In Oregon, SR-22 insurance is a type of car insurance for drivers convicted of certain traffic violations, such as a DUI or reckless driving. An SR-22 certificate of financial responsibility guarantees that a driver maintains state-required car insurance coverage. If the driver loses this coverage for any reason, the state will suspend their license again. There are two types of Oregon SR-22 insurance: owner and non-owner. Knowing their differences helps you understand which one you must buy.
What is Non-Owner SR-22 Insurance?
Oregon non-owner SR-22 insurance is car insurance for people who don’t own a car and must meet the state’s auto liability insurance requirements. This type of insurance covers them when they drive someone else’s car. Non-owner insurance is only for drivers without regular or frequent access to a vehicle.
After a license suspension, if you don’t own a car but drive occasionally, you must carry non-owner SR22 insurance. A non-owner policy (without an SR-22 filing) is a good option if you don’t own a car but want to meet the state’s car insurance requirements when driving a borrowed vehicle.
Non-owner SR-22 insurance does not cover damage to the car you borrow to drive because you did not own the vehicle. Non-owner insurance coverage only includes liability for damages or injuries you may cause to others or their property while driving a borrowed car.
What is Owner SR-22 Insurance?
Anyone with a suspended license who drives a vehicle they own must carry owner SR-22 insurance to meet the state’s liability insurance requirements. This type of insurance covers the driver and their car and liability for any damages they cause to other people or their property while driving. One important thing to note about owner SR-22 insurance is that it only covers the specific car(s) listed on the policy.
What Does SR-22 Insurance Cover?
Policies attached to both types of Oregon SR-22 certificates must meet the state’s minimum liability coverage requirements, which are:
- $25,000 for bodily injury or death of one person in an accident
- $50,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more people in an accident
- $20,000 for property damage in an accident
SR-22 insurance is not a policy; it’s a certificate verifying that the policyholder has the required liability coverage. Drivers required to carry SR-22 insurance must maintain their coverage continuously for a specified period, usually three years, to have their license reinstated.
If the policyholder lets their SR-22 insurance lapse or cancels it before the required period is up, the state will suspend their license again.
Which Type of SR-22 is Right for You?
The type of SR-22 insurance you need depends on your specific circumstances. If you don’t own a car and only need to drive occasionally, non-owner insurance is your option. It is typically less expensive than owner SR-22 insurance and can help you meet Oregon’s car insurance requirements without the added cost of insuring a car.
If you own and drive a car regularly, an owner SR-22 policy is for you. Owner insurance covers damages to your vehicle, injuries to your passengers, and damages and injuries to other people or their property if you cause an accident.
Both owner and non-owner SR-22 insurance policies must have the Oregon minimum coverage amounts outlined above.
How Much Does Owner & Non-Owner Auto Insurance Cost?
It isn’t easy to provide the exact cost of an Oregon SR-22 policy for an owner or non-owner without knowing specific details about the driver and their driving record. Due to the higher risk of these drivers, both types of SR-22 insurance are typically more expensive than traditional car insurance.
Factors affecting the cost of SR-22 insurance in Oregon include the driver’s age, driving history, the type of car insured, and the coverage limits chosen. In general, drivers with a poor driving record or those convicted of a serious traffic offense, such as a DUI license suspension, can expect to pay more for SR-22 insurance.
Getting quotes from multiple insurance companies will give you a better idea of the cost of high-risk auto insurance in Oregon. Be sure to provide accurate information about your driving history and the type of car you own (if applicable) to get a precise quote.
Remember that the cheapest rate may not always be in your best interest. Ensuring sufficient coverage to protect yourself and your car in an accident is a top priority.
UltraCar Insurance is a leading provider of affordable SR-22 insurance in Oregon. Call us today, and we’ll help you find the best auto or non-owner policy and rate!
