Reader’s Question:

I was convicted of driving under the influence and I was told that I need to get SR22 insurance? What is an SR22?

Richie

Chicago IL

If you have been convicted of DUI, the state will require you to file for an SR22 before you will be allowed to drive again. To get your license and driving privileges back, you need to provide the state Department of Motor Vehicle with an SR22 form certifying that you have motor vehicle liability coverage.

Generally, SR22 needs to be maintained for a period of three years. You are not going to file for the SR22 all by yourself. You need to get the SR22 form from your existing auto insurance company. When you go to your auto insurance company to request for an SR22, your company will consider you as a high risk driver and charge you with expensive premiums. If you are convicted of DUI, your car insurance premiums will double and in some insurance companies, even triple. Not all insurers provide services on SR22 insurance filing. So you may want to shop around first and look for car insurance companies that specialize in high risk auto insurance policies. You also need to be sure that you keep your SR22 in file until the DMV tells you that you no longer need to carry it. If your SR22 policy is canceled, terminated or has lapsed your auto insurance company needs to notify the state Department of Motor Vehicles under SR22 laws. If your SR22 insurance is not on file with your state, your driving license and privileges remain to be suspended.

The only way to avoid going through the auto high risk insurance status is to be a safe driver and lessen the number of violations on your driving record over a period of time. Improve your driving habits and work towards getting out of your SR22 status.