SR-22 insurance is a type of high-risk car insurance required by California and other states for drivers convicted of serious traffic violations, such as driving under the influence (DUI). If the court orders you to have it, you must purchase this coverage.
SR-22 insurance is also called a certificate of responsibility. It proves to the state that you have the required coverage for California’s minimum auto insurance standards. It also tells the insurance company that you’re a high-risk driver.
Your premium will become more expensive and you will have to carry an SR-22 policy for several years after a DUI conviction. Here’s what you need to know from our Los Angeles DUI lawyers.
How Do I Get SR-22 Insurance?
SR-22 insurance is an add-on to your existing policy. Your insurer will send the form to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to prove that you’re insured after you ask. So, you’ll need to call your insurer and ask them to add an SR-22 to your insurance policy.
Not all insurers will have SR-22 coverage for California though. If yours does not, you may need to switch insurance providers to one that does. This will keep you compliant with the law. You must provide proof that you’re complying with a court-ordered requirement before you can get it.
How Much Will My Insurance Premium Go Up?
This depends on your insurance provider and what you were convicted of, but you can expect a significant increase. Some policies may double or even triple in yearly costs. If your new premium is too much, it is possible to shop around for a better rate. You do not have to stick with your current provider.
That said, avoid driving until you have a policy with SR-22 coverage. If you get into another accident or get asked to show proof of insurance after getting pulled over, you could get into serious trouble with the state and the DMV if you don’t have it.
What Happens if I’m Caught Not Carrying It?
Failure to maintain SR-22 coverage as required could result in penalties like driver’s license suspension until you get it. You may even get sent to jail or prison for violating the rule if SR-22 coverage is part of your probation requirements. There are strict penalties for driving without insurance in California.
Is SR-22 Insurance Only for Drunk Drivers?
No. Many other traffic violations could trigger an SR-22 requirement. DUI is the most common, but others include:
- Driving without insurance
- Reckless driving
- Hit-and-Run
- Accidents with violations that suspend or revoke your license
- Getting too many driving violation points
How Long Must I Have SR-22 Coverage?
Typically, you must carry SR-22 coverage for three years. Once the court says you no longer need it, contact your insurer and they will remove it. Your premiums may lower once that’s done, depending on your driving history and the company’s policies.
The court has discretion on extending or reducing the time you must carry SR-22 insurance. For some offenses, you may be required to have this coverage for 10 years.
Does an SR-22 Policy Cover More Damages?
No. They usually follow the standard minimum requirements for auto insurance in California. The SR-22 form tells the state that you meet the minimum standard by your insurer. You can purchase additional coverage beyond the minimum along with the SR-22 if you have the income.
What Is the Insurer’s Responsibility With SR-22 Coverage?
Insurers are required to file the SR22 form on your behalf within a certain period to prove you’re compliant. While the SR22 is in effect, your insurer must notify the DMV if your policy lapses or is canceled for nonpayment.
If this happens, you can expect the police to look for you since you have broken a court-ordered requirement.
Can I Switch Insurance Providers While I’m Under an SR-22 Requirement?
Yes, but you will need to coordinate with your new insurer about your SR-22 requirement so there are no gaps in your mandated coverage. The exact process will depend on the insurance companies. The DMV will be fine as long as you’re fully covered until your punishment is finished.
Could I End My SR-22 Requirement Early?
This will depend on the court, but sometimes it is possible. For example, the court may lower the time you must carry an SR-22 if you take a court-approved defensive driving course. Your lawyer can try to negotiate with the court to reduce the amount of time you need to carry it.
Conclusion
SR-22 coverage is an annoying and expensive penalty for DUI that many do not know about until they’re forced to get it. It proves to the court and the DMV that you carry minimum coverage. States don’t keep databases of who has coverage but use SR-22s to ensure the riskiest drivers are covered.
If you’ve been charged with DUI, you’re under threat of needing SR-22 insurance. Fight back against these charges by working with our Los Angeles DUI attorneys. Contact us for a free consultation about your case.
