approved insurance agency. This formal proof of auto insurance is considered SR-22 and it is only required of DUI / DWI drivers.

 

The SR-22 form is considered a requirement for high-risk drivers by the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles). If you have been involved in a DUI / DWI incident and are convicted, you will need to fill a SR-22 form to be able to renew or re-instate your driver’s license.

 

How can you get SR-22?

 

Most major auto insurance companies offer SR-22 auto insurance. At first you might think that no company will provide you with insurance, but the trick is to find a company that deals specifically with DUI cases, and will offer you a decent rate despite the black mark on your record. When looking for an insurance provider, do your research to get the best deal possible.

 

How does SR-22 insurance help you?

 

In most states, SR-22 insurance may be an essential aid in getting you back on the road and recovering your life after a DUI conviction. When you provide an SR-22 form to your insurance company, you not only inform them of your DUI, but you also inform them that they are required by law to immediately inform the state if your insurance lapses for any reason.

 

For how long will you be required to file an SR-22?

 

The amount of time an SR-22 remains active depends on your situation and is also based on your state and several other factors associated with your DUI conviction. In most states, you will be required to fill an SR-22 for three years, which means that your insurance rates can and will remain high for several years after your DUI conviction.

 

What happens if you are late on your SR-22 policy?

 

Even a single late payment on your insurance SR-22 premium can put you in trouble and your license at risk. Your company might contact the DMV if your premium check has not arrived by the due date, leading to the suspension of your driving privileges. Although not all companies rush to notify the motor vehicle services, you should make sure to keep your policy in good condition to be able to operate your motor vehicle.

 

How to find affordable SR-22 Coverage

 

Your current insurance provider may provide you a quote for SR-22 coverage, but you should not settle on it alone. Do your research and get quotes from different local agencies. You can also fill online quotations to find an SR22 car insurance policy that you can afford.