A DMV may require an SR-22 from a driver to reinstate his or her driving privileges following an uninsured car accident or conviction of another traffic-related offense, such as a DUI. An SR-22 may be required for three years for conviction of driving without insurance or driving with a suspended license and up to five years for a DUI. If an SR-22 should expire or be canceled, the insurance company is required to issue an SR-26 form, which certifies the cancellation of the policy.
Here are the three things to know about an SR-22 if you are required to have one:
1. It’s not really insurance
While many refer to “SR-22 insurance,” an SR-22 is actually just a certificate auto insurance company files with your state to vouch for you. Basically, it verifies you have coverage. You only need an SR-22 if a judge says you do—this can happen after certain violations, or after a succession of them.
2. It’s not (too) expensive
Having an SR-22 filing might cost you a little extra (again, temporarily):
- There’s a fee to file it.
- Your insurance rate might go up if you need the SR-22 because of a moving violation or accident.
- Certain states require you to pay in full when you have insurance that includes an SR-22 filing.
3. It’s not forever
In three years—give or take, depending on your state—you won’t need your SR-22. At that point, call your insurer and ask to have the filing removed from your policy. Three years is also how long it takes, generally, to clear your driving record. So, any violations that triggered your needing an SR-22 have cleared from your record, too.
If you would like to find out more, please contact our office.
