Most states require some proof of coverage before restoring full driving privileges to those who have been convicted of driving under the influence. In these cases, an SR22 form meets that requirement by stating to the local Department of Motor Vehicle that the offender has at least minimum insurance coverage. When the insurance provider submits the certification to the DMV, any driving suspension is removed. Should the driver subsequently cancel his policy or let it lapse after he has obtained an SR22, the insurer is obligated to inform the DMV of the updated status. In most cases, the driving privileges are then revoked.
An SR22 is required in most states and in almost all cases where the driver was operating a motor vehicle while under the influence, even if that driver had insurance coverage. In cases not involving a DUI, a driver may still have to submit a SR22 if he had no proof of insurance at the time the he was pulled over. This is especially true is the driver was at fault for an accident. The SR22 does not exempt the driver for any fines he may have incurred for driving without proof of insurance.
If a driver had coverage at the time of a DUI offense, his insurer may respond in one of two ways: either raise his premiums due to an increasing point count or cancel the policy entirely. A cancellation will automatically be a demerit on the driver’s history and he will then be considered a “high-risk” driver. Subsequent insurers will require higher premiums because of this designation. In some states, an insurer is prohibited from cancelling a policy before its term has expired. Drivers should check with their state’s DUI laws to determine if they have similar pre-cancellation protection to avoid this mark on their credit history.
Depending on state law, a driver’s insurance status may be affected for a minimum of three years for a first driving conviction. The time lengthens with every subsequent conviction. In some states, if injuries resulted from the DUI, penalties are increased, especially in cases involving a child. These enhanced penalties also apply to drivers under the age of 21 or to drivers whose blood alcohol levels exceeded a statutory limit.
In most states, a driver with a blood alcohol level of over .08 is considered to be legally intoxicated. In at least 40 states, penalties are doubled if the driver’s blood alcohol level registers at .15 or .20.
Although some insurers do not provide SR22 certification, many do. When a driver requests an SR22, he is automatically categorized as a high-risk driver and his premiums will be much higher than those given to non-risk drivers. The SR22 form is similarly named in every state, so if a driver should have to move, he or she can have an SR22 filed with the local DMV in their destination state.
Those seeking SR22 certification should find out whether their current provider offers this type of certification and what it will cost in increased premiums. If their provider does not offer an SR22, they need to shop among those insurers who do offer this certification to compare premiums. Some insurers do not offer comparative rates, so a driver might have to find an independent agency to shop around for providers who will meet the driver’s particular financial needs. These agencies often have better access to insurance rates and can offer optimal quotes.
For those drivers who are facing financial hardships, some states offer limited permits to operate a moving vehicle that is required to travel to or from work. The driver must show in this case that not being allowed the permit to drive will adversely affect his or her financial status.
Once a driver receives SR22 certification, he should make every effort to maintain an unblemished driving record. Any subsequent violations may result in a revocation of their SR22 privilege.
Most states require an SR22 for major convictions such as a DUI or DWI, driving while license suspended or revoked and at fault accidents without insurance to name a few. Visit Southeast Insurance Agency for your next dui car insurance quote today.
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