Reader’s Question:

Hi! Im just wondering what an sr-22 insurance form is. Thank you.

Earl

Thank you for asking, Earl.

An sr-22 insurance form that needs to be filed by the insurance company shows that the auto liability coverage is in effect for the individual. This is an insurance provided to an individual who got involved in an accident or was convicted of a traffic offense and was unable to show financial responsibility.

This varies from state to state though.

This is not a type of insurance but just a proof that you have certain types of insurance based on the laws of financial responsibility in your state.This form needs to be filed by the insurance company to the Department of Motor Vehicles to show that that the liability insurance is in effect.

I hope I answered your question.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

Reader’s Question:

What can be the reasons for sr-22 insurance company to suspend my policy?

Michael

Good Question, Michael.

Here are some of the reasons why your sr-22 may be suspended by the insurance company:

1. making late payments on your policy. If you do not pay your insurance on time, the sr-22 insurance provider may suspend your policy for not paying. Make sure you pay your policy on time.

2. sr-22 policy violation. If you violate any specific terms on your policy , the auto insurance provider will suspend your policy for violating the terms and agreement. Make sure you read the terms and conditions and review it carefully. You may ask questions in case there are some parts in the policy that you do not understand.

3. excessive action. If you get another DUI or any of the drunk driving offense, your policy may be cancelled by the insurance provider. Your policy may also be suspended if you have excessive involvement on accidents and other traffic violations.

If your driver’s license or driving privileges got suspended by the Department of Motor Vehicles because of not complying to the minimum insurance requirements, it will show on your driver’s license. Make sure you follow all the necessary tips to avoid suspension of your license in the future.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

Reader’s Question:

What happens to my insurance policy if Im required to carry sr-22?

Allen

Thank you for asking.

Your insurance company usually add certain amount to your policy for the sr-22. you will be in the category of high risk driver so that would definitely make your insurance rate higher than what you were paying. This coverage for the sr-22 insures other uninsured drivers on the road and for protection for other vehicles and properties.

Due to a series of road accidents, its safer for all people and motorists to have stiffer penalties against uninsured divers. Having this extra cost for the required coverage, hopefully you would become more responsible on driving and will become aware of the importance of getting car insurance.

You have a lot of choices to choose from on getting a car insurance company that can provide you an sr-22. Check on the internet for a low cost car insurance provider.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

Reader’s Question:

I live in California and my license got suspended. what is the process involve in getting my license back?

Edward

Good Question.

Well basically, reinstatement may be in four step process:

1. finish your 30 day mandatory period
2. you must enroll to the “first offender program”
3. get an sr-22
4. Go to the Department of Motor Vehicle and pay $125

When you go to the DMV, they will issue you a restricted driver’s license that allows you to drive to the DUI school and during the course of employment. You can have your restrictions removed after four months. You need to be eligible to get your license back before you can purchase sr-22.

But for multiple offenders, those which violated the seven year probationary period with a DUI, theres a program called sb-38, an 18 month program that you need to complete before you can get the unrestricted license. You have to go through a series of meetings with councilors. Then you will have to have a Judge sign the “abstract” from the court that you will need to take to the Department of Motor Vehicle that may be able to get your license back. But I recommend that you go to the DMV first before the Judge and ask if you can get your license back. So this is the step that you need to do to get your California license back.

I hope this would help.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

Reader’s Question:

My son has had previous DUI a long time ago and was recently convicted and had his license suspended in Ohio. Does he have to get sr-22 before he can apply to get his license back? what will be the effect on his insurance rate?

Linda

Good Question, Linda.

To make sure that the motorist shows proof of financial responsibility, he needs to get an sr-22. The filing for sr-22 is available from your insurance company. If your current insurance company does not offer it, you can get it from other insurance providers.

He will basically notice an increase in his insurance rate and will pay more that what he usually pay. But still he needs to check with his insurance providers if theres any effect on his insurance policy regarding this. Usually though it does.

You will also need to call your insurance agent for more information on the steps to reinstate his license. You may also call Ohio DMV to verify to know when the 3 year time period started for your requirement to carry sr-22.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

Reader’s Question:

When I went to the court in Texas I was ordered to show proof of sr-22. What is it? and what do I do to get my license back?

Carl

Thank you for asking, Carl.

Sr-22 is actually a form for certification used by insurance providers and also to notify the state that you have the required insurance coverage. This is also sometimes called filing insurance.

Since the court required you to get an sr-22, your insurance company will have to submit the form to the Department of Motor vehicle so that the your license will be removed from suspension that is place by the Texas Secretary of States office. This would provide a certification to the DMV that your insurance provider has issued you the minimum liability coverage.

In order to reinstate your license you must also do the following:

1. You must pay the full amount of the judgment to the plaintiff’s attorney. You need to make sure that you have received the certification , the file stamped copy of the “satisfaction of judgment” form. You will take this to the secretary of state’s office. this applies if the cause of the sr-22 is judgment.

2. If on the other hand, the cause of the sr-22 is due to unpaid tickets, contact the circuit court and reopen the case and pay the unpaid tickets

3. If the cause of the sr-22 is because of the vehicle emission, you need to take your car back to the emission for testing and needs to pass the test.

I hope this would help.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

Reader’s question:

Why do I Need a SR-22 Filing when most people don’t? and where can I get it?

Marcia

Good question Marcia.

You may get an sr-22 from any insurance providers. You must maintain this insurance for 3 years without lapse or cancellation for any reason other than just being caught without insurance. If you get caught driving without an insurance, then you will need to maintain the insurance for one year without cancelling it. You will also need to pay the reinstatement fee.

People who get their license suspended by the Department of Motor Vehicle need to get an sr-22 insurance to reinstate their license. It is mandatory. It would also depends on many cases. Theres a lot of reason for them to require you to get an sr-22. Heres some of the reasons:

1. DUI (driving under the influence)
2. DWI ( driving while intoxicated)
3. suspension from unpaid fines or any parking violations
4. getting involved in an accident and was not been able to show any proof of insurance
5. failing in the emission test

Make sure to contact your insurance provider to give you more information on what you can do to purchase an sr-22.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

Reader’s question:

What is the difference between the sr-22 and the liability automobile?

Mark

Thank you for asking Mark.

Theres is no difference at all actually other than that you have requested for the sr-filing. The sr-22 form is the certification or a proof of financial responsibility for the state in Illinois where your driver license was issued. After the suspension, usually you are required to prevent your license from being suspended or reinstating it after the suspension. Its not necessarily that the high risk drivers are those that require sr-filing.

Most insurance companies will not increase your premiums because of the sr-22. Points though may be added because of tickets that you have acquired or any violations that prompted the sr-22 requirements but not the sr-22 itself. Other companies may also charge you a maintenance fee for filing the form. This has nothing to do with the re-insurance. This is a standard policy in the insurance industry.

Goodluck!

MariCAR