If you’ve been involved in an accident and received a moving violation, or have gotten a DUI or DWI charge, then you’ll likely need to obtain SR22 insurance to continue driving. However, it’s important to note that you’ll need to stay on top of things to make certain your insurance doesn’t lapse.
As one of Ohio’s leading SR22 bond providers, the team from SR22 Bond of Ohio has helped hundreds obtain affordable SR22 insurance. That’s why we’ve collected some insight here into how to determine if your SR22 bond has lapsed, and the steps to take to remedy the situation.
What Exactly is SR22 Insurance?
Before diving too deep into the details, it’s important to understand precisely what SR22 insurance, also referred to as an SR22 bond, actually is. It can be slightly confusing as an SR22 actually signifies that you have obtained the proper minimum liability auto insurance to legally drive in the state of Ohio. It’s often ordered by a judge to make certain you’re insured while driving and to protect others on the road.
How Do I Know if My SR22 Insurance Has Lapsed?
In most cases, the best way to determine if your SR22 insurance has lapsed is by communicating regularly with your auto insurance provider to make certain you’re in good standing. However, it can be easy to forget. Unfortunately, if your SR22 insurance lapses, there are some penalties involved.
What Are Some of the Leading Reasons My SR22 Insurance Might Lapse?
The leading reason drivers need to reapply for SR22 insurance is when their auto insurance coverage has been canceled due to repeated traffic violations, being labeled a high-risk driver, failing to renew your policy or paying it late, or failing to meet your insurance premiums.
What Happens When My SR22 Insurance Expires?
When your SR22 insurance expires, your auto insurance provider is required by law to communicate this information to Ohio’s Department of Motor Vehicles. It’s important to renew your SR22 as soon as possible in such a case, as not doing so could result in heavy fines and in more extreme cases, the suspension of your driver’s license.
If your SR22 insurance has lapsed, you’ll be required by the state DMV to invest in an updated policy for your vehicle, as well as re-file your new SR22 and pay any fees associated with doing so.
How Long Will I Need to Have SR22 Insurance For?
For those who’ve been court-ordered to obtain SR22 insurance, the length of time they’ll need to maintain it varies from person to person. However, most often, drivers will be ordered to obtain an SR22 bond for anywhere from 2-5 years, depending on the severity of their case or traffic violations.
Some of the most common reasons of being ordered to obtain an SR22 bond in addition to those mentioned above include when you’ve been involved in an accident and are uninsured, you’re pulled over and aren’t carrying a driver’s license, or you’ve received an exorbitant amount of parking tickets.
Other Factors that Affect Your Insurance Premiums & SR22 Bond
After being ordered to obtain SR22 insurance, you’ll likely see your premiums rise with your auto insurance provider, which can be costly. There are also a variety of other factors that will affect the price of your insurance premiums, such as:
- Your Location: Drivers located in more rural areas with fewer drivers and fewer accident rates will find that insurance premiums are cheaper than if they’re living in a big city.
- Your Driving Record: Every insurance provider takes a close look at a driver’s past driving record to determine the rate of their insurance premiums. Those who’ve been involved in accidents will find that they’ll need to pay more than others with a clean driving record.
- Vehicle Type: It’s no surprise that the type of vehicle you drive will also play a role in how much your auto insurance costs. If you have a sports car, you can expect to pay more than with a sedan or other type of vehicle.
- Your Credit History: Auto insurance providers also look at your credit history, so it’s important to maintain good credit, especially if you’ve already been ordered to obtain SR22 insurance. Drivers that pay their bills on time and have better credit rates will pay lower premiums than those with bad credit, or a history of late payments.
What Will an Auto Insurance Company Ask Before Giving Me a Quote?
There are some common questions auto insurance providers will want you to answer before giving you a quote, like your age, what you use your vehicle for, where you live, whether anyone else is driving your car, what type of job you have, and whether or not you’re married.
Contact SR22 Bond of Ohio today for quality SR22 insurance!
If you’ve been ordered to obtain an SR22 bond, then the team from SR22 Bond of Ohio would love to hear from you. We offer some of the cheapest rates in Ohio and will file your SR22 bond for you with the Ohio Department of Motor Vehicles the very same day you purchase it.
When you’re having trouble understanding why your license has been suspended or if you need SR22 insurance, we can help clarify things and determine exactly what you need to get back on the road again.
Contact us online today or call 1 (800) 260-8866 to speak with one of our friendly representatives.