It is easy to obtain an SR22 form once you have a basic understanding of the information surrounding this mandated proof of financial responsibility. An SR22 is documentation that the state requires drivers to submit after their license is suspended upon conviction of any of a list of crimes that includes Driving Under the Influence (DUI), operating a vehicle without insurance, or getting in too many accidents in too short a time.
Once a license is suspended, the court or the motor vehicle registry will alert the driver that s/he needs to fill out an SR22 form in order to take to the road again. This form is proof that the driver possesses car insurance at levels that meet, at the very least, the state’s minimum requirements. You can obtain an SR22 form from your car insurance company.
Read on to learn all about the SR22 form and car insurance and then be sure to enter your zip above for free SR22 car insurance quotes!
Why do I need to fill out an SR22 form?
The SR22 was put in place by the government as a means to protect its citizens from the risks presented by dangerous and/or uninsured drivers. When a person comes off a suspension for crimes like those listed above, the SR22 helps guarantee that that person will be driving with enough insurance to help compensate potential victims in the event of an(other) accident. The SR22 remains in effect for a period of time dictated by the state. Three years is the general rule. If the driver moves to another state, the SR22 usually follows him. If he moves to a state that has less stringent liability insurance requirements, the driver must keep the liability levels he purchased in the first state. This is the case in all but a few states.
Many states have found that requiring the filing of an SR22 form leads to a decrease in the number of repeat offenders. In the case of DUIs, it has been posited that the SR22 is a useful tool in aiding the rehabilitation of alcoholics.
Once I obtain an SR22 form, how long does it last?
The SR22 runs out once the driver has proven financial responsibility (as represented by the possession of car insurance at levels that meet or exceed state minimums) for the specified period of time. This SR22 usually lasts 3 years. At the end of those 3 years, the driver’s car insurance company can file the new paperwork that will officially release the driver from the constraints of having to prove financial responsibility to the state in this way. If a driver allows his car insurance to lapse at any point during which he is accountable to the state through the SR22, his license is likely to be taken away immediately.
Are there states that do not require the SR22 form?
New York, Delaware, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Kentucky, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Minnesota do not utilize the SR22 form.
How much does it cost to obtain an SR22 form?
There is a filing fee attached to the filing of SR22 forms in most states. The average rate is $25. If there is a lapse in insurance coverage that necessitates the filing of another SR22, the fee must be paid all over again.
Once I obtain the SR22 form, what do I do?
The SR22 form asks for proof of car insurance coverage. In order to submit the form, you must possess car insurance that meets your state’s minimum car insurance requirements. You can find the best car insurance policy for you buy using an on-line quote comparison tool. Be sure to note that you need an SR22. Within seconds, you will receive car insurance quotes from a variety of reputable companies. The rates will be higher than that of the average driver because of the heightened level of risk you present to car insurance companies, but you will be able to choose the policy with the right amount of coverage for the best price.
Be aware that different companies handle the risk inherent in the SR22 in different ways. Some car insurance companies require drivers to pay for six months of car insurance BEFORE they will file an SR22 form, while others only have this requirement for those who must file the SR22 because of a DUI. Be sure to find out your company’s policy before you commit.
SR22 Car Insurance Rates
The car insurance company that you find and select by using the online quote comparison tool will be able to file the SR22 form for you. So find your new car insurance company now; you will be back on the road in no time. The online quote comparison tool couldn’t be any easier to use, and it will save you money. Compare SR22 insurance quotes today!
