SR22 can make car insurance a challenge

Finding affordable car insurance after a DUI / DWI conviction can be a challenge. Many car insurance companies will either cancel your policy outright, or raise your rates astronomically after a drunk driving conviction.

Rates for auto insurance coverage are determined by the amount of risk involved. The higher the risk of having a claim, the more expensive it will be to purchase coverage. Your driving record has a huge impact on the caculation of these risk factors, and therefore affects your premiums. Any tickets, accidents, or drunk driving arrests will all be considered when your insurance company calculates your insurance costs.

What is an SR22 filing?

If your driving privileges have been taken away after a DUI conviction, you will need to receive an SR22 document from your insurance company stating that you have insurance coverage. It’s not insurance, but rather an agreement between the insurance company that issued the SR22 document, and your state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). When you apply for car insurance after a DUI, your carrier will issue the SR22, and you can file this this with the DMV to have your license reinstated.

Essentially, the SR22 is a statement from the insurance company that they will inform the DMV of any lapses in your insurance coverage or changes to your policy.

It is a requirement that a driver convicted of drunk driving or a DUI offense have SR22 auto insurance. This is a high risk policy that guarantees the state DMV that the policy holder has the required minimum insurance coverage, and it is filed by the insurance company on your behalf. Your drivers licence will not be reinstated without the SR22, if it is required, and in most cases it must be kept on file for a minimum of three years from the date that driving privileges are reinstated.

The SR22 insurance filing can be filed electronically in most states, and will expedite the restoration of your license and getting you back on the road.

When shopping for an SR22 policy, be sure to get as many quotes as possible. There shouldn’t be any obligation or charge to find out the price of coverage. When reviewing your options, be sure to consider more than just the price. Compare the terms and conditions, coverage amounts, lapsed coverage policies, and any required down payments.

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