By selecting the best insurance coverage, you can protect yourself against potential repair expenses should an accident occur on the road.
If you are deemed high-risk by the insurance industry, you may be required to purchase SR22 car insurance.
What is SR22 car insurance, and where can you purchase SR22 car insurance in Ohio?
Let’s explore these questions in detail.
Mandated Coverage Levels
SR22 insurance is a mandatory level of coverage the policyholder requires after being cited for a driving violation. In Ohio, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles governs SR22 insurance. An insurance company will provide high-risk drivers with an SR22 policy to show they have the required level of coverage to drive legally on roads across the state.
Why Do I Need SR22 Insurance?
When the Ohio BMV explains you must first obtain an SR22 before you can legally drive, you likely have a driving offense on your record. The infractions that might require you to purchase SR22 insurance include:
- Driving without insurance
A court may require a driver who has been involved in an accident and didn’t have insurance coverage to obtain an SR22 to recover their driving record.
- Suspended license
If your license gets suspended for any reason, you will likely have to obtain an SR22 before you can have your license reinstated.
- Multiple infractions over a few months
Many drivers find they require an SR22 after being charged with multiple driving offenses over a short time. While they might be considered minor offenses, such as speeding or driving through a stop sign, multiple lesser offenses may lead to the BMV ordering an SR22.
- DUI
DUIs are the most common reason for requiring an SR22. When you get a DUI conviction, the BMV will likely mandate an SR22.
- Negligent Driving
In some cases, when you have a dangerous driving conviction, for example, driving over the speed limit in a school zone, you will be required to file an SR22.
What are the Steps Involved in the SR22 Process?
So, you now know the reasons why you have received an SR22 request. You likely have more questions about the process and how you can safely drive over the coming years.
Let’s review the process in detail to help you navigate the SR22 steps and return to the road safely.
Step 1: Conviction
The first stage of this process is a police officer citing you for a driving violation. You go to court and receive a conviction for the offense.
Step 2: Request for SR22 from the BMV
Once the BMV recognizes the offense, the system will send you a notice requiring you to pay for SR22 insurance. You can ask for an SR22 insurance quote from your current provider, or you can turn to a specialist for SR22 insurance in Ohio.
Usually, a specialist works with specific partners in the industry who can help you reduce your overall coverage costs.
Step 3: File the SR22 with the State
Once you have completed the SR22 filing process and the insurance company files the SR22 with the BMV, you must maintain your coverage. Maintaining coverage involves paying for the SR22 on time and ensuring that you don’t incur any other driving infractions while under the SR22 policy.
If you fail to maintain the coverage, your insurance company is legally required to notify the BMV, and the BMV has the option to suspend your license until you are in full compliance with the SR22 coverage requirements.
Where to Get SR22 Car Insurance In Ohio?
Your insurance company may not provide SR22-specific insurance. And so, you might need to review the other SR22 car insurance options in Ohio to find a policy that helps you meet your obligations under the SR22.
Digital Filing
With the digital filing process in place across Ohio, it’s now simpler than ever to obtain an SR22 from a local insurance company. Once you select your insurance company, the company can file the SR22 on the same day, and the policy changes take place the moment the company files the SR22.
How Can I Lower my SR22 Insurance Costs?
You will find that your insurance rates will rise when you file an SR22. Insurance companies charge a premium for risk, and you’re now considered a high-risk driver. They will raise their rates to provide you with car insurance.
However, there are several ways you can reduce your costs:
- Increase your deductible
You can show the insurance company you’re committed to safe driving by increasing your own risk. Increasing the deductible on your policy helps prove you’re committed to responsible driving.
Remember to review your deductible details closely and ensure you’re comfortable with the potential cost.
- Switch your vehicle
Luxury vehicles are already expensive to insure without the additional costs of SR22 coverage. Choose a more affordable option to lower your coverage costs.
- Speak with am sr22 specific company
One of the best ways to save money on SR22 car insurance is to speak with an SR22 specialist in Ohio.
These companies employ experts in SR22 policies who help you navigate the insurance industry and provide you the most affordable policy with the highest levels of coverage available to you.
The experts can explain all the terms to you and ensure you review all coverage options carefully before making that important final policy decision.
Turn to SR22 Bond of Ohio for All SR22 Car Insurance Options
Our team at SR22 Bond of Ohio helps drivers across the region navigate the complex process of obtaining SR22 coverage at affordable rates.
We understand the many challenges you face throughout the process and work with you to review your options and help you select the best policy for your driving coverage needs in the long term.
Ready to get a free quote?
Analyze your options online now or call our team directly to speak with an SR22 insurance specialist.