A driving license could be revoked or temporarily suspended if you earn too many points for moving violations or if you’re convicted of a major driving violation.
The states have procedures for reinstating a driver’s license after it has been revoked or suspended, but getting car insurance can be a bit complicated.
The SR-22 certificate will be required as proof of insurance before you can drive again.
Important Points:
1. Some states require you to obtain an SR-22 if you wish to drive again if your license is suspended or revoked.
2. The SR-22 form is sometimes called “insurance,” but it’s simply a certificate that shows you are adequately covered by your liability protection policy.
3. The SR-22 may be required to be kept on file for a period of one to five years, depending on the state.
In spite of the fact that SR-22 insurance is not actual insurance, it serves to prove that you have enough coverage.
1. If you’re in a car accident while driving, an SR-22 is proof of your financial responsibility as a driver.
Technically speaking, this is not an insurance policy as it is sometimes referred to as.
Instead, the policy means you have purchased liability insurance coverage that meets the minimum requirements of your state.
This similar form is called an FR-44 in the states of Virginia and Florida.
2. In all states except New Hampshire, drivers must have liability insurance, which will cover the cost of injuries they might cause someone else if they are at fault in an accident.
In addition to that, it also offers property damage liability coverage, which pays for the damages incurred to another person’s vehicle or other property if you are at fault in the incident.
The minimum coverage for property damage and bodily injury varies from one state to another.
3. Once an SR-22 certificate has been obtained, it will be posted to your driving record. For as long as you need it, the certificate can be kept on your record.
If you want to reinstate a revoked or suspended license, you may need to provide an SR-22 certificate to the state’s insurance department or motor vehicle department.
Your state may charge fees for this service.
Certificate SR-22: Who Needs It?
The states have different rules regarding when drivers will need SR-22s, and not all of them require one.
insurance if their license is suspended due to an auto accident,
if they have received a second or subsequent conviction for
insurance, or if a civil judgment has been filed.
SR-22s are required in the state of Washington for those who have been charged with certain offenses, forfeited bail, failed to pay judgments, or have driven or owned a vehicle involved in an accident.
It should be noted, SR-22 is not a necessity for everyone. You may need one if you:
1. In the short period of time that it takes to commit multiple repeat driving offenses.
2. A license suspension caused by excessive accidents or moving violations.
3. If you drive without insurance or a license
4. If you are applying for a hardship driving permit or a probationary license.
5. Have a conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI).
6. A court-ordered child support payment is not paid.
You should know :
Your license can be suspended if your SR-22 certificate expires.
Some states require insurance companies to notify them when an SR-22 is canceled or expires.
SR-22 Certificates – For How Long?
The state’s requirements will determine the length of time that you must maintain your SR-22.
In some states such as California, for instance, you can cancel your license as soon as one year after it has been reinstated.
Alternatively, you may have to keep it for a period of up to five years.
In Washington, the requirement is three years.
SR-22s come with a time limit, so you should know when to apply.
Your certificate must be maintained for a specific period of time, which may have begun when your license was initially suspended.
Depending on the state, it might not begin until the date on which you become eligible for the reinstatement of your license. This is how it is in Washington.
Where and how to get an SR-22 Certificate (The SR-22 Certification Process)
An SR-22 certificate will be issued to you only if you have regular car insurance. You must also make sure your policy includes the level of liability coverage your state requires. In order to make it clearer, let’s use an example:
25 000 dollars of bodily injury liability coverage per person,
50 000 dollars of bodily injury liability coverage per accident,
25 thousand dollars of property damage liability coverage.
In addition, depending on the state where you live, you may be able to choose either collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
It’s better to buy more coverage in case of an accident.
There are a number of insurance companies that offer SR-22 certificates. For filing, the certificate itself will not cost much more than $25.
But, your car insurance policy is likely to be more expensive than what you were paying before you had to get the SR-22. This is because the insurance company considers you a higher risk.
By shopping around for a new car insurance policy, you can possibly save money. I think it’s a good idea to notify your insurer beforehand that you need an SR-22, just to make sure the company offers this service.
When you have an SR-22 certificate, your insurance agency will file it with the state on your behalf. At this point, you should be able to get a suspended or revoked license reinstated, assuming you have met any other conditions set by your state.