Do I Need an SR-22?
An SR-22 is generally considered an insurance certificate that shows that one is claiming future financial responsibility. Most DMV offices apply it for “high risk” insurance policies for drivers who have been:
- Convicted of a DUI/DWI (Driving under the influence)/(Driving while intoxicated)
- Could not keep car insurance
- Restricted or unlicensed license
- Could not have car insurance when an accident occurred + deaths or injuries have occurred
Safety Suspensions liability, which means serious driving violations, such as: No insurance, Reckless driving
Before an individual files for an SR-22 and before they can have their driving privileges reinstated, they must be covered by the minimum liability insurance. An individual will have to meet or call an auto insurance company for the presentation to be given to the DMV, indicating that the driver has complied with the state of California minimum requirement or auto insurance. The SR-22 document will ensure that the DMV, that the rider will be financially responsible for their driving.
The following steps are how to request an SR-22:
- Contact an Auto Insurance Agency office / DMV Authorized Auto Agent Office to request a presentation
- Pay the correct processing fee to the agency and request an APPOINTMENT from the insurance agency
- In the State of California, the minimum amount of coverage for an accident is approximately $15,000 for 1 person killed and/or injured, $30,000 for 2 or more individuals killed and/or injured + $ 5,000 for property damage.
- Once the agent receives the application form, it gets delivered to the DMV, where it must be obtained within 30 days
- If the application is authorized, the motorist will acquire his SR-22 from the auto insurance agency and a letter from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
- The individual must maintain SR-22 status for 3 years (36 months) + (No need to refill each year), and if they do not, they will have their driving record suspended and will be suspended until their insurance is once more valid and restored.
The State of California offers different types of forms SR-22
- The Operator / Non-Professional Policy SR22- for people who do not own a vehicle
- Owner Policy – for the people who own the vehicle
- The General Policy- for the person who owns and / or does not possess multiple vehicles
What does an SR-22 cover?
An SR-22 usually covers property damage and any liability that occurs in an accident if the rider was involved. It covers the liability of the motorist with the other individuals who participated in the accident. This means that the SR-22 protects the other individuals who were involved in a collision with the motorist.
