Posts Tagged ‘DUI’
Saturday, September 4th, 2010
For some reason, some insurance companies make the filing of an SR-22 document seem like a mystery, giving you the impression it is some secretive and complicated matter that you should not question too closely. You cannot start becoming an informed insurance buyer without knowing what SR-22 means, and if you fall into one of the categories of drivers required to file the form, you should know exactly what you are getting into.
Because the SR-22 document essentially proves your financial responsibility, people have erroneously concluded that it is insurance for poor people. This is not the case. It is true that having a very bad credit history can affect your options in buying insurance, but it also affects your ability to get an SR-22 filing because, if you recall, the whole point of having it is to establish financial responsibility. The major reasons you will need an SR-22 include:
-getting caught driving without insurance,
-being cited for DUI/DWI or other serious moving violation,
-causing an accident (being at fault) while driving uninsured,
-receiving repeat citations in a short period of time, and
-driving with a suspended or revoked license.
In most states you will be required to have an SR-22 for a specific length of time, often three years. If you get through that time period without reneging on payments or getting additional tickets, your SR-22 requirement will expire.
Consider it like probation
You will have a long-term filing status with an SR-22, typically three years as mentioned above, which you should think of as driving probation. That is how your state DMV and police think of it, so you should, too. The SR-22 is not insurance itself, and you are required to have ongoing insurance coverage during your SR-22 status. The insurance company that issues you a policy pursuant to an SR-22 filing will notify the authorities in your state at once if your policy is unpaid, canceled or lapses, triggering the suspension of your license once again.
Not every insurance company will file the SR-22, so you need to become an informed consumer first and do your research. There are also different rates for the service, as well as a wide range of policy costs, so you really do need to shop around. You can look forward to a smooth experience if you use a company experienced with the SR-22 filing, and some insurers will stay on top of things to the point that they will file a termination form with the authorities (called an SR-26 in some states), usually within some 10 days of the SR-22’s expiration.
Different state requirements
Generally speaking, if you have an SR-22 currently and move to another state, you will have to finish out the stated time period anyway. You will also need to get in-state insurance with liability limits that meet the required minimums in your former home state. For example, if you have an SR-22 in a state where the minimum liability figures are 50/100/25, and move to a state with 25/50/10 limits, you still have to carry the former, higher limits in your new state. You will continue in your SR-22 status in the new state until the time period ends in the old one.
Some states do not have SR-22 requirements, like Delaware, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, New Mexico and Kentucky. If you move to one of these places while in SR-22 status, however, you will have to meet the insurance requirements of the old state where you were required to file the SR-22. If your SR-22 is from, say, Arizona, and then you move to New Mexico, you will continue filing the SR-22 with Arizona until the time period runs out. You will get a New Mexico policy, but keep on filing your SR-22 in Arizona until your period expires.
Bottom line
You need to shop around to find insurance companies that will do these filings if you do not want to handle it yourself. A variety of firms, including SR-22 specialists, exist for the express reason of helping you stay on the road, safe and insured. With some companies and in some states, there may be a filing fee attached to the SR-22, as well. The concept as a whole is similar among the many states using SR-22 programs, but you need to remember that the devil is in the details, and there are a lot of them. It is crucial that you find a firm that has the experience and expertise to help you navigate through the complexities of the SR-22 filing.
Most states require an SR22 for major convictions such as a DUI or DWI, driving while license suspended or revoked and at fault accidents without insurance to name a few. Visit Southeast Insurance Agency for your next sr22 insurance quotes quote today.
Tags: alcohol, auto, auto insurance, Car Insurance, driving, DUI, Finance, insurance, sr22
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Thursday, August 5th, 2010
In different states, different insurance companies operate in different ways. However, in certain specific situations, all of the states operate in the same manner. One of these situations is the coverage made available to what are called high-risk drivers, a category that includes people with multiple serious infractions as well as others who have been convicted of drunk driving, variously called Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) or Driving Under the Influence (DUI). Because many insurance companies will cancel policies of such drivers, states require the ones who wish to continue driving (legally) to buy financial responsibility insurance. These are called SR22 policies.
As opposed to normal car policies that can cover everything including roadside assistance and towing, SR22 policies are basic, no-frills liability insurance. You can determine the precise regulations where you live by contacting your state DMV, and how to go about getting the coverage. Not all insurance companies sell SR22 policies, but there are typically a number of them doing so in every state.
Improving your record
If you have ever been cited for driving under the influence (drugs or alcohol), driving without insurance, or driving without a license or with a suspended one, you may be declined by mainstream insurers. If, for any reason, you become uninsurable to most insurers, states have established these financial responsibility insurance laws so that you can legally drive. In fact, in some situations you may need to obtain SR22 coverage to get your license back after a suspension, in order to show that you are prepared to resume driving in a legal manner.
Even if you have had serious problems with driving, including DUI convictions, America is famous as a land of second chances. If you return to responsible behavior, get your SR22 coverage and resume driving in a consistently safe manner (and get no more tickets), this can work to your advantage and, over time, lower your insurance costs. States and insurers around the country operate somewhat differently in these matters, but clearly it is in your best interest to change your driving habits and behaviors. Your new, clean record is the best evidence that you are doing so.
Getting the facts
You can contact the DMV directly or, if you have an insurance agent, he or she can make an inquiry for you. It may be that you were told to look into SR22 insurance by the court because of excessive tickets, accidents or other driving-related problems. Sometimes the DMV itself, depending on the state you live in, will even mail you a notice that you are required to obtain the financial responsibility coverage. In some cases, the news will be somewhat of a shock when your insurance company drops you and sends a letter to that effect. Of course, you should have seen it coming if you were having ongoing driving problems but, still, it can be quite a wakeup call to find out that you cannot legally drive anymore.
If your insurer drops you, or if you have been driving without car insurance, you can also deal with the problem directly and seek out auto insurance companies that offer SR-22 coverage. Some companies may charge an extra fee for filing it, so make sure you ask about this. Remember that this coverage is under the oversight of state insurance commissioners and companies that offer it have to follow some specific procedures. In certain cases, you may even have difficulty getting an SR-22 filed if you have a particularly low credit score, although there are always ways to get coverage for all but the very worst offenders.
Bottom line
If you are required to get SR22, do not get depressed about it, just get with a new program and make a determined effort to improve your driving record. Once you are insured with an SR22, stay out of driving trouble and every year you have no tickets, accidents or other problems, you will make progress toward normalizing your record. After a sufficient amount of time (which depends on your unique situation, insurer and state) you will begin to pay less in premiums. As long as you stay on the straight and narrow, so to speak, you will regain full privileges as a driver.
Shop around, of course, but be prepared to pay more for insurance while getting just basic coverage. The main thing that states want to make sure of is that you will not drive uninsured and cause damage that others have to pay for. The fact that you will get this coverage, and keep it while driving legally and without getting any tickets or having any accidents, is proof in and of itself that you made the responsible decision. You decided to get back on the (right) road with an SR22 policy, and you made the right choice.
Most states require an SR22 for major convictions such as a DUI or DWI, driving while license suspended or revoked and at fault accidents without insurance to name a few. Visit Southeast Insurance Agency for your next sr22 car insurance quote today.
Tags: alcohol, auto, auto insurance, Car Insurance, driving, DUI, Finance, insurance, sr22
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Wednesday, July 28th, 2010
Some drivers have the misfortune of landing on the wrong side of the law and having their driving license suspended. In order to be able to legally have their license reinstated after a period of time, some states require that the driver first has to obtain a SR22 auto insurance policy. This is a precaution to protect other road users from high-risk drivers who have poor driving records.
What Is SR22 Auto Insurance Policy?
An SR22 is not an insurance policy on its own. It is merely a certificate issued by an insurance company that states while the person is a high risk they are still insurable. This certificate is then linked to an insurance policy which is designed specifically for high-risk drivers. Insurance companies will generally only issue the SR22 certificates to their policy holders which is why it is often simply referred to as a SR22 auto insurance policy. If you have a poor driving record where your license has been suspended and you try to obtain auto insurance without a SR22 certificate, you will find the insurance premiums will be exorbitant. In addition, many insurance companies may simply refuse to insure you because of your bad track record.
Reasons Why You May Be Classified as a High-Risk Driver
The most common reason that drivers are cited as being high risk is as a result of being arrested for driving recklessly or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Reckless driving may include speeding or driving overly aggressively in traffic in a way that is a danger to other road users. Other reasons that drivers may be arrested could be for driving while having a suspended license. These cases are usually looked upon with some seriousness as the drivers often already have bad driving records. Drunk driving in particular is a serious offense that can lead to not only to having your license suspended but also imprisonment. For some offenses that are less serious, offenders may be able to have their driving licenses reinstated after a period of time. This is usually based on the condition that they can get SR22 auto insurance.
Finding the Best SR22 Auto Insurance Policy
Remember when shopping around for an SR22 policy, you need to prepare yourself to pay premium rates. Insurance companies will always charge high-risk people higher insurance premiums because the likelihood of a claim is very high. You cannot compare rates with standard insurance policies so be aware of this when asking for quotes. Know that the insurance company is likely to do background checks on you to verify the facts of your case so it is wise to be upfront and honest about your situation. Contact several companies or use a broker to get comparative quotes. The SR22 certificate is usually for a limited time period until such time as you prove you are a lower risk driver. When getting quotes, find out what happens to the policy when the SR22 certificate runs its course. Most companies will then lower your premiums accordingly. Depending on your risk profile, some insurance companies will require that you pay six to 12 months of premiums in advance. This can be difficult for the average salaried person, especially when the insurance premiums that you are going to be paying will be more expensive than most. Once you have a number of quotes, compare the premiums and the value of the policies. Check the fine print and make sure you are familiar with all the terms and conditions before you sign on the bottom line.
The Benefits of a SR22 Auto Insurance Policy
The main benefit is being able to legally drive again and regain a level of independence. If you have been used to having the independence of your own car then you will probably find it very frustrating to have to make use of public transport or rely on the generosity of friends in order to get around. The SR22 auto insurance policy gives you an opportunity to clear your record. By being able to get on the road once again, you can prove to everyone that you are in fact a responsible driver. Perhaps it was a one-time incident that landed you in trouble. This then offers you an opportunity to redeem yourself and your driving reputation so you can once again become a regular road user.
Most states require an SR22 for major convictions such as a DUI or DWI, driving while license suspended or revoked and at fault accidents without insurance to name a few. Visit Southeast Insurance Agency for your next sr22 car insurance quote today.
Tags: alcohol, auto, auto insurance, Car Insurance, driving, DUI, Finance, insurance
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Saturday, July 17th, 2010
Auto insurance can be difficult to obtain after losing your license due to a revocation or suspension. For this reason, SR22 Insurance, also known as DUI insurance, was established. It allows motor vehicle operators with a newly reinstated license to secure the necessary insurance to provide financial protection when driving.
Drivers with suspended or revoked licenses can lose their driving privileges for the number of reasons. The loss of a license can result from an auto accident. It can be due to speeding violations or the result of a driving-under-the-influence conviction.
Auto insurance is a mandatory requirement for obtaining and maintaining the ability to legally operate a vehicle. When an individual has had his or her license revoked or suspended as a result of one of the aforementioned offenses, it can be nearly impossible for them to regain auto insurance after the suspension has been lifted. DUI insurance allows drivers to maintain the minimum mandatory auto insurance coverage that allows them to legally operate a vehicle again.
Each state has its own requirements for minimum mandatory insurance coverage. The amount of coverage and provisions of that coverage are determined solely by state laws and regulations. This means that DUI insurance can vary from state to state. If the driver owns a car or simply operates a vehicle owned by another individual, regardless of what state the individual is driving in, he or she absolutely must have SR22 coverage within that particular state in order to be within the legal guidelines of the state. A certificate of insurance must be issued by an insurance company and has to be filed with the appropriate state motor vehicle agency in each and every state in which the previously suspended driver operates a vehicle.
There are three varieties of DUI certificates that can be issued, dependent upon the individual driver’s unique circumstances. One certificate provides coverage for a driver who operates a vehicle that he or she does not own. This type of coverage is appropriate for those who borrow the vehicle of friend or family member. It is also the right kind of certificate for those who drive for business purposes and operate a vehicle owned by their employer.
The second form of SR22 insurance certificate which can be filed is that which allows a reinstated driver to purchase and register a vehicle within any given state. Insurance coverage is required in all states in order to register a vehicle and obtain license plates. Without active minimum insurance coverage within the state, a vehicle cannot be registered or legally driven within the state. Most states actually require that any vehicle that is parked on a street or road rather than within a personal driveway or on the premises of a personal piece of property must be register, plated and insured.
The final certificate of DUI insurance coverage is that which is issued to the reinstated driver who owns and operates their own vehicle as well as drives a vehicle or vehicles that belong to another owner. For those drivers who will be operating a car or truck that belongs to someone else, it is necessary to obtain an operators-owners SR22 certificate which makes it legal for the individual to drive in both capacities covered by the previously mentioned certificates.
Again, the minimum insurance requirements vary from state to state and therefore, the coverage will vary dependent upon the state in which it is issued. While there are variations, it is possible to speak to the common elements found in the majority of insurance coverages.
Generally, you can expect that DUI insurance will cover property damage that may result from an accident. The coverage usually includes liability insurance as well, and covers any accident in which the previously unlicensed and uninsured motorist might be involved.
SR22 insurance is often referred to as financial liability insurance as it covers the potential costs of any damage that might result from an accident. It also includes the financial coverage for any personal injury that may occur to another individual in an accident in which the reinstated driver is involved. The insurance coverage does not generally cover the repair or replacement of the reinstated driver’s vehicle but does usually cover these things for the car with which the reinstated driver collides. In the case of a “no-fault” accident, one in which neither party is found responsible, the reinstated driver’s costs for repair or replacement of their own vehicle may be covered by DUI insurance.
Most states require an SR22 for major convictions such as a DUI or DWI, driving while license suspended or revoked and at fault accidents without insurance to name a few. Visit Southeast Insurance Agency for your next sr22 car insurance quote today.
Tags: alcohol, auto, auto insurance, Car Insurance, driving, DUI
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Thursday, July 15th, 2010
When a motorist has their license suspended or revoked due to high risk actions, such as driving under the influence, reckless driving, failure to carry proper insurance, or automotive accidents, it almost certainly hinders their ability to purchase insurance. Even when a license suspended for these reasons is reinstated, the motorist will often be at a loss to acquire legally mandated auto coverage. Because insurance coverage is a requirement for all drivers, this would seem to leave offenders with only two options: do not drive at all anymore, or take the illegal and extremely dangerous risk of driving without insurance. Fortunately, there is a third, more sensible option available via an SR22 Insurance Form.
“SR22″ is not a specific insurance plan, but rather the name of the certificate used by the insurer to file the motorist’s policy with the state.
SR22 Requirements
Requirements vary from state to state. In general, it entails coverage that provides the minimum required amount of insurance for a motorist to drive in that state. It is important to remember that this insurance is required regardless of whether or not the motorist actually owns or operates a vehicle.
Depending on the specific details of each motorist’s situation, there are three different kinds of SR22 certificates that can be filed. The first of these forms is an operator’s certificate. An operator’s certificate pertains to insurance that covers a licensed motorist when operating a vehicle that they do not own. This certificate is a legal requirement for motorists who have had their license reinstated but do not own a vehicle. Second is an owner’s certificate, required for reinstated motorists who own an automobile. Lastly, reinstated motorists who both own a vehicle and operate vehicles owned by others require an operators-owners certificate.
SR22 Coverage
So what will an DUI certified insurance policy cover for a reinstated driver? Although there are differences between different states and policies, it would generally extend to liability and property damage in an accident involving the reinstated motorist. However, it is important to note that in many cases this coverage only applies to covering the costs of the other motorist who may be involved in an accident with the reinstated motorist. The policies most significant function is in offering peace of mind to other motorists in the event they are in a crash caused by or involving the SR22 motorist. However, if the reinstated motorist is not at fault in the accident, or if it is a no-fault accident, the reinstated motorist’s costs are likely to be covered by the policy.
SR22 Costs
DUI Insurance policies tend to be more expensive than non-DUI policies. It is a basic tenet of insurance that a higher risk motorist will be expected to pay a higher fee. However, this does not mean that it is impossible to land a good deal. Although it is costly, it is not too hard to shop around online or by phone to locate the most affordable SR22 plan required by the state. Moreover, because it is tied up in more legal mandates than traditional insurance, it’s always a good idea to contact a broker in order to search out the best possible deal.
What Does It All Mean
At the end of the day, SR22 Insurance amounts to a certification that is appended to an auto insurance policy for the purpose of informing the State Department of Motor Vehicles that a motorist who had been suspended is now correctly reinstated and in total compliance with the state’s minimum insurance requirements. Most cases stem from incidents where a motorist was suspended for failing to carry sufficient insurance, so it is only natural that these policies were put in place to deal with such a dangerous action.
However, as stated above, SR22 can also come into play due to any number of offenses, such as DUI, reckless driving, or any other vehicular activities that are potentially harmful to others.
In the case of a first DUI conviction (or refusal), the motorist is usually required to maintain an DUI policy for five years. That goes double for a second offense, and a third offense doubles the time again for a twenty-year policy. A fourth DUI offense means that the motorist will be required to carry SR22 Insurance for life.
The easiest course of action is to simply steer clear of the offenses that can get your license suspended. But if it’s too late for that, some comparison shopping and diligent research can help you find the most affordable SR22 Insurance possible.
Most states require an SR22 for major convictions such as a DUI or DWI, driving while license suspended or revoked and at fault accidents without insurance to name a few. Visit Southeast Insurance Agency for your next sr22 insurance quote today.
Tags: alcohol, auto, auto insurance, Car Insurance, driving, DUI, sr22, sr22 insurance
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Saturday, January 23rd, 2010
Have you ever done something really stupid and then regretted it? Most people that drink and drive get behind the wheel not thinking of the consequences. However, the consequences of driving under the influence can go on longer than actually getting in the car.
Driving under the influence of alcohol happens more often than people might think. You may be driving along the road and not even realize that someone around you is driving drunk.
If you drink and drive, chances are you will get caught. More and more citizens driving under the influence, but if you get caught the stiff punishment will be with you for a long time. So think the next time you drink and want to drive.
Think before you drink, otherwise you run the risk of hurting or even critically injuring others. If you get caught for a DUI you can receive jail time, criminal charges, and more. After these are dealt with, you still have to pay high insurance premiums.
Once you get a DUI placed against your license, it can take years to recover. This shows the insurance companies that you are a high risk driver and your premiums should be raised.
Companies are alerted when you are a high risk driver. In their point of view, one DUI on your record means that you are more likely to get another. The next DUI could be far more serious, with someone critically hurt or injured. If this happens, the insurance has to pay out for those bills. Because of this risk, they will make sure that once you get a DUI you will pay higher rates.
Some insurance companies make you file a SR-22 once you receive a DUI. This states that you have enough insurance coverage to protect you in case of an accident. This means that if you decide to drive while impaired and hurt someone or get into an accident, you have the insurance that your state requires by law.
The next time that drink sounds so good, remember that if you drink and drive, there are stiff consequences.
Drinking under the influence can not only hurt you but others as well!
If you are searching for auto insurance, immediately visit http://www.henryinsurance.com/ to find the best suitable car insurance to fit your finances.
Tags: auto insurance, budget, Car Insurance, Driving under the influence, DUI, insurance, legal
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