Every state in the United States requires drivers to maintain some form of financial responsibility in order to operate or register a motor vehicle. Financial responsibility means that the driver has some method of paying for property damage and injuries caused to others. Although some states allow motorists to post cash or bonds as financial security, most drivers opt to purchase auto insurance instead. In most cases, a car insurance liability policy is sufficient to satisfy state financial responsibility laws.
For some drivers, though, auto insurance is not enough. More than 40 states require certain drivers to carry SR22 car insurance. SR22 requirements are different in each state; however, they usually apply to people who have been convicted of reckless operation, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or driving without maintaining financial responsibility coverage. Your state might impose a SR22 requirement for certain other offenses.
SR22 car insurance is not a special kind of auto insurance policy. Like any other car insurance policy, it provides at least the minimum level of liability coverage required by your state. Depending on your insurance carrier’s rules and guidelines, you might also be able to purchase other coverages, such as comprehensive, collision, and uninsured motorist coverages.
The only difference between SR22 car insurance and any other auto insurance policy is the SR22 certification requirement. A SR22 certificate is a form that your insurance carrier must submit to your state’s motor vehicle authority or Secretary of State. It certifies that you carry at least the minimum liability limits necessary to satisfy your state’s financial responsibility requirements.
Your insurance carrier will not submit the SR22 certificate until you have purchased an auto insurance policy. Once the carrier has issued your policy and filed the SR22 certificate, you can apply for reinstatement of your vehicle registration. It is important that you do not drive until you complete this process because you could incur additional suspension time, fines, and even imprisonment in some states.
Some drivers find the process of securing SR22 car insurance difficult. Standard auto insurance companies hesitate to insure motorists who require SR22 certificates because they view these people as high-risk drivers.
Fortunately, there are many companies that specialize in providing SR22 auto insurance. Some work directly with consumers instead of working through a field agent. These companies commonly advertise on television, online, and in newspapers and circulars. Direct writers can usually start your policy online or over the phone, which can speed up the process of obtaining a SR22 filing.
Local agents may also be able to help you secure SR22 car insurance. When you contact an agent, make sure to state that you need a SR22 certificate. Some agents, called independent agents, represent more than one company. These professionals can submit your application to multiple insurance carriers at once, which can increase your chances of finding a company that can help you.
Keep in mind that once the insurance carrier has filed a SR22 certificate on your behalf, you must maintain insurance coverage at all times. If you switch carriers, make sure there is no lapse in coverage. If your coverage lapses for even one day, your insurance company must file a SR26 form, which cancels the SR22. This means that your state’s motor vehicle authority will suspend your license. You cannot have your driving privileges restored until you have secured another SR22 car insurance policy.