Dealing with cheap SR22 insurance and your license suspended or revoked can be a life-changing experience. This is especially true if it’s as a result of serious infractions.
You’ll lose your ability to be as conveniently mobile as before, and getting insurance afterward can be a hassle. It’s highly likely you or your insurance company will come across the form if you have lost your license.
What Is an SR22?
Also referred to as SR-22, it is a state filing that is required from drivers who have lost their license as a result of driving infractions. It could be mandatory after speeding at excessive
amounts or even drinking and driving. It’s also a beacon of hope for people who have changed their ways and are searching for insurance in the future.
An SR22 is the responsibility of your insurance provider, as it needs to be submitted directly from them to the state government. The form details the type and amount of insurance coverage that you have and is used to prove that you are sufficiently covered.
In addition, it will also be the responsibility of the insurance provider to update the state about any changes to your car insurance policy, including cancellations and renewals.
The main point behind an SR22 is to assure the government that you are covered by an adequate amount of car insurance for the remainder of your driving history. It is absolutely mandatory after a problematic driving incident.
Cheap SR22 Insurance: How to Find One
As someone who is in a situation where their insurance company will need to file an SR22, there’s a probability that you will be charged a fee. The policies revolving around this filing practice will range from one insurance provider to another.
Another issue that you may encounter is being able to find an insurance company that will take you as a client, especially if you have been dropped by your regular provider. Luckily, there are options open to drivers with spotty records who are unable to qualify for some of the larger insurance companies.
First, you will want to consider looking at insurance companies that specifically work with people who have poor credit history and driving records. You can guarantee your premiums will likely be more expensive, especially as an at-risk driver. In many cases though, this is the only option that some drivers have.
There are plenty of insurance companies to choose from, but it is highly recommended that you shop around for the best rates. If you find that you’re unable to afford the premiums of companies for drivers with below-average driving records, it’s best if you work towards improving other areas of your life.
There are plenty of factors taken into consideration when determining policy premiums. These include your zip code, mileage, the type of vehicle you own, and your age. By focusing on improving other criteria, it may help to balance out higher premiums.
SR22 Insurance Add-Ons
Depending on where you live and the insurance providers in your area, you may be able to avoid any out-of-pocket fees if you are faced with needing to file an SR22. Instead, the filing fees associated with the form are included with your policy premiums.
For example, Dairyland Insurance files SR22s on behalf of their clients without any extra fees. However, it can be difficult to find insurance companies that will file the forms without an additional fee, as it’s extra work that they will be responsible for on your behalf.
In addition, it is quite likely to increase your insurance premiums over the long run. Similar to any other add-on that you would like included with your policy, it is very important to ask your insurance provider if they offer such coverage.
You may find that they will file for you without any extra cost, or you might be able to add it onto your existing policy for a flat fee. It’s always better to have as much coverage as possible so that you are prepared for any circumstance you’re faced with.
The Costs of SR22 Insurance
Aside from having to pay for the forms to be filed, there are other fees you’ll want to consider if you have to deal with an SR22. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere upwards of $25 for the filing fee, depending on your policy provider.
Also, if you decide to switch providers, you’ll be faced with other fees as well.
Since you will be considered an at-risk driver, you will have to pay higher premiums. However, you will also need to pay an additional filing fee if you’ve chosen a new insurance provider when you set up your policy. What’s more, if your policy lapses, there will be extra costs associated as well.
Non-Owner SR22 Car Insurance
There’s one other option available to you when you are looking for SR22 insurance—a non-owner SR22 car insurance policy. This is quite popular among drivers who have lost their license or had it suspended. However, there are quite a few downfalls to this type of insurance coverage.
With a non-owner policy, you won’t be able to own a vehicle. Instead, you will be able to use a vehicle on a non-regular basis and still be insured. You’ll have liability protection if you’re using a friend or family member’s car.
A non-owner policy is also a fantastic way for you to get your license back without having to worry about high insurance premiums. In many states, you’ll be able to receive the minimum limit requirement for far less of the cost. If you’re someone who isn’t interested in owning their own vehicle but using someone else’s vehicle on occasion instead, this is a great option.
Final Thoughts
At first, it may seem like there’s no way to get your license back after losing it the first time. In truth, there are a variety of options open to you. With the help of an understanding insurance company and the ability to file an SR22, you’ll be able to get your license and insurance back.
All you need to do is make sure that you figure out how to get cheap SR22 insurance in your area so that you can safely and legally operate a motor vehicle again without having to pay an absurd amount of money.