Everything You Need to Know About Getting Auto Insurance with an SR-22
Auto insurance with SR-22 is often necessary for people who have had their driver’s license suspended. Often times, this type of insurance is required by the DMV as proof of financial responsibility, but it can also be a great safeguard if youve been involved in an at-fault accident or incurred multiple moving violations. With so many different aspects to getting auto insurance with SR-22, its essential to understand what you need to know in order to get the best coverage and protection.
Understanding the SR-22 process starts with understanding the consequences of having a suspended drivers license. If youve broken the law and now need an SR-22, your premiums are most likely going to increase and it’s likely that youre going to lose most (if not all) of the benefits and coverage you had with your original policy. This could be a huge out-of-pocket cost, so selecting a policy that works best for you is key. It’s important to remember that SR-22s are usually issued for three years and that if you fail to reinstate your license or let an SR-22 policy lapse, your suspension will usually be extended.
When looking for insurance with an SR-22 filing, you first need to make sure that the policy you’re considering covers all of your vehicles. Then, its important to make sure that the plan you choose covers enough liability insurance for every car you drive and that it complies with the minimum requirements of the state. Dont forget that you’ll also need to check the company’s Financial Responsibility Database to ensure that the insurer is reliable and meets the required standards of the state.
Then you have to make sure that the policy youre considering offers enough coverage for you and all drivers who operate your vehicles. Most insurers require that the insured person maintain their SR-22 filing for three years. If your policy lapses or the SR-22 filing is canceled, your coverage will be suspended. This could have serious legal and financial repercussions, so it is important to make sure that your policy covers the length of your SR-22 filing period.
The good news is that once you separate the good from the bad, youll start to see the benefits of having SR-22 auto insurance. Proper coverage and liability protection provide peace of mind that if something happens, youll have the assistance youll need to avoid expensive out-of-pocket payments. Plus, once youre back in good standing with the DMV, your rates will start to go back down to a more manageable level.
Once you’ve got your rate and coverage figured out, its a good idea to shop around. Compare several companies and review their reviews online. Make sure you clearly know what youre getting with each policy and how exactly the coverage differs among them. Also, take note of extra costs that are associated with your SR-22 filing and how these will affect your total premiums.
Now that you understand the basics of auto insurance with SR-22, its time to start shopping around for the best policy that meets your needs. By taking the time to compare different policies and the companies that offer them, youre giving yourself the chance to get the protection you need without breaking the bank.
4.1 Price vs. Coverage
The first step to finding the right SR-22 auto insurance policy for you is to understand the difference between price and coverage. If youre looking to save money, you may be tempted to select a policy which offers a lower rate, however, when it comes to auto insurance with SR-22, it’s best to buy the coverage that will provide you with the most protection. Even though your rates may be higher than someone who has a clean driving record, its important to make sure you understand exactly what youre getting.
4.2 View Policies Online
Thanks to the internet, comparison shopping for auto insurance is easier than ever. When looking for SR-22 auto insurance, you should take advantage of the ability to view policies online. This will allow you to compare companies in one place to quickly find the best option for you. Most companies also provide detailed descriptions of the coverage provided so you can get a better understanding of what youre buying.
4.3 Talking to an Agent
When it comes to auto insurance, there are many details and coverages that may not be apparent at first glance. Speaking with a qualified insurance agent can be a great way to get the answers you need and to discuss how to best protect yourself and your assets. In addition, an agent can evaluate policies for you and review coverage types to help determine the risk and the cost associated with the additional coverage needed.
4.4 Avoid Risk
No matter how good your deal is, its always a good idea to avoid unnecessary risks when selecting an SR-22 auto policy. Make sure you are aware of any limitations and exclusions that may apply to the policy you are considering. Additionally, be sure to read the policy and the policys declaration page before signing anything, to make sure you know exactly what youre getting.
4.5 Monitor Your Record
One of the best ways to ensure that you get the right coverage and rates for your SR-22 auto insurance policy is to monitor your record. Make sure you keep your record clean by following all the laws and regulations associated with driving safely. This is especially important if youve been convicted of a driving-related offense. Doing so will ensure that youll be able to get the right coverage and keep your premium costs down.