When Might Someone Be Ordered To Carry SR22 Insurance?

Posted on: 15 December 2022

SR22 insurance is a type of insurance that someone is typically ordered to carry by a judge or through a local department of motor vehicles. SR22 insurance typically exceeds state minimum insurance requirements, with the exact liability coverage varying from state to state. People who are ordered to carry this type of insurance are required to do so because they are deemed to be at high risk of being involved in an accident. SR22 can be pricey, so it is not something that you should want to be ordered to carry. Here are a few of the most common reasons why someone may be ordered to carry SR22 insurance. 

An Individual Was Convicted of a DUI, DWI, or OWI

The most common reason why someone may be ordered to carry SR22 insurance, or its pricier sister, FR44 insurance, is because the individual was convicted of or pleaded guilty to driving under the influence, driving while intoxicated, or operating a motor vehicle while impaired. In order to get their license back after one of these convictions, the courts typically require them to submit proof that they have obtained SR22 insurance. 

An Individual Has Been Deemed to Be an Unsafe Driver

A person may also be required to obtain SR22 insurance if the individual has been deemed to be an unsafe driver. This is usually based on the points system, which can vary from state to state. Drivers may get a certain number of points based on specific driving infractions, such as one point for a speeding ticket and two points for an accident. If someone's driving points exceed the state limits, they may be deemed an unsafe driver and may have to obtain SR22 insurance to keep their license. 

An Individual Has Been Involved in Accidents While Not Carrying Insurance

Lastly, if someone was involved in an accident and they were not carrying insurance, the courts may penalize them by requiring them to carry SR22 insurance. This may be in addition to any license suspensions or fines the driver may face for driving without insurance. 

The most common reasons why a judge or a local department of motor vehicles may require someone to obtain SR22 insurance is that they were convicted of driving under the influence or while intoxicated, they have been deemed to be an unsafe driver, or they were involved in other accidents and did not have insurance at the time of the accidents. If the courts or your local DMV require you to carry SR22 insurance, you are required to submit proof that you have the appropriate insurance and maintain that insurance for the length of time that the courts or DMV require. If you fail to carry SR22 insurance when you are ordered to, your driver's license can be suspended. 

Contact an insurance agent to learn more about SR22 insurance. 

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