SR22 auto insurance

If the department of motor vehicles in your state has suspending your driving privileges then chances are your insurer has also dropped you. In order to get your license reinstated, you need to do an SR22 filing with the DMV. Your new insurance company will handle getting your SR22 forms in order so you can get back on the road. Common reasons for SR22 filing are usually the following: drunk-driving violations, multiple tickets, unpaid fines or parking violations, multiple accident claims, driving without insurance or poor credit history. In other words, a SR22 Filing is a form issued by an insurance company, which removes a suspension order placed by the DMV on your driving privilege. The catch-22 is finding an agency you can afford that will cover you since your driving and/or financial records aren't solid.

SR22 auto insurance rates will be higher than regular rates, no doubt. But don't get just one quote from a car insurance company. Shop around. You might be surprised to learn that prices vary from company to company. Many places can issue the SR filing the same day of getting receipt of signed application and check so you don't have to wait.

After finding an insurance company and a rate that works for you, you must purchase minimum liability coverage. If you don't have a motor vehicle, you must purchase "non-owners" liability coverage for driving someone else's vehicle. The price will depend on the severity of your driving record (accidents and violations), as well as other 'regular' insurance factors such as where you live, the number of years of driving experience, etc. If you're not sure what's on your driving record, you can purchase it from DMV (usual the cost is $5.00 to $10.00 per record). Under normal circumstances the SR22 filing period must be maintained for three years on average so it's best to stay out of trouble to begin with if you can avoid it.

Here's a few steps to remember when getting your SR22 and filing with the DMV:

1. Know what's on your driving record by getting a copy of it from the DMV.
2. Contact your DMV to double check what other DMV fees are needed to reactivate your license because sometimes a reinstatement fee, and/or payment of outstanding parking/moving violation fines is required.
3. With that information, start your search for the lowest price for insurance, which means getting quotations for the proper coverage you need at various companies.
4. Once you find an insurance company that will A) carry you and B) you can afford, they will send you the paperwork to start your policy. Once they receive it, along with the funds for the policy, they will issue the SR22 filing. With many places if you pay via credit card, money order, or cashier's check, they can issue the filing ASAP, which permits you to go to a local DMV office to reinstate your license the day you receive it.

The best way to avoid SR22 filing is to be a good driver and keep yourself in strong financial shape. Of course, some situations are beyond your control. But for those that are within your power it's best to follow the rules and avoid the headache and financial hardship that SR22 can put on a driver.