Demystifying SR22 and Non-Owner Insurance

Finding that pink slip from the DMV in your mailbox is never a fun experience. Even worse is when it says you need to file something called an SR22 before getting your license back. SR22 insurance is not a well-known policy, but it's essential for many drivers to legally get back on the road after an offense.

So what exactly is SR22 insurance, and who needs it? How do you go about getting it and maintaining the requirements? Read on to discover everything you need to know about SR22s and how they allow high-risk drivers to regain their driving privileges after suspensions and revocations.

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What Is SR22 Insurance?

SR22 insurance is not an actual auto insurance policy that you purchase. Rather, it is a Certificate of Financial Responsibility that proves you have the minimum liability coverage required by your state.

Here are some key facts about SR22 insurance:

• It is a form filed with the state by your insurer certifying you have active auto insurance coverage

• Also referred to as a Certificate of Financial Responsibility or CFH form

• Not required in every state, but mandatory in most for high-risk drivers

• Helps drivers get their license reinstated after suspension or revocation

• Shows the DMV that you meet state-level liability coverage requirements

• Allows the DMV to monitor your insurance coverage for a set time

The SR22 gives the Department of Motor Vehicles confirmation that you are adequately insured to meet minimum state requirements. Having an SR22 form on file is mandatory after certain driving incidents before the DMV will reinstate your driving privileges.

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Who Needs SR22 Insurance?

SR22 insurance is typically required for drivers classified as high-risk. These include:

• Anyone convicted of DUI, DWI, or OWI

• Drivers who have racked up multiple serious traffic violations like reckless driving

• Those with a history of lapses in their auto insurance coverage

• Drivers who have had their license suspended or revoked

• Those convicted of frequent or repeat offenses like speeding or running red lights

• Anyone who has been involved in one or more at-fault accidents

• Drivers using a company vehicle for work purposes

• Newly licensed teenage drivers in some states

• Those fined for excessive parking tickets or other infractions

For these high-risk individuals, the SR22 requirement usually lasts around three to five years, depending on the violation and regulations in your state. This allows the DMV to closely monitor whether you are maintaining the required insurance for that period.

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Getting SR22 Insurance Coverage

If you are notified you need to file an SR22, you need to find an insurer that offers SR22 filing services. At SR22 Insurance Savings, we deal with insurance companies that specialize in providing high-risk and non-standard auto policies. They are familiar with SR22 filing requirements in every state. These include:

• SR22 Insurance California

• SR22 Insurance Arizona

• SR22 Insurance Texas

• SR22 Insurance Nevada

Use our quote tool to compare SR22 insurance online quotes easily.

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What Happens When I Purchase an SR22?

Once you purchase a policy from an insurer that agrees to file your SR22, they will submit a form to the Department of Motor Vehicles verifying that you have active insurance coverage.

This allows the DMV to reinstate your driving privileges, provided you have fulfilled any other requirements like paying fines or completing traffic school.

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Maintaining Your SR22 Insurance

The key requirement with SR22 insurance is maintaining continuous, uninterrupted coverage for the entire mandated term, usually three years. If you cancel your policy or allow it to lapse for any reason, your insurance company will immediately notify the DMV. Your license will then be suspended again.

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Switching Insurance Companies

To switch auto insurance companies while an SR22 is still needed, you'll first need to secure a new policy with a new carrier willing to file the SR22 for you. Only once they have submitted the form should you then cancel the old policy. This prevents any gap in coverage, which would put your driving privileges in jeopardy.

In some states, an SR22 will be required for even longer than three years if the offense is grave. For example, a repeat DUI offender may need to keep an SR22 on file for five years or longer before having it removed.

As long as you maintain your policy and make your premium payments on time, the insurance company will automatically keep the form renewed annually with the DMV until it is no longer required.

Non-Owner SR22 Insurance

If you need to file an SR22 but don't own a vehicle, there are various options available. Many insurance companies offer non-owner SR22 policies to provide the required proof of financial responsibility.

A non-owner SR22 policy covers liability if you drive someone else's car. It demonstrates to the state that you have the minimum mandatory insurance coverage if operating a vehicle, even without owning one yourself.

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How Long Is an SR22 Required?

The length of time an SR22 must remain on file varies by state and depends on the severity of the offense. Generally, SR22 requirements fall in the three to five-year range.

However, some states require an SR22 to be maintained for more than five years for major infractions, repeat offenders, or serious accidents.

No matter the initial SR22 term, it is essential not to allow your insurance policy to lapse before the requirement is up. This will lead to another license suspension and possibly an even longer SR22 requirement.

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Restore Your Driving Privileges

Being required to file an SR22 might seem like a bureaucratic nightmare and financial burden. However, this simple form provides a route to restored driving privileges after a suspension or revocation.

The SR22 requirement allows high-risk drivers the chance to prove they are now insurable and responsible behind the wheel. By maintaining constant insurance coverage for the mandated period, driving records can gradually be rebuilt.

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Give us a call at 855-772-2728 or fill out the online form to get started.