The SR-22 insurance policy, first and foremost, is not a type of insurance policy. It is, however, a certificate of insurance that shows proof of financial responsibility. The SR-22 is a motor liability insurance that an insurance company provides the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) official recognition that the one carrying it is covered. In cases of SR-22 cancellation, the car insurance company is also responsible in notifying the DMV. In owning an SR-22 document, you do not need to own a car.
The SR-22 is ordered to drivers who failed to maintain a vehicle insurance which is described by the state or when the driver has violated traffic violations like getting too much speeding tickets in such a short period of time.
If your SR-22 expires, cancels or lapses for any valid reason your insurer is required to notify the DMV of the state. Once this happens, you are no longer in accord with the state’s insurance laws and your license could be suspended or revoked. For you to have your license re-instated you must find another insurance company or have the same insurance company provide you another SR-22 document. An SR-22 insurance policy usually lasts for 3 years.
SR-22 insurance policy is issued in two types of forms. One is when you are the car’s owner and driver and the second is when you drive a car that you do not own.
- The owner’s certificate is the type of SR-22 insurance policy that covers for cars owned by the driver. Under this certificate, the type of car the driver owns is listed in SR-22.
- Operator’s certificate on the other hand is the type of SR-22 insurance policy that covers for cars not owned by the driver. It also covers for motorists who do not own a car.
Since insurance laws differ from one state to another, so does SR-22. The requirements of SR-22 in one state are not necessarily the same on the other states. However, if for example you are carrying an SR-22 in one state and you have to move to another, you must fulfill the SR-22 period of your previous state even if you no longer live there.
Finally, you must know the insurance laws in your state and comply with them. These laws are made for your own safety, so do not just break them. Plus, you should always drive safely and follow traffic laws to avoid any complication while on the road.
