Does every driver need an SR-22? No. While the rules vary from state to state, an SR-22 is typically only required by court order, for those who have specific driving violations on their record or have lost their license to drive. An SR-22, also known as a Certificate of Financial Responsibility, is a certificate, that once ordered to have, will be issued by your insurance company to the state to serve as proof that you have obtained your state’s minimum required auto insurance coverage. As long as you keep your insurance coverage active, your SR-22 will remain valid. Should your policy be canceled, the SR-22 will become null and void, resulting in a report to the proper state agency and possibly revocation of your driving privileges. So don’t risk it! Keep your coverage going so you can stay behind the wheel.
How to Go About Getting an SR-22
Typically, the court will have ordered you to obtain a SR-22 and fulfill your obligations to them in order to clear up your record or get your license back. This could very well include court fines, restitution and classes, which you may have to pay for yourself. Once you have completed all that the court has ordered you to do, the final step in getting your driving privileges back will be the filing of an SR-22.
You’ll need to find an insurance company, purchase a policy (most states only require liability insurance as the minimum, but be sure to check into that for your particular state), and then let the insurance company know that you need an SR-22. Once your policy is in effect, they will file the certificate with the proper state authorities on your behalf. Keep your premiums paid, and your SR-22 will remain in effect.
What’s it Going to Cost?
Aside from what you have had to pay to the court or state and any other fines and expenses incurred during your case, you’re looking at the initial cost of your auto insurance policy plus your monthly premiums. This, of course, will vary based on your policy, your company, the car you drive and several other factors. As for the SR-22, the fee will vary from state to state and company to company. However, it is only a one-time fee, charged when the SR-22 is filed. The only time you would ever pay this again is if you messed up and your SR-22 become invalid and you had to file again.
The best way to never need an SR-22 is to keep your auto insurance current at all times. However, things do happen and should you find yourself in some kind of trouble over driving violations, lack of insurance, or your license has been revoked, no worries. An SR-22 is your second chance. Use it, but don’t abuse it. Second chances don’t come along very often.
