Was your licence suspended for driving under the influence? If so, you are now probably facing the headache of obtaining SR22 insurance.

SR22 certificates are documents submitted to a DMV by your insurance company informing them about your auto liability coverage. The insurance company will also keep the state updated on your car insurance policy renewals and cancellations. The state usually demands this filing for a few years to make sure you are keeping your insurance in good standing consistently. Once you have successfully completed the mandated period of time, an SR22 is also necessary in order to have your license and your driving privileges fully reinstated.

Now that we know what SR22 insurance is, let's take a closer look at why someone would need it:

Who needs SR22 insurance?

SR22 insurance is required for several different reasons:

  •    If you have been caught driving without a valid insurance
  •    If you are caught driving under the influence or while intoxicated
  •    If you are caught driving without a license or with an expired one
  •    If you have too many traffic tickets in a short time frame

These listed are the most frequent causes of the requirement. Did you know that there have actually been a few bizarre? Some examples include: a person sleeping in the back seat of a car while intoxicated and with the car keys in his pocket, someone walking towards his car while intoxicated and holding the keys in his hand, and a DUI conviction for riding a bicycle while intoxicated, even when the person didn’t own a car and had no car keys in his possession at that moment. The lesson to be learned here is to exercise extreme when mixing vehicles and intoxicants.

Where can you get it?

Some insurance companies do not even offer SR22 insurance. If you run into this problem, don't worry. Keep on looking and focus on those agencies that specialize in high-risk car insurance coverage. An insurance company with experience making these filings regularly is more likely to have more options for you and get the job done efficiently. It should also be noted that there are different categories of this type of insurance. If you don't own a vehicle or use one on a frequent basis, the more proper type for you would be the non-owner´s SR-22.

What does the whole process look like?

Obtaining an SR22 can seem complicated and scary, but it really doesn’t have to be.There are few easy steps that are up to you the rest is in the hand of the insurance company or the agent. Your first decision is whether to use the auto insurance provider you already have. If you decide not to go with that company, or if that company does not offer SR22 insurance, you then need to find an alternate option.

Purchasing SR22 Insurance - Online vs. Agent

It is up to you whether you´ll make an online insurance purchase, or contact an agent directly. Dealing directly with an agent is useful as you are able to get an accurate price faster. On the other hand, purchasing car insurance online can delay an accurate rating because the fees vary per state. You may not find out exactly what the fee is until the policy is purchased.

To purchase the insurance, you will simply have to answer a series of questions and pay a fee. The insurance company will then complete and file the certificate on your behalf.

How much does it cost?

Well, unfortunately, SR22 insurance on the whole, is not cheap at all. The reason for the high cost is more likely due to other costs associated with your traffic violation than the actual state filing fee. You probably have court costs and lawyers fees to pay as well as an increase in your auto liability premiums because you are now considered a high-risk driver. You will definitely be paying more than the average driver.

Breathe Easy Can Help

If you are looking for the best rates for SR22 insurance in California, call our experts at Breathe Easy Insurance today.