Shopping around for affordable SR-22 insurance is tricky. For example, did you know that there are different types of SR-22?
While you don’t need to know the ins and outs of SR-22 history, it does help to understand some key concepts. There are three different types of SR-22. Do you know which one is right for you?
What Are the 3 Different Types of SR-22?
As you work with your insurance company to file your SR-22 paperwork, you’ll realize that there are different types of SR-22 certificates that cover you in different driving situations. They are:
- SR-22 owner’s certificate
- SR-22 operator’s certificate
- SR-22 owner-operator’s certificate
Let’s explore these 3 types in more detail.
1. SR-22 Owner’s Certificate
Most people who are required to file an SR-22 already have their own car that they use for most of their driving. If this is the case for you, then you’ll need to file an SR-22 owner’s certificate to get your license back and be able to drive again.
Note that an SR-22 owner’s certificate only covers cars that you own or lease. You won’t be able to legally drive any other car, including rental cars and cars for work, unless you have another type of SR-22: an operator’s certificate.
Pro: If you have your own car, an SR-22 owner’s certificate is a cost-effective way of getting you back on the road.
Con: This type of SR-22 is restrictive and isn’t an option for people who need to drive other vehicles regularly, such as for work.
2. SR-22 Operator’s Certificate
A common myth about the SR-22 is that only car owners need to file it. After all, you can’t get car insurance if you don’t have a car, right?
It turns out that there’s a special type of SR-22 certificate called an SR-22 operator’s certificate (also called an SR-22 non-owner’s certificate). This type of SR-22 covers you while you drive someone else’s car. However, an SR-22 operator’s certificate provides no coverage for cars that you own.
If you’re required to file an SR-22, then you’ll need to have some form of SR-22 insurance throughout the entire filing period. An SR-22 operator’s certificate is the best solution for drivers who either don’t own a car or don’t plan to do much driving.
Pro: An SR-22 operator’s certificate is often the cheapest option compared to the other two types of SR-22.
Con: This type of SR-22 won’t be an option for you if you already own a car and, in some cases, if you live with someone who owns a car.
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3. SR-22 Owner-Operator’s Certificate
While an SR-22 owner’s certificate is enough to cover most car owners, some people need to drive other vehicles. If you fall into this category, then you’ll need an SR-22 owner-operator’s certificate.
The SR-22 owner-operator’s certificate will cover you when driving any car, whether it belongs to you, your employer, or your best friend. If you don’t want to think about how much SR-22 coverage you have in different situations, then this is the best option.
Pro: This is the most flexible type of SR-22 and can take the stress out of worrying about whether you’re suddenly not covered by your SR-22 insurance.
Con: Since this type of SR-22 certificate covers the widest range of driving situations, expect to pay higher premiums for an SR-22 owner-operator’s certificate.
What Happens If I Don’t Have the Right SR-22?
Driving a car without the right SR-22 insurance is like driving without any insurance at all. If you’re involved in an accident, your insurance company won’t cover you, and if you’re pulled over, your state DMV will be notified that you’re not complying with your SR-22 requirements. The penalties you could face for driving without the SR-22 certificate include:
- Additional fines and court fees
- License suspension
- Resetting the clock on your SR-22 filing period
As you’re shopping around for SR-22 insurance, it helps to talk to insurance companies about your driving situation so that they can recommend the best type of SR-22 certificate for you. Otherwise, it’ll take even longer before you can remove your SR-22 and start paying less for car insurance.
Find Affordable SR-22 Insurance and Get Back on the Road
Whether you need an SR-22 certificate for owners, operators, or owner-operators, it’s important to file your SR-22 as soon as possible so you can start driving again. At SR-22 Adviser, we help drivers find the right SR-22 insurance that meets their needs and their budgets. All it takes is a few minutes for a quick online quote for affordable SR-22 insurance from our partner.