I am 17 and recently got my driver’s license, but my parents want me to know about car insurance before giving me a car of my own. However, I am confused by sr22 insurance. So, what is sr22 insurance?

Aaron

Phoenix, AZ

Aaron, you have such wonderful parents. Of course, no matter how much they train you to be a good and precautionary driver, it will always come down to what choices you make. I believe, too, that knowing how the car industry works will make a driver more responsible. But as they say, Aaron, knowing is just half the battle. Knowing the potential consequences of what certain actions you might take in the future with regards to driving (since you’re a teenager, which would make you susceptible to drunk driving) will at least give you a sense of responsibility to your self and to other motorists.

So, Aaron, what is SR22 insurance?
SR22s are not car insurance policies, but they are documents relating to your car insurance policy. They simply are documents stating that you have an active car insurance coverage. Usually, an SR22 is issued if the policy holder is convicted of a traffic violation and cannot show proof of financial responsibility. Also, SR22s are issued if so ordered by a judge but this will depend on what state you are in. Filings of SR22s are made by the insurance companies and not by the insured. Who better to certify that you are indeed insured than your car insurance provider? If you live happen to move into states like Kentucky, New Mexico, Delaware Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Minnesota, you should know they don’t require issuance of SR-22s. Aaron, remember this, getting SR-22 forms are not good to have because this means you have incurred violations. Having SR-22s will probably raise your car insurance premiums, as well.

Are there any other way I can get my drivers license back without having to file for an SR22 insurance form here in Florida?

Victor

Hollywood, FL

Unfortunately no, the state of Florida requires motorists who have had their drivers license suspended due to committing serious driving violations, such as DUI (Driving Under the Influence) also known as DWI (Driving While Intoxicated), driving without a license, or without carrying car insurance, incurring too many moving violations and too frequent involvement in car accidents, to file an SR22 insurance form or certification in order to get their driving privileges re-instated.

You will need to find an authorized car insurance provider that will file the necessary SR22 insurance form to the state DMV or Department of Motor Vehicles in your behalf, that said, not all auto insurance companies are allowed to process SR22 filings. After paying the necessary reinstatement fees, It may take up to 30 days for the whole process to complete before you get a notification of your SR22 status as well as to know when you can drive again.

We also encourage you not to lose your insurance through cancellation, nor allow your SR22 policy to lapse since this can lead to even more severe penalties, and may be good reason for your next auto insurance carrier to increase your rates significantly. You would only need to maintain your SR22 for a period of two years and maintain a good driving record during that time.

One of the best ways to find a provider that can offer you SR22 insurance forms is through the Web. This website has an insurance search tool that you may use for free to get the most affordable rates and policies online.

What is an SR22 insurance policy?

Andre

Washington, DC

SR22 insurance policy is a type of proof of financial responsibility that is required for those who were caught driving uninsured cars. However, this proof of financial responsibility is not really an insurance (although it is often referred to as such). The SR22 only provides an assurance that the person carrying it can be financially responsible in case an incident requires him to have such responsibility.

Normally, if a person commits a traffic violation or gets caught in a car accident, the police will ask him to show any proof of financial responsibility (often in the form of car insurance). If the person fails to show any proof of this responsibility, the police will give him a citation for violating the car insurance law. The person will then be asked to purchase an SR22 insurance that has a validity of 3 years or less. The SR22 insurance can be purchased from a car insurance company who specifically sells it (not all companies sell an SR22). These companies are responsible for updating the state insurance regulator about any changes in the SR22, such as cancellation or termination. Once the validity of the SR22 ceases, the person holding it must be able to show to the court his own insurance policy. If he fails to do so, the court may give him another sanction.