If searching for SR-22 insurance you've found a good site. No matter where you decide to get insured, this site is considered a good source in terms if information. Call for a quote, or keep reading to learn more.
Define: SR-22 is a court ordered vehicle liability insurance document that must be filed with the (DMV) Department Of Motor Vehicles, and indicates that you are meeting the state's minimum required auto liability coverage by law.
This Certificate of Insurance serves as proof of (FR) Financial Responsibility and categorized as a non-standard auto insurance policy. This filing is normally designated for high-risk drivers, and others when appointed to by a Judge. SR22 or a version thereof, is recognized to some extent in nearly every state.
Likely Candidates - People who will need SR-22 insurance will vary from state-to-state, however, the following are some of the more common reasons: Driving Impaired, (At-Fault) uninsured auto accident, fatal auto accident, habitual offender of serious driving offenses, unpaid back child support, Major Driving violations resulting in a Revoked/Suspended license, avoiding court appearance involving a major driving violation, failure to complete drug & alcohol programs or driver improvement courses.
Handy Documents - Because a person will need SR22 for various reasons, having the following documents nearby may be helpful. It's not mandatory, and only a recommendation information you may not know off the top of your head, like dates, VIN#s, etc. (Driving violation tickets, Legal judgments, Vehicle registration, and any other SR22 court related documents.)
Time Duration - When filing for SR-22 insurance the mandatory duration period is normally three years in nearly every state. This time period can be as high as five years and is designated for the more serious violations.
Residency - No matter what your state of residency is, you will normally need to file for SR22 in whatever state you were ordered to do so. That filing is normally in accordance with the state in which you committed a specific violation, and may, or may not be your home state. If you decide to move to another state, be smart and inform all parties, ie: DMV, your Insurance Carrier, and any relevant legal counterparts.
Non-Vehicle Owner - If you were notified by the DMV or Legal Courts to file for SR22 and don't own a vehicle, you will need what is known as an "Operator's Certificate". This certificate is for Non-Vehicle Owners, and Non-Vehicle Owners who may possibly operate someone else's vehicle on normal occasion, ie: at work, etc.
Policy Type - When it comes to filling out your Certificate of Insurance, or what some people may refer to as Policy Type, just know that the objective is the same, and that is to determine which of the following three boxes should you check as being applicable to your situation: 1) Owners Certificate - coverage only for vehicles you own; 2) Operators Certificate - coverage only for vehicles you (normally) operate 3) Owners-Operators Certificate - coverage for vehicles your own or operate (Note: "Own" is defined as in you being the rightful owner of a vehicle because it is registered in your name. The terminology above may differ depending on your location, but the objective remains the same.)
Monthly Premium - The cost for SR-22 insurance is usually higher than normal, and never cheap. So if you find an affordable rate, take it. This cost comes within the territory of related Fees/Fines mandated by law as the penalty to various legal violations. There are no set rates, and the price you pay will always vary based on your unique situation, ie: driving history, vehicle/no-vehicle, insurance carrier, personal details, etc.
Coverage Limits - Every state has Financial Responsibility statutes which mandate the amount of liability insurance limits. These limits are for the minimum coverage set forth by law, and used to cover things like medical bills, vehicle repairs, and other related costs when involved in an at-fault motor vehicle accident. Any agent you speak with will already be familiar with that state's respective liability limits.
Non-SR22 States - Every state adheres to an SR-22 insurance filing (or similar form, FR44, DL123) with the exception of: Delaware, Kentucky, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania. If you still received a notification to file for SR22, and hold a license in any of these states, it is likely because of a DMV/Court related violation that you committed within a different state, resulting in a legally mandated SR22 filing specifically in that (different) state. If involved in a situation like this, it's best to check with each State's DMV to ensure your following proper procedures. And if possible, get it in writing.
Obtain SR22 - The three ways to obtain SR-22 insurance are as follows: 1) fill out an online insurance quote form 2) get a quote over the phone with an auto insurance agent, and 3) consult an auto insurance agent in-person at a local agency. Be mindful however, that SR-22 is deemed high-risk, and for that reason, not offered by all insurance carriers.
Insurance Carriers - SR22 is not offered by every auto insurance carrier. This type of insurance is deemed high-risk, and so a lot of the major brands may or may not even offer this type of policy. However, things are always changing, and it's always good to shop around, ie: Nationwide, Farmers Insurance, Geico, Progressive, State Farm, Liberty Mutual, and Allstate
Related Forms - Financial responsibility forms are commonly known nationwide as SR22. There are some variations in a few States, but the purpose of the document and or filing remains the same, ie: SR-22 USA, FR-44 for Florida and Virginia, DL123 for NC
References - When it comes to references, most current info, and authorities which regulate the standards of SR22, the (DMV) Department of Motor Vehicles website is going to be your best bet. There are other sources with reference to Legal statutes and so forth, but most DMV websites will normally link to that information, and any other SR22 related references you decide to look for.