SR-22 Insurance Coverage: How to Make Sure You’re Covered in Every Vehicle
Obtaining an SR-22 certificate is a painless process that helps you avoid fines, driver's license sanctions, and other penalties.
The kind of SR-22 insurance policy you have will determine if you’re covered for all vehicles or just yours. Some SR-22 filings only cover the vehicle listed on your policy. Others, like non-owner SR-22 insurance, can cover you when you’re driving a vehicle you don’t own.
If you’ve been ordered to carry an SR-22 and are unsure how it will affect your ability to drive vehicles you don’t own, keep reading to learn how to obtain the right SR-22 insurance coverage in your jurisdiction.
Need immediate help with SR-22 insurance? Contact a Breathe Easy Insurance Solutions licensed agent at (833) 786-0237 for assistance.
What Is SR-22 Insurance and Who Needs It?
Here's how SR-22 insurance works. If you have a history of driving under the influence, reckless driving or other serious traffic violations, you may need to obtain an SR-22 certificate. An SR-22 is not an insurance policy itself; it serves as a certificate verifying you have the minimum auto liability insurance mandated by your state. Your insurance company files and sends this document to the state on your behalf.
Not all states have SR-22 policy rules. For example, Pennsylvania and New York don't require SR-22 insurance coverage, even if you have multiple driving offenses on your record. If your state requires SR-22, however, you must maintain it for typically anywhere from 1 to 3 years, though the exact duration can vary by state and offense. Maintaining continuous SR-22 coverage is necessary to avoid license or registration suspension in states where it’s required.
State Laws That May Affect Your SR-22 Policy Rules
In some states, the motor vehicle department requires SR-22 insurance as an administrative penalty. If you live in one of these states, any laws that govern driver licensing, vehicle registration, or the operation of a motor vehicle may affect your coverage requirements.
Some states allow judges to order SR-22 insurance as a penalty for driving-related criminal convictions. If this applies to your situation, your state's sentencing guidelines will play a big role in determining whether you're required to maintain an SR-22 certificate.
If you need SR-22 insurance, our Breathe Easy Insurance Solutions licensed agents are ready to guide you through the process. Call us anytime at (833) 786-0237.
Does SR-22 Insurance Follow the Driver or the Vehicle?
No matter where you live, the SR-22 requirements are tied to you as an individual, not to the car you drive. You must have coverage for any vehicle you operate, whether you own an SUV or plan to borrow a friend's convertible. However, your SR-22 certificate only applies to the vehicles you own, lease, or have regular access to, such as a company vehicle or one a friend is letting you borrow long-term. Non-owner's SR-22 is for vehicle usage you rarely have access to like a one-time rental.
Driving a Borrowed or Rented Car With SR-22: Are You Covered?
If you don't own or lease a vehicle, you still need SR-22 insurance coverage any time you drive somewhere. A non-owner SR-22 policy allows you to drive a vehicle owned by a friend, non-household family member, coworker or neighbor, on rare occasions. For example, a non-owner SR-22 certificate helps you stay in compliance if you decide to drive a friend's car during your annual trip to the beach.
Some people own/lease vehicles and still drive other people's vehicles occasionally. If this applies to you, look for non-owner SR-22 coverage. This is the best way to handle SR-22 insurance and multiple vehicles, as it gives you coverage in almost any situation, such as driving your own vehicle to work and using a friend's Jeep for a weekend excursion to the mountains.
Does SR-22 Cover Any Car I Drive?
An owner-operator certificate is the most comprehensive, as it covers any car you drive. If you have an owner's certificate, it covers only the vehicles you own or lease. An operator's certificate covers only the vehicles owned by other people.
Can I Drive a Company Vehicle With an SR-22?
An owner-operator certificate allows you to operate vehicles owned by your employer. Check with your employer before getting behind the wheel, however. There may be a policy preventing employees from driving company vehicles if they have certain driving convictions.
Does SR-22 Cover Rental Cars?
The same owner-operator certificate that covers company vehicles will also cover you if you rent a car, truck or SUV. Remember that an SR-22 certificate only verifies that you have the minimum amount of liability coverage required in your state.
Liability insurance doesn't cover physical damage to your vehicle or injuries to you or your passengers, so it's wise to purchase additional coverage if you plan to rent a vehicle.
What If I Drive Multiple Cars?
A standard (owner's) SR-22 certificate covers all vehicles you own or lease, whether you have a single car or a garage full of vehicles.
Situations Where SR-22 Might Not Apply
Several states have no SR-22 insurance requirements, so you may not be required to obtain a certificate. Additionally, only certain offenses may lead to an SR-22 requirement. If you haven't committed any of these offenses, there's no need to obtain SR-22 insurance coverage. Finally, you don't need to keep renewing your SR-22 once the initial requirement period ends.
What’s the Difference Between Owner and Non-Owner SR-22?
The only difference between owner and non-owner SR-22 insurance is that the owner version is for vehicles you own or lease. Otherwise, both certificates verify that you're in compliance with the SR-22 requirements in your state.
Adding Additional Vehicles to Your Policy
If you need to add another vehicle to your SR-22 insurance, follow these steps:
- Contact your insurer
- Let the customer service representative know you want to add another vehicle to your SR-22 policy
- Provide the vehicle's make, model and identification number
- Add other drivers, if necessary
- Store the updated insurance card in a convenient location
Your broker, such as Breath Easy Insurance Solutions, will request your insurance carrier to send the updated SR-22 to your state, ensuring you maintain continuous coverage as required.
What Happens If You Drive Without the Right SR-22 Coverage?
Driving without the right SR-22 certificate may cause your state to suspend your driving privileges or your vehicle registration. You may also have to pay additional fees or start the filing period again, extending the amount of time you're required to have SR-22 coverage.
Make Sure Your SR-22 Covers Every Car You Drive
Obtaining an SR-22 certificate is a painless process that helps you avoid fines, driver's license sanctions and other penalties. It's even easier when you have an experienced professional on your side.
Call Breath Easy Insurance Solutions at (833) 786-0237 or request a personalized quote to get started with your SR-22 insurance coverage. At Breathe Easy, we understand that dealing with a DUI charge can be overwhelming. That's why we've designed our SR-22 process to be straightforward and seamless to fit your needs. We look forward to helping you get the best auto policy and SR-22 certificate.
