If you've been pulled over while driving and received a DUI, then you'll most likely need to get an SR22 insurance policy, also known as a Future Financial Responsibility. You've probably heard of it in passing when talking to friends or listening to the news, but when you stop to think, you don't know what it actually is. You will need to fill out a SR22 form to inform the Motor Vehicle Department (MVD) that you've taken out the minimum auto insurance policy. This is so they know that your insurance coverage can cover all of the costs if you cause an accident while driving.
Who needs it?
Anyone who has caused a traffic offence will need SR22 insurance to have their driving license reinstated. While you might be familiar with DUI as the reason for needing an SR22, there are other traffic offences that require one also.
Examples of these are:
· Driving without insurance
· At-fault accidents
· Driving without a valid license
· Reckless driving
· Too many points on your license
Anyone at any age can end up needing an SR22, especially considering that DUIs cover drug-driving as well as drink-driving. A study from 2014 found that in the test group 10.75% peopled aged between 50 and 64 reported DUIs in the previous year, and 4.12% of the 65+ group did too. (1)
Remember that reckless driving and driving with alcohol in your system are, on the whole, much more serious than needing an SR22. Since 2018 over 10,000 people have lost their lives due to drink-driving in the US. Fines for traffic offences in the US are amongst some of the lowest in the world. For example, a speeding fine in Norway will cost the driver USD$768, while in the US it costs just USD$70. Countries with higher driving fines tend to have lower traffic offences. Ensure that you drive safely and avoid serious consequences. (2)
How does one get SR22 Insurance Quotes?
Getting SR22 insurance is easy; all you have to do is to contact an insurance company, or to go through a third party first to get the best deal, and ask for one. While actually attaining the SR22 insurance policy isn't expensive, drivers often end up paying more for their insurance in the long run. This is because the need for an SR22 filing suggests that the driver is at a higher risk of causing an accident.
The amount of time for which someone needs to carry an SR22 differs from state to state, but in Arizona it's usually three years. The only time when this will differ is when there's a judgement suspension. In this case, they'll need to contact the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) to find out the specifics. However, if you're not sure, it's best to check with the DMV. (4)
If a driver doesn't own a car or have one registered to their home address, they still need to attain an SR22 insurance policy-they can simply apply for a non-owner SR22. This is generally cheaper than buying auto insurance, because it doesn't need to cover a vehicle.
What happens if they don't?
If a driver doesn't get their SR22, they won't have their driver license reinstated, and they won't be allowed to drive. Similarly, if the policy is cancelled and not renewed, the insurance company will have to inform the MVD and the driver's license can be suspended. The easiest way to avoid this is by obtaining your SR22 insurance policy as quickly as possible.
After you've had your SR 22 Insurance for the required length of time, don't just cancel the policy; contact the Arizona MVD to make sure you no longer need it. The last thing you want is to be sent right back for another, so soon after escaping it.
SR22 Insurance Arizona | Summary
An SR22 insurance policy is the form that you'll need if you've committed a DUI or another traffic offence, in order to get your driving privilege reinstated. You'll need to keep the insurance policy for at least three years, unless there was a judgment suspension. If you don't own a car or have one registered to your address, then you can apply for a non owner SR22 insurance policy and save some money. Not having your SR22 when you're required to can result in having your license suspended again. So don't procrastinate when it comes to SR22; get in touch with the right people, and find the best policy for the lowest price.
References
1. “Older adults driving under the influence: associations with marijuana use and risk perceptions”, Source: OLDER ADULTS DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE: ASSOCIATIONS WITH MARIJUANA USE AND RISK PERCEPTIONS | Innovation in Aging | Oxford Academic (oup.com)
2. “Does the US take road safety seriously? The low cost of traffic violations suggests we don’t”, Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/tanyamohn/2018/11/27/does-the-u-s-take-road-safety-seriously-the-low-cost-of-traffic-violations-suggests-we-dont/?sh=7b878fe53b2f
3. “Drunk Driving”, Source: https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving
4. “License Information FAQ”, Source: https://azdot.gov/motor-vehicles/faq-motor-vehicle-division/driver-services-faq/license-information-faq