If you’ve been convicted of a driving-related charge that requires you to file an SR-22, you probably want to learn everything you can about this new requirement. However, there are tons of misconceptions about SR-22 insurance floating around, and it can be hard to separate the facts from fiction while looking for an SR-22 policy quote. To make sure you have your facts straight, start by taking a look at some of the most common myths about SR-22 insurance.
Navigating the SR-22 Insurance Landscape
After getting convicted of a DUI or DWI, you’ll likely have to deal with something called SR-22 coverage. For a certain period of time after your conviction, the government will classify you as a high-risk driver and require you to file a special form, known as an SR-22, to confirm that you have coverage. You typically need an SR-22 to reinstate your license. But how exactly does it work?
Debunking Top SR-22 Myths
Ready to start clearing up SR-22 confusion? The following are the five most common misconceptions related to filing a certificate of financial responsibility.
Myth 1: SR-22 Is a Separate Insurance Policy
Because of the term “SR-22 insurance,” you may think that filing an SR-22 involves signing up for an extra auto plan. However, “SR-22” is simply the name of a form. You file this form to verify with the government that your auto policy meets the minimum liability requirements in your state.
Therefore, you don’t need to get a separate plan if the court orders you to submit a certificate of financial responsibility. You do, however, need to ensure you have sufficient coverage. You’ll also need to inform your insurer of your legal situation so they can file the form.
Myth 2: Owning a Vehicle Is Required for SR-22
You may think that if you don’t have a car, you don’t need proof of coverage. But even if you’re driving someone else’s car, you’ll still need your own personal insurance.
In that case, you’ll have to set up a non-owner’s policy that isn’t specific to a single vehicle. This is to make sure you have coverage if you ever get into an accident while renting a vehicle or borrowing someone else’s car. Non-owner’s policies are typically cheaper than other SR-22 policies, making them an affordable option if you don’t own a vehicle but still plan to drive at any time.
Find Cheap SR-22 Auto Insurance Quotes
Myth 3: Full Coverage Is Mandatory With SR-22 Insurance
SR-22 requirements are designed to ensure that high-risk drivers can pay for the other party’s expenses if they cause an accident. As a result, you only need a minimum liability policy to file a certificate of financial responsibility. Getting additional coverage beyond the state minimum is completely optional.
Myth 4: SR-22 Insurance Is Permanently Attached to Your Record
After you get convicted of DUI or another serious driving-related infraction, you may worry that you’ll have to deal with expensive SR-22 rates for the rest of your life. Thankfully, that’s just another myth. In most states, your SR-22 filing period will only last a couple of years. Beyond that, a DUI conviction will often fall off your driving record completely after five or 10 years.
There are a few states that won’t ever fully remove a DUI conviction from your record, even after you no longer have to file a certificate of financial responsibility. However, many insurers will stop factoring in old convictions after a certain amount of time. As long as you maintain safe driving habits and follow the steps to remove your SR-22, you’ll be able to easily put your DUI in the rearview mirror.
Myth 5: Affordability Is Impossible With SR-22 Insurance
Everyone knows that being classified as a high-risk driver can cause your rates to go up. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t find an affordable auto policy. Insurers that specialize in coverage for high-risk drivers will often work with you to find a budget plan. By taking defensive driving courses, looking for special discount programs, and researching cheap SR-22 insurance online, you can secure affordable coverage during your filing period.
Get an SR-22 Quote Today
Plenty of people have preconceived notions about how coverage changes after a DUI conviction, creating tons of misinformation about how SR-22 requirements really work. Once you have your facts straight, you can navigate your new requirements with ease.
Sorting out your coverage starts with expert support from SR-22 Adviser. Because the SR-22 Adviser team focuses on working with high-risk drivers, they know everything there is to know about managing your certificate of financial responsibility and getting you the best deal possible on your coverage. Get started by generating a free online quote and securing a budget-friendly SR-22 plan today.