Have you had your license suspended and want to start driving again? If so, you’ll likely need to invest in SR22 insurance. But what exactly is SR22 auto insurance and how can you find the cheapest solutions near you? Here, SR22 Bond of Ohio has broken down the process for you, so let’s take a look!
What Exactly is SR22 Insurance?
SR22 insurance is also referred to as a Certificate of Financial Responsibility. It signifies that you have the required amount of car insurance coverage necessary to drive in your state. After having your driver’s license suspended, you’ll be ordered to obtain SR22 insurance to start driving again to demonstrate you can meet the state’s minimum insurance requirements.
Some of the most common reasons for license suspension include:
- Driving without insurance
- DUI/DWI
- High points on your driver’s license
- Responsibility for an accident resulting in death or serious injury
It’s important to note that despite the name, SR22 insurance is not really insurance at all but rather a certificate filed by your auto insurance provider with your local Department of Motor Vehicles office. You’ll be required to obtain this certificate for a specified amount of time required by local laws and regulations. In some extreme cases, your auto insurance provider may choose not to file an SR22 certificate on your behalf and refuse coverage altogether.
Different Types of SR22 Insurance
There are several different types of SR22 insurance, the right one for you will depend upon your needs. They are:
- Operator/Owner: This type of SR22 insurance is for drivers that own their car but also rent it out or borrow vehicles occasionally.
- Operator or Non-Owner: This is for drivers that rent a vehicle or borrow one occasionally but don’t own their own car. It only protects the driver and not the vehicle they’re using.
- Owner: This SR22 insurance protects those who exclusively own their own car.
How to File an SR22
Obtaining your SR22 insurance is a bit more complicated than obtaining traditional insurance coverage. This is because you’re unable to file the certificate on your own; it must be filed by an auto insurance provider. If you’re dropped from your auto insurance due to one of the reasons mentioned above, you’ll have to find an insurance provider willing to offer your coverage as well as file an SR22 on your behalf.
Unfortunately, not all auto insurance companies cover high-risk drivers, making it somewhat difficult at times to obtain an SR22. But there are cheap SR22 insurance providers out there, it simply might require additional research on your part.
Once you’ve found an auto insurance company willing to file an SR22 certificate on your behalf or if your current insurance provider is willing, there’s often a waiting period that can last up to a month until it’s approved. Until your SR22 has been authorized by your local DMV, you won’t be able to drive; your license will still be listed as “suspended” or “revoked.”
After your certificate is authorized, you’ll receive a paper copy of it, which you should always keep in your glove compartment with your other important documents.
Where to Find an Insurance Company that Provides SR22 Coverage
Since different auto insurers cater to different types of risks, not every insurance company will be able to provide you with the SR22 coverage you need. Auto insurance providers will often fall into three different categories: preferred, standard, and non-standard. It’s the non-standard providers that often cater to high-risk drivers, like those with current violations on their record.
In some cases, non-standard providers may also offer cheaper traditional insurance coverage in addition to SR22 options. There are many providers throughout the Ohio area that enable you to pay competitive premiums and are also willing to file for an SR22 certificate on your behalf.
How Long is a Driver Required to Have SR22 Insurance?
The length of time you’ll be required to have SR22 insurance will depend upon your current driving status, points on your license, and what your local legal requirements state. Most often, drivers who have their licenses revoked or suspended will be ordered to obtain an SR22 certificate for anywhere from two to five years. However, on average, three years is often the normal length of time required for most drivers.
Those who’ve committed more serious driving offenses or are repeat offenders will usually be required to have SR22 insurance for a longer time. While driving with an SR22 certificate, it’s important to avoid moving traffic violations or other incidents that could reflect badly on your driving record. This is because if you manage to keep a clean driving record throughout the duration of your SR22 requirement, you’ll be able to purchase traditional auto insurance again at competitive rates once you’ve completed it.
How Much Does SR22 Insurance Cost?
There is a wide range of cheap SR22 insurance options out there, often with an initial filing fee as low as $25. It’s important not to let your insurance lapse throughout the duration of your SR22 requirement because it will result in having to pay additional fees to have it reinstated.
Although the one-time SR22 filing fee is often quite inexpensive, it’s important to note that since you’ll now be considered a high-risk driver, your insurance rates will likely increase substantially. Those who’ve received traffic violations will find that their rates will increase less than those who’ve been found guilty of a DUI/DWI, but the difference is often quite noticeable.
If you are dropped by your current insurance company due to your violation and have to search for a new insurance provider that will also file an SR22 on your behalf, you may be required to pay for your entire policy upfront due to being a high-risk case.
Let SR22 Bond of Ohio help you get back on the road again!
Committing a serious traffic violation or having your license revoked or suspended can make things difficult when you want to get back on the road again, but SR22 Bond of Ohio makes the process easier. To learn more about how we can help you obtain cheap SR22 insurance, contact us online today or call toll-free at 1 (800) 260-8866 for a FREE QUOTE.