SR-22 Certificate of Insurance

Drivers arrested for certain driving infractions, including driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol (DUI) or reckless driving, will have to provide an SR-22 certificate of insurance (also referred to as FR-44 in some states) to reinstate their driver’s license. The SR-22 Certificate of Insurance is provided to the motor vehicle department of each state to provide proof of financial responsibility for the driver. 

For DUI offenders the purchase of the SR-22 certificate of insurance may be one of several steps required to reinstate a driver’s license. Other steps will include paying fines and fees, and potentially installing an ignition interlock device on their car. Drivers who have not purchased insurance verification and sent the form to the motor vehicle department will not be eligible to have their license reinstated.

Costs of SR-22 Certificate of Insurance

Any serious driving infraction is likely to increase the costs of insurance; this is especially true following a DUI conviction. In addition to paying higher monthly premiums, drivers can also expect to pay a one-time fee of $25 or more to register for the SR-22 program.

SR-22 insurance must be maintained for the time period determined by the court. Insurance companies are required by law to notify the motor vehicle department in the driver’s state if the driver attempts to cancel their insurance or allows the policy to expire.

Steps to get SR-22 Insurance

Many insurance companies offer drivers a SR-22 Certificate of Insurance. To find the insurance company who will offer the best value for a high risk policy, drivers should contact several different companies. Unfortunately, regardless of the company, the policy will be expensive.

Finding the best policy for the lowest price is only one consideration, however. It’s also important to make sure the insurance company offers good customer service and sufficient insurance coverage.

Driving with a suspended license

Given the high costs of car insurance following a DUI, some drivers may decide not to purchase car insurance or try to reinstate their license. Instead, some drivers simply decide to drive with a suspended license.

Driving with a suspended license, however, is never a good idea. In fact, drivers caught driving with a suspended license can be charged with a misdemeanor and will be forced to pay hundreds of dollars in fines and potentially spend time in jail. Drivers may also expect to have their license suspension extended.