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Reckless driving comes with its own set of consequences. After all, you aren’t just risking your well-being, but the safety of other people on the road with you as well. In California, if your driver’s license or vehicle registration has been suspended, you may need to file SR22 insurance with the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The reasons for license suspension or revocation may vary from car accidents, speeding, or driving while intoxicated.
The ‘SR’ acronym in the SR22 insurance stands for ‘safety responsibility.’ Having this document can help reinstate your driving privileges and verify that you’ve complied with the state’s insurance requirements. This document will come from your insurance company. However, you have to be the one to file it with the DMV. It’s valuable to verify that you have auto liability insurance.
In case you might be required to get SR22 insurance coverage in the future, it’s good to keep a few things in mind. Thus, here are a few questions to ask about the policy:
In This Post:
1. When Do You Need It?
The SR22 policy is needed to clear the offense involved with the suspension of your license or vehicle registration. You’ll know about the suspension because the government will send you a notification in the mail. The letter will include the steps on how your driving privileges can be reinstated.
These are some sample situations that may lead to the revocation of your license:
- Having too many points on your driving record
- Neglecting to obtain new auto insurance after canceling your policy
- Being convicted of driving under the influence (DUI)
- Not being able to provide proof of insurance for at least 45 days
- Getting involved in a car accident without insurance
You need to review the coverage of your policy thoroughly to ensure that you don’t miss out on the things that you should comply with within your state. For instance, if you’re residing in Los Angeles, you should find a reputable SR22 California company since this type of provider knows the legal ins-and-outs of the locality.
2. What Information Is Included?
The SR22 document will primarily contain data on the date when the driver acquired the insurance. It will also include the type of coverage that you have to confirm that you’ve met the minimum state requirements as well as information on all the vehicles that you drive.
Additionally, the document will provide information on the following:
- Driver’s Personal Details
- Limits to Policy Liability
- Vehicle Registration Number
- Payment Confirmation
- Policy Expiration Date
3. What Is The Coverage?
Auto insurance is essential if you’re a driver because it protects you, your passengers, and your vehicle. Neglecting to have one while you’re driving out and about is akin to reckless driving because you’re putting yourself and others at risk even if you say that you’re driving cautiously and mindfully.
If you only have the minimum insurance, you will need to note the minimum liability limits in California. With an SR22 insurance policy, you become responsible for paying up to USD$15,000 for each person to cover bodily injury. The amount can go up to USD$30,000 per accident. Moreover, your property is also covered for damages worth a maximum of USD$5,000 per accident.
4. How Much Does It Cost?
There’s no going around it. The policy’s price can be high since you’re considered a high-risk driver. Your offense can influence the range of your auto insurance premiums and, as a result, you’re highly likely to be charged for high-risk insurance rates.
Aside from the cost of the policy, you should also take several fees into consideration. There will be an additional cost for filing, which typically starts at USD$25. There’s also the DMV reissue fee, which is payment for reinstating your driver’s license.
Fortunately, there are ways to work around your auto insurance cost and reduce the premium. Follow these tips to lower your car insurance premium to save a bit of money on this type of expense.
Lastly, you have to think about the loss of your good driver discount. This disqualification can extend for as long as 10 years, particularly with DUI cases.
5. How Long Do You Need One?
For most violations, you’ll be required to have SR22 coverage for three years. There’s a possibility that the time will be shortened, though, based on your driving record and the severity of the infraction. For serious offenses, you may have to carry it for 10 years.
Conclusion
The SR22 document is a required document for drivers with a previous history of violations. Typically, it’s mandatory for people who have had their licenses or vehicle registration revoked. Your insurance company will produce it, but you have to file the policy yourself through the DMV.