Essential Things You Should Know About SR22 Car Insurance
Once your license gets suspended, you'll be expected to get SR22 car insurance to restore your original license. This document shows you still have the basic insurance cover even if you do not have your license.
Unfortunately, many people assume that SR22 is a policy, and this creates confusion. This is a certificate (electronic document) the insurance company files on behalf of their clients after license suspension.
Although not every car user needs SR22, it's essential to understand some basics to know what is expected once you commit a serious traffic violation. Here are things you likely need to know about SR22.
What SR22 Forms Are Available?
After telling your insurance provider you require the SR22 certificate, they will determine which form is suitable. The owner certificate is designed to cover your own vehicles, while the owner-operator certificate is meant to protect any car you drive, even if you don't own it. The third option is the non-owner certificate for people who don't own vehicles but were instructed to get the certificate.
When Is This Form Required?
If you have some serious infractions, you'll be expected to pay for an SR22 and attach it to the standard car insurance. Usually, a judge orders this form after you were involved in a severe accident, got a ticket, operated a vehicle without insurance, got a DUI conviction, or after the license is suspended. Once you are charged with these infractions, you will receive the certificate. Ensure you follow your state's guidelines to file for the certificate to avoid making more mistakes.
How Long Should One Carry the Form?
While the duration for paying an SR22 certificate may vary from one state to another, you'll need it for about three to five years. The exact duration will depend on the offense. The start date for acquiring it will also vary by state.
So, expect your state's DMV to tell you how long you'll require the certificate and from what date. Usually, the clock may begin with the date you committed the offense, when you got convicted, or the day the license was suspended.
You aren't required to cancel before the set duration because the state will penalize you. In case the standard insurance plan associated with this certificate is withdrawn or removed, the company will file an SR-26 telling the state about the cancellation. This will force the authorities to take severe actions against you, like withdrawing the vehicle registration and/or driver's license.
For more information, contact a vehicle insurance agency in your area.
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