Do SR22 and ignition interlock always go hand in hand? No, not everyone who needs SR22 insurance will need to install an ignition interlock device (IID). People with non-alcohol-related license suspensions don’t usually require an IID for reinstatement. However, after a DUI conviction, installing an ignition interlock device in your vehicle is almost always a condition for getting a restricted license or license reinstatement.
Why do I need SR22 and Ignition Interlock?
Accidents involving alcohol and drugs cause many deaths, injuries, and property damage across the country each year. States and insurance companies want to prevent future drunk driving incidents. They accomplish this by requiring high-risk drivers to maintain SR22 (or FR44) insurance and install an ignition interlock device to reinstate their license. After someone has a DUI conviction, insurance companies consider them at higher risk of repeat DUI violations.
Most states require installing an interlock device at the point of two or more convictions. However, some people may need to install an IID after a first DUI offense if circumstances warrant it.
How to get an ignition interlock device
UltraCar Insurance makes it easy for you to get your SR22 and ignition interlock for license reinstatement! At the same time, we can help you with your high-risk insurance filing and IID installation. We sell SR22 insurance in 34 states (FR44 insurance for Florida and Virginia DUIs) and partner with Intoxalock® to assist our customers with their IID requirements.
If you install an ignition interlock device, can you drive without SR22 insurance? The answer to this question is no – you must have the insurance and the interlock device to drive after license reinstatement legally. Some states don’t require proof of SR22 insurance before installing an IID; others require you to file a financial responsibility form before installing an ignition interlock device.
What does an IID do?
An ignition interlock device aims to stop drivers with one or more DUI convictions from driving drunk. Therefore, this device prevents them from starting their vehicle if the car’s breathalyzer detects any alcohol. Your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is measured when you blow into the interlock’s breathalyzer. If the measurement is between .02 and .025 (in most states), your vehicle will not start.
The device is extremely sensitive; some foods, medications, mouthwashes, and cigarette smoke can result in an interlock warning or test failure.
All ignition interlock devices have anti-tampering mechanisms to prevent the driver from bypassing any part of the interlock system. Some IIDs have components such as a camera to confirm who provides the breath sample or a GPS to monitor any restrictions on where you can drive.
The IID must be installed and removed by an authorized ignition interlock company. The device requires monthly maintenance to confirm it is operating correctly. The data recorded on the device gets transmitted to the state during the monthly maintenance.
The state will require you to keep an IID (and SR22 or FR44 insurance) for a specific time. To avoid another license suspension, you’ll need to maintain the insurance without lapse and the IID without any violations.
Costs of SR22 insurance and ignition interlock
The reasoning behind SR22 and FR44 insurance and ignition interlock requirements is to reduce the danger high-risk drivers pose to others on the road. The financial obligation of these requirements may also deter the driving behaviors that lead to license suspension.
SR22 / FR44 Insurance Costs
Because there are so many variables to consider, it isn’t easy to generalize SR22 and ignition interlock costs. Insurance rates depend on these factors:
- Your age, marital status, credit history
- The state you live in
- Whether you live in a rural or urban area
- Your driving record
- Accidents, DUI convictions, or a combination of both
- Habitual offender status
- If you’re insuring a vehicle or need non-owner SR22 or FR44 insurance
- What circumstances led to your license suspension
- Whether your insurance provider charges a filing fee
- If you need a cross-state SR22 filing
IID Costs
Intoxalock ignition interlock device costs include:
An installation charge ($70-$150), which depends on:
- Your vehicle’s year, make, and model
- Shipping fees
- Any state-specific fees or taxes
A monthly or bi-weekly lease ($60-$90 per month), based on:
- How long the state requires you to keep the IID
- The type of device the state requires you to have
- How often your state requires compliance reports
- Any fees or taxes the state requires
Ignition interlock if you don’t own a car
What happens if the state orders you to install an ignition interlock device, but you don’t own a vehicle? Ignition interlock without a car presents challenges. The short answer is that the state’s ignition interlock requirement applies to any car you might drive. So if you occasionally drive a borrowed car, you’ll need to get that vehicle owner’s permission to install an IID in it.
Asking a friend or family member to install an IID in their car will involve sacrifices. They must have a valid license, carry insurance on the vehicle, and pass the interlock’s breathalyzer test. If the owner plans to share their car with you, they’ll have to understand how the device works and its limitations. They may need to discuss this arrangement with their auto insurance provider to see if their policy needs adjustments. You also need to be aware of your non owner insurance coverage limitations.
DUI license reinstatement resources
Articles related to SR22 and ignition interlock:
- SR22 DUI Insurance
- Non Owner SR22
- Florida FR44 Insurance
- Florida Ignition Interlock
- What is FR44 Insurance Virginia?
- Non Owner FR44
- What’s the difference between SR22 and FR44 insurance?
When you’re ready for license reinstatement after a DUI, UltraCar Insurance is your one-stop source for SR22 insurance and ignition interlock services. We’ll find you the lowest possible SR22 or FR44 insurance rate and affordable ignition interlock installation through our partnership with Intoxalock®. Click the quote button at the top of this page, or call us today to get started!
