What You Need To Know About Getting An SR-22 Form With Insurance

If you have had a serious legal matter as a result of a traffic offense, there is a good chance your insurance requirements could change. Not only could your premiums go up significantly, you may have to have add an SR-22 certificate to your insurance plan for verification purposes. Here's what you need to know about SR-22 requirements and costs.

Certification May Be Required by the Court or Motor Vehicle Division

In DUI cases, and in other criminal traffic matters, a judge may order that you certify you are properly insured by having your insurance company prepare and file an SR-22 verification form. In most cases, the insurance company can send this form directly to the DMV. Your attorney may have to get a copy for the court as well, so that it's in your file as proof that you have completed that requirement. Not only can a judge require that you get SR-22 certification, it may be required by the DMV if your driving record has too many points, or if you have a reckless driving citation. The DMV will notify you of this requirement when you go to have your license renewed or reinstated.

There May Be Different Payment Requirements for Obtaining Special Verification

Most insurance companies will make you may a little extra for insurance that requires an SR-22 form. Although the overall cost won't be significantly different from what you'd pay without having the SR-22 requirement, you may have to pay for everything on an upfront basis. Your insurance company may require this, but so could the particular state laws in the state you live in. The reasons you have to pay upfront is because that gives a greater guarantee that you will remain insured the whole year and not be dropped for nonpayment. The only other cost you may incur will be a one-time fee for having the form filed with the DMV or the court.

You May Have to Have Special Insurance Certification for Several Years

For drivers who have lost their driving privileges or had multiple DUIs, the probationary state of driving with extra certification can be several years. In most scenarios where an SR-22 is required, there will be at least a period of one year where the driver has to have the extra verification an SR-22 provides. It's important to ask the DMV or your lawyer how long you're required to carry the special certification. Once your probation is up, you will have to have your insurance file an additional notice that you are no longer needing an SR-22.

Although the requirements for SR-22 forms are similar in most states, they do vary. Understanding what's required of you to prove you are insured is important to keeping your driving privileges. Your insurance company can help you understand what will be required of you in the particular state you live in, and what extra costs you'll incur. Visit a site like http://www.greatnortherninsuranceagency.com for more information.


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