One of the most important things that you can do if you are pulled over while driving is to file an SR-22 with your insurance company. The SR-22 is a certificate that confirms that all fines, costs, and fees have been paid. If you don’t have this document handy, or you forget it at home, make sure that you carry an extra copy in your car so that you’ll always have it on hand.
Ever wonder how to file an SR-22 in California? In this blog article, you’ll find helpful tips on what you need to know and how to apply for this type of insurance.
What is the California Driver Handbook?
The California Driver Handbook is a set of rules and regulations that all drivers must follow. It includes guidelines on vehicle operation, traffic laws, and safe driving practices. Violations of the California Driver Handbook can result in dings to your insurance rates or the suspension of your driver’s license.
What are the laws in California for SR-22’s?
There are a few different laws that govern SR-22’s in California. Firstly, you must have a driver’s license to apply for an SR-22. Secondly, you must be able to drive safely due to a physical or mental condition that substantially impairs your ability to operate a motor vehicle. Thirdly, the SR-22 may be obtained if the financial resources of the applicant are insufficient to cover the person’s liability for accidents or injuries caused by driving in violation of laws related to motor vehicles.
When you live in California, it’s that much harder to be uninsured or underinsured. In California, you must have at least $15,000 in bodily injury coverage, $5,000 in property damage coverage per person, and $30,000 in bodily injury liability per accident in order to drive legally. It’s clear that SR-22 certifications aren’t just insurance—they’re a more nuanced and detailed confirmation of the financial responsibility requirements of driving legally.
How to file an SR-22 in California
An SR-22 is a Financial Responsibility policy that a person must carry with them if they are in a high-risk group. In California, high-risk groups include individuals who have been convicted of driving under the influence, driving while intoxicated, or reckless driving. If someone is in one of these high-risk groups and they cause an accident in which they are at fault, they need to purchase this insurance policy to cover the damages caused.
The SR-22 is a form that shields your automobile insurance company from voiding your policy should you acquire another lapse in coverage. Your DMV might notify you if your coverage lapses, giving you time to rectify the issue before your auto insurance will become void. The SR-22 is valid for three to five years after your license revocation.
Cost of SR-22 insurance in California
If you’ve ever made a major violation in your driving record, your insurance premium could go up significantly. SR-22 is a form of car insurance that reinstates your license, and the average cost of this insurance coverage in California is $2,065 per year, compared to the national average of $1,674 per year. But car insurance policy rates go up 142% with driving violations in California. The average annual California car insurance premium with DUI for full coverage is $4,988.
In addition to being unexpected, SR-22s are also slightly costly. If you find yourself shopping around for new car insurance, avoid getting a traffic violation altogether by not speeding and driving responsibly. After three to five years of a clean driving record and paying on time, your premiums may go down and you may qualify for standard coverage again.
How long do I need SR-22 in California?
California is a state with high insurance rates, meaning drivers must have an SR-22 to protect themselves. This protection must be in place for 3 years and includes coverage on the minimum car insurance policy required by the state’s laws.
What if you need an SR-22 and don’t have a car?
You may be able to obtain SR-22 by purchasing non-owner car insurance if you were driving someone else’s car at the time your license was suspended. First, you will have to purchase a liability policy that features coverage when no private car is available. Then, the company can file with the DMV and issue you an SR-22 card. Not all companies underwrite this form of insurance. You should find the right legal officer to issue an SR -22.
Conclusion
In California, an SR-22 is a type of insurance that protects the driver and their passengers in case of an accident. The SR-22 must be filed by all drivers who have been involved in an auto collision where the person driving was uninsured at the time of the accident.
An SR-22 certificate issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles proves that you have adequate auto insurance. Insurance companies file these when their customers have convictions for serious driving violations like reckless or drunk driving.