Five Common Questions People Ask After Enrolling in a High-Risk Auto Insurance Policy

Breathe Easy Insurance Solutions is part of the Mindr family of brands which includes Intoxalock, DUI.org, and Keepr.

From how to file your paperwork to what happens if you want to change insurance carriers, these are the five key things you should ask about your high-risk auto insurance policy.

Starting a new high-risk auto insurance policy can feel like you’re stepping into unfamiliar territory, especially when an SR‑22 or FR‑44 is part of the picture. The good news is that once you understand a few key points, the whole process becomes far more manageable.

As you’re getting settled with your new carrier, asking these five questions can help you stay compliant, protect yourself financially, and feel confident about what comes next.

Question 1: How Do I File My SR‑22 or FR‑44?

If you’re working with a Breathe Easy licensed insurance agent, you’re off to a strong start.

Our insurance partner carriers handle the filing of your SR-22 or FR-44, which means you don’t have to navigate state forms or deadlines on your own. Your role is to make sure the information you provide is accurate and that your policy remains active without interruption. However, you should always double check that your insurance carrier has filed the paperwork on your behalf, and that it’s showing on your record. You can always call them to talk this through.

Most states require insurance carriers to send the SR‑22 or FR‑44 directly to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Once it’s filed, the state updates your driving record to show you meet the required level of financial responsibility. You don’t need to submit anything separately unless your state specifically instructs you to do so.

While your insurance carrier files the SR‑22 or FR‑44 for you, it’s your responsibility to keep the policy active so your driving privileges stay intact. You need to stay up to date on bills and make sure filings are completed. If your policy lapses, the state is notified, and your license may be suspended again. Setting up automatic payments or calendar reminders can help you avoid a setback.

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Question 2: How Do I Know If the Carrier Has Received My Payment?

Most customers check their payment status through their online account. If you pay through automatic withdrawals, you’ll see the charge appear on your bank statement. It’s worth checking that statement regularly, especially during the first billing cycle, so you know the payment was processed as expected.

If something looks off or you don’t see a payment you were expecting, reach out to your agent or carrier. If you’re a Breathe Easy customer, you can also reach out to one of our licensed insurance agents at (833) 786-0237. Staying on top of this helps protect your filing and keeps your driving privileges intact.

Question 3: What Happens If I Get into a Car Accident?

After an accident, make sure everyone is safe and call local authorities if needed.

Once things are stable, gather the basics:

• Names of individuals involved
• Contact information
• Insurance details
• Photos of the scene
• Police report number (if there is one)

Then, contact your carrier as soon as you can. Your claims representative will walk you through what to submit and what happens next.

If you have an SR‑22 or FR‑44 on file, the accident itself doesn’t automatically cancel your filing. What matters is that your policy stays active and your payments remain current. As long as the policy doesn’t lapse, your SR-22 filing stays in place while the claim is handled.

If the accident leads to new state requirements or changes to your policy that you need help understanding, call your agent or, if you’re one of our customers, a Breathe Easy licensed insurance agent at (833) 786-0237 for help.

Question 4: When Will My Insurance Rates Go Down?

Most drivers with an SR‑22 or FR‑44 want to know how long it will take before their high-risk auto insurance premiums normalize. The answer depends on a few factors, but the biggest one is how long your state requires you to keep the filing. Many states set the requirement at three years, though the duration may vary. Insurance premium rates may remain high for a period of years after the filing requirement ends and while the offense that led to the requirement remains on your record.

During that time, your driving record also plays a major role. Staying violation‑free, keeping your policy active, and avoiding lapses can all help you move in the right direction. Insurance carriers review your record at renewal, so improvements usually show up at those checkpoints.

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If you’re unsure how long your filing lasts or when you might see a change, a Breathe Easy licensed insurance agent can look at your policy details and explain what may apply in your state. They can also let you know if there are discounts or policy adjustments you may qualify for as you maintain a clean record.

Question 5: I Don’t Like the Experience with My New Carrier. Can I Switch?

If you’re unhappy with your carrier, you can switch insurance companies while maintaining your SR-22 status. However, make sure your new carrier is willing to file the SR-22 certificate with the state on your behalf.

Your new SR-22 or FR-44 filing needs to be in place before you cancel your old insurance. This helps to limit lapses or gaps in coverage and can help you maintain compliance.

Before switching carriers, make sure they have the right coverage you need, and they know to file your SR-22 or FR-44. If you are getting new coverage because you have moved states, make sure you continue to meet any requirements in your old state as well as understand whether your new state also imposes a requirement.

Often if you have an SR-22 requirement due to a restriction in one state and move to another state, you will have to file the SR-22 in both states. Not all carriers will file in your non-resident state, so you have to make sure you move to a carrier that will. If you have a requirement in both states, you will need to confirm your new carrier can meet these requirements.

Breathe Easy makes switching insurance carriers or requesting a policy change fast and simple. Start by filling out this form, and one of our licensed insurance agents will call you back.

The Breathe Easy Team Is Here to Answer Your Questions

Your policy, your filing, and your next steps all become much clearer when you have someone who understands the process and can walk you through it. That’s what the Breathe Easy team is here for.

Whether you need help confirming a payment, understanding your renewal, or exploring more affordable coverage options, if you are our customer, a Breathe Easy licensed insurance agent can help. If questions come up as you move through your filing period, reach out at (833) 786-0237. If you are not a Breathe Easy customer, reach out to your agent or broker.