Do you know the 5 best questions to ask when you’re getting SR-22 insurance? Most states require drivers with multiple tickets, DUIs or serious motor vehicle violations to get SR-22 insurance. Typically, you’ll need this high-risk insurance following events like these:
- You have had multiple traffic violations in the last six months. These violations often include speeding and parking tickets.
- You had a DUI or DWI conviction. For this, you’ll need a Florida Uniform Financial Responsibility Certificate FR-44 tied to a policy with coverage of 100/300/50.
- You caused a car accident as an uninsured driver.
- Insurance companies have deemed you a high-risk driver.
These events and incidents typically force the DMV to require you to submit an SR-22 filing. Getting an SR-22 isn’t challenging, but you’ll have to face some hurdles to get it.
Many people often wrongly believe the SR-22 is an insurance type. However, an SR-22 document is a certificate of financial responsibility that proves you meet the minimum amount of insurance coverage your state requires. The certificate is an endorsement to an auto policy or a non-owner insurance policy if you don’t own a vehicle.
Here’s a quick resource to get additional information:
Insurance providers require you to purchase car insurance (or non-owner insurance) before providing an SR-22 certification. Why? Because the insurance carriers are guaranteeing you have proper auto insurance coverage. The insurance carrier monitors high-risk policies. So if a policy gets canceled or lapses, the carrier notifies the DMV, suspending the driver’s license.
5 Questions to Ask Before Getting an SR-22 Certificate
It’s important to note that not every insurance provider will give you an SR-22 certificate. You’ll also want to do your due diligence when obtaining the certificate. We recommend asking your insurance provider the following questions before getting SR-22 insurance.
How Will an SR-22 Certificate Affect My Insurance Costs?
States generally have different SR-22 requirements. Various traffic violations or driving incidents like DUI/DWI, reckless driving, and repeated accidents force the state to require you to have an SR-22 certificate.
Since SR-22 certificates are for high-risk drivers, your insurance premiums will likely increase. The premium increase will depend on the insurance provider and your driving history. However, you’ll want to note that the actual fee for filing an SR-22 isn’t substantial.
Will I Need a New Insurance Policy?
Depending on your existing car insurance coverage, you may need a new insurance policy. Some insurance providers don’t provide SR-22 coverage on standard auto insurance policies, while others do.
When obtaining an SR-22 certificate, it’s essential to ask your insurance provider if you must change your existing policy or get a new one.
Will I Face Any Penalties?
Many states will require you to pay existing fines, attend court dates, and follow up with the necessary authorities when getting an SR-22 certificate.
How Long Must I Keep the SR-22?
States also have different SR-22 time requirements. Florida requires drivers to have an SR-22 certification for at least three years. After that, you can contact your insurance provider and ask them to cancel the SR-22 filing with the state. In some instances, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles will notify you that your SR-22 period is over.
What if My Insurance Lapses While I Have an SR-22?
You must maintain your insurance throughout your SR-22 certification period. Otherwise, the state will suspend your license, and your SR-22 penalties will increase.
Get SR-22 Insurance from UltraCar Insurance
Are you searching for an SR-22 certification in Florida? UltraCar Insurance has you covered. We’re a leading SR-22 and FR-44 insurance provider in Florida. In addition, we also provide non-owner FR-44 insurance and non-owner SR-22 insurance. Visit our website to learn more. Alternatively, start your quote with us today.
