What Is SR22 Insurance?

Car insurance policy with red car toy and blur image of man hand for vehicle insurance policy concept.

As a car owner, buying insurance is something that you should never take for granted since it’s about being prepared for any unexpected things that may happen to your vehicle.

Thus, when it comes to searching for car insurance, you may be told about SR22 and why you should get one. However, this type of insurance may be different from the regular car insurance you see in the market.

If you’re new to this concept, keep reading this article to learn more about SR22 insurance.

 

SR22 Insurance: The Basics

In simple terms, SR22 insurance refers to a certificate or form that should be filed with your state to prove that you meet your state’s auto liability insurance requirements for driving over a specific amount of time.

It’s a document produced by the insurance company that guarantees to the state that you maintain coverage and that you’ll be financially responsible for any accidents that may happen.

Moreover, an SR22 insurance Arizona (or wherever you may be) is designed to cover damage to property and any liability arising from the accident wherein the covered driver is involved.

It’s usually considered a financial responsibility since the coverage includes the liability of the driver to other people who may be involved in the crash. However, it doesn’t always cover the repair or replacement value of the owner’s car and that of the other, especially if the accident is categorized as no-fault.

On the other hand, it’s also important to note that there are several types of SR22 insurance. These can include:

  • Operator – This is intended for drivers who rent a car but don’t own one. This is usually called a non-owner car insurance policy.
  • Owner – This is designed for people who own and drive their own vehicles.
  • Operator/Owner – This is the combination of the first two types, which means it’s intended for those who own a car but rent or borrow other cars to drive sometimes.

 

SR22 Insurance: The Different People Who Need One

Generally, not all drivers need SR22 insurance. While the laws vary from one state to another, you may require this type of coverage if you’ve been under the following circumstances:

  • Being caught driving without a valid insurance coverage
  • Being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or while intoxicated
  • Being caught driving without a license or having an expired one
  • Being caught driving recklessly
  • Being involved in an at-fault accident
  • Being involved in repeat offenses within a short period of time
  • Being unable to pay court-ordered child support

Now that you know who may need SR22 insurance, it’s time to get familiar with its terms and requirements. These can include:

  • Your inability to comply with the terms and requirements of this insurance may lead to the suspension of your driver’s license.
  • You’ll need to carry this insurance for about three years, showing continuous insurance coverage. If your policy expires during this period, your insurance company will be required to inform the state about it.
  • Your SR22 status will only be lifted if you properly meet your state’s time requirements.

 

SR22 Insurance: The Price And Where You Can Buy It

Since the main reason for getting SR22 insurance is the fact that you’re considered a high-risk driver, you should expect to pay higher costs for your auto insurance premiums.

Not only that but if you also want to include extra fees, such as for filing, you may be paying more money compared to an average driver. While the prices of this insurance differ from state to state, you should be ready to shell out at least USD$25 on top of the price of your insurance coverage.

And, just like finding the best car insurance, it’s also essential to know where you can buy SR22. Typically, there are two ways you can purchase it, and these can be online and through your insurance agent.

If you opt to make a virtual purchase, you can access it via the Internet. Unfortunately, when you decide to do it virtually, you may not determine the price until the purchase is completed. However, if you meet with an insurance agent directly, you’ll know the amount of money you need to prepare for the fees.

 

Bottom Line

With the information mentioned above, it’s clear how SR22 insurance can be a complicated subject matter if you don’t know anything about it.

Given the various laws and regulations concerning this insurance, knowing whether you need one can also be a confusing task.

However, if you believe you need SR22 insurance for your situation, use this information to make sure you know what you’re up to.

That way, you’ll be financially prepared in case you’ll be involved in a car accident.

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