SR-22 Insurance Policies - Facts a Driver Should Know

The SR-22 is a certification you get that proves you carry car insurance. This document states that you are paying for your insurance coverage according to the state's requirements and based on the specified amount of time you have been driving the car. Others call it the CFR or certificate of financial responsibility.

Car insurance is a must in the US, and the mandatory coverage varies from state to state. In some cases, insurance will be required if you commit some violations. Some of these violations include the following:

• You drive your vehicle without insurance or enough insurance coverage

• You drive without a valid driver's license

• You acquire too many driving tickets in a short time

• You drive under the influence of alcohol or drug

• You have and use a hardship license

• You fail to pay court-ordered child support

If you have committed any of the mentioned offenses, the state will ask you to provide an SR-22 so you can keep your driving privileges. If you are from another state and you committed a violation in a particular state, that state might require you to get an SR-22 for them to allow you to drive again in their area. Rules differ per state, so it would be best to research before driving in other states.

What Should You Do When You Are Required to Get an SR-22 proving vehicle insurance?

When the state asks you to secure an SR-22, you need to find an auto insurance company that provides such policies. Not all insurance providers handle this documentation. If you already had a car insurance provider from the start, it would be best to be transparent about your situation so they can help you find the policy that suits your concerns.

Other Things You Need to Remember When You Have an SR-22 in Florida

If you are a driver from Florida who is required to get their SR-22, there are some reminders you need to keep in mind:

• You need to keep your SR-22 for at least three years.

• You have to be consistent with your insurance payment to keep the SR-22 policy in force for the whole duration.

• Usually the state of Florida would charge you a one-time filing fee worth around $15 to $25 for the SR22. Usually, insurance providers let their policyholders take care of this expense. In return, they no longer charge additional SR-22 filing fees.

• Expect your monthly insurance premium to increase. Some auto insurance companies might request an upfront premium payment worth six months to a year, but this is a case-to-case basis. Double-check with your car insurance company.

• Some factors that could affect your premium include your age, risk level, driving records, car, insurance history and choices, and credit card rating. Where the driver is from could also affect the insurance rate, particularly if they are from high-risk locations.

• Missing your payment can result in a lapsed policy. When this happens, you can get your driver's license and vehicle registration suspended. You are also required to pay off some fees.

• Should your policy lapse or get canceled, it is your responsibility to report it to the state.

• Some insurance providers can still cancel your SR-22 should you be involved in severe moving violations or multiple tickets. Make sure to read through your contract or ask questions regarding this topic.

• Should you decide to change state, the SR-22 requirement would remain implemented.

What Happens After Three Years?

After three years, your SR-22 requirements also end. They would be removed by your insurance copy as soon as the state no longer requires them. However, the driver needs to notify their insurance company about this change.

Conclusion

The reason states require an SR-22 depends on their respective policies. If you have a clean driving record, you are not likely to get one. If you are requested to get an SR-22 insurance policy, make sure that you deal with it as early as possible. Without one, you cannot keep or reinstate your driving privileges.

If ever you find yourself in a situation that requires you to get an SR-22, do not hesitate to call your car insurance company to seek assistance. Sanford Insurance Center represents six companies that provide auto insurance in Sanford Central Florida, Florida, and surrounding areas. We can help you acquire your needed SR-22 insurance policy requirement. Contact us to learn more.