Drivers with a suspended license must pay reinstatement fees, purchase an auto insurance policy, and file an SR22 insurance certificate for Alabama license reinstatement. Alabama requires all drivers to carry Mandatory Liability Insurance (MLI). This insurance requirement applies to anyone who drives a vehicle, not just to vehicle owners. Not complying with this law can result in the suspension of your driver’s license.
Reasons for License Suspension & SR22 Insurance
Reasons people need to carry SR22 insurance include driving and non-driving-related issues. Some common driving-related reasons include Alabama DUI convictions and refusing to take a breathalyzer test, driving without insurance, driving with a suspended or revoked license, or committing other serious motor vehicle violations. Non-driving-related reasons for an SR22 financial responsibility filing include failing to appear in court and nonpayment of child support.
Driving violations that result in license suspension:
- Alabama DUI, impaired driving, and reckless driving.
- Refusing to take a breathalyzer test.
- Uninsured accidents: If you cause an accident and can’t pay for damages because you have no insurance, or inadequate insurance, ALEA (Alabama Law Enforcement Agency) may require you to carry SR22 insurance.
- Excessive traffic tickets (points): If you accumulate 12 or more points on your driving record within 2 years, the state will suspend your license, requiring an SR22 filing for reinstatement.
- Felony involving a vehicle: Using a vehicle with intent to commit a felony.
License suspension is based on the accumulation of points over two years:
- 24 or more points = 1-year suspension
- 21 to 23 points = 180-day suspension
- 18 to 20 points = 120-day suspension
- 15 to 17 points = 90-day suspension
- 12 to 14 points = 60-day suspension
Examples of points violations include:
- Reckless driving – 3 charges within 12 months (6 points)
- Speeding (5 points)
- Passing a stopped school bus (5 points)
Non-driving issues that require SR22 insurance include:
Many Alabama license suspensions involve administrative matters, such as:
- Failure to appear in court.
- Failing to pay fines, such as child support payments, traffic tickets, or court fees.
- Driving without mandatory liability insurance.
How do I get Alabama license reinstatement?
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Driver License Division determines each driver’s license reinstatement requirements. To begin the reinstatement process, you can find your driver’s license reinstatement notice and manage your reinstatement online through the ALEA website. This is where you can confirm whether you need SR22 insurance, find the coverage end date, settle required tickets, and determine if you must complete any hearings. Only after this can your insurance provider file an SR22 certificate with the ALEA. The ALEA considers this filing to be a guarantee of financial responsibility. In other words, by filing the SR22 certificate, you assure the state that you’ll carry the required insurance coverage for a specific time in the future.
You can get SR22 insurance in Alabama whether you own a vehicle or not. Vehicle owners will have the SR22 certificate endorsed to their auto insurance policy. If you don’t own a car, the certificate will be attached to an Alabama non-owner insurance policy, which insures the policyholder when occasionally driving a borrowed vehicle.
How much does SR22 insurance cost?
Not all insurance companies offer SR22 insurance. In some cases, a company may terminate your current policy if you need an SR22 certificate. Alabama SR22 insurance costs can become expensive. Adding an SR22 to your insurance policy usually costs more than your previous insurance rate. How much your costs increase depends on the severity of the offense that led to the suspension and other factors. If you were paying $50 per month for liability-only coverage, your premiums may increase to $150 per month, depending on the reason for your suspension.
Alabama license reinstatement fees:
- Suspended or canceled license: $100
- Revoked license: $175
Fees for alcohol- or drug-related offenses:
- Suspended or revoked license: $275
- Ignition interlock fee (if required): $150
Other fees:
- Failure to surrender license within 30 days: $50
- Failing to pay child support: $50
Get a free, no-obligation Alabama SR22 insurance quote from UltraCar Insurance, a leading company for all your auto, motorcycle, and owner/non-owner SR22 insurance needs. When you need Alabama license reinstatement, call us today or click the quote button for an affordable rate!
