Budget Concerns: How Much Insurance is Enough?

Times When An SR-22 May Be Required

14 June 2023

Dustin Duncan

Despite some of the misconceptions, an SR-22 is not an actual insurance policy. Instead, it is a document that confirms your financial responsibility in terms of your insurance coverage. The SR-22 essentially serves as confirmation for the state that you have the insurance coverage required of you. Most people never need an SR-22, but it is important that you understand the situations when one might be necessary. Here are a few things that you need to know.

Driving Under the Influence

If you were charged with driving under the influence, you will typically face a suspension of your driving privileges for some duration of time. In most states, you'll have to provide an SR-22 in order to reinstate your license once your suspension period is over. 

Driving Under Suspension

In many states, a citation for driving under suspension makes you a high-risk driver. The state views the act of driving under suspension as wilful disobedience, so you will often be required to carry an SR-22 in order to reinstate your driving privileges once you're eligible. Sometimes you can get the court to waive the SR-22 requirement if you have extenuating circumstances, such as a medical emergency, as the reason you were driving while still under suspension.

Driving Without Insurance

Another common violation that often triggers an SR-22 requirement is driving without insurance. Car insurance is mandatory in most states across the country, so driving without it is a serious violation of the law in those states. The courts typically order an SR-22 for drivers who disregard the insurance requirements to make sure they get the policy they should carry.

Reckless Driving

Reckless driving is a charge that encompasses many risky behaviors behind the wheel, including exceeding the speed limit by a certain amount. The actual speeds that qualify as reckless driving vary by state and by municipality, so make sure you understand your local laws. You may have to carry an SR-22 after a reckless driving conviction as a means to ensure more responsible driving.

Your car insurance carrier will help you with the proper documentation and the cost of your SR-22 if you need one. They provide the certification directly to the state on your behalf. You'll have to keep that SR-22 for the duration of time ordered by the court. Sometimes, it's a year. In other cases, it's longer. It depends on your driving record and the offense in question.

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