There is a class of drivers who are deemed to be high risk individuals under California state laws. If a driver is deemed to be high risk by the California department of motor vehicles, he or she has to get high risk insurance. The next obvious question would be how a person would get such a classification. This sort of classification is reserved for individuals who have multiple traffic infractions, accidents or DUI charges against them. The name of the insurance policy which covers high risk individuals is SR-22 in the state of California.
The duration for which you need to be covered under this sort of insurance policy is three years. The department of motor vehicles will keep in touch with your insurance provider for the whole period of three years. This is to ensure that you stay insured with that particular insurance policy for the said period.
In case you do not pay your premium regularly or your insurance coverage lapses for any reason, the insurance provider will automatically contact the department of motor vehicles. Once the DMV gets to know that you are no longer insured under the high risk insurance policy, they will revoke your California state driving license. And to get your driving license back, you will have to make an application with the department of motor vehicles. But before filing an application, you will have to reinstate your insurance coverage. In order to do so, you will have to find another insurance provider who is willing to give you a high risk insurance coverage which can cover your requirements. And for another insurance company to believe in your reliability, you will have to pay a larger deposit or premium per annum. And since your insurance has been revoked, it will be very difficult to convince the new insurance provider that you are serious about safe driving or regular payments.
If you are a high risk driver, getting any insurance policy will be a huge task in the first place. The best bet is to get you out of the high risk roster of the DMV. In order to achieve this target, you will need to start driving diligently and cautiously. If you have been caught for driving under the influence of alcohol, try not to let it go with just a fine. Try going for a alcoholics anonymous class session in order to get a certification from them that you are serious about quitting your habit. If you are a teenage driver with a bad driving history, try getting into a defensive driving class. This will not only improve your skills, but it will also help convince the DMV and the insurance provider that you are serious about safe driving. Defensive driving is one of the latest in accident aversion techniques where the driver anticipates the adversity and takes evasive action.
After three years of having the SR-22 coverage, you will have to file an SR-26 form with the DMV in order to show that you have finished your required three years under high risk category and are now ready to get back to normal societal requirements. And then you can end your stint under the high risk category of the department of motor vehicles.
