{"id":668,"date":"2021-10-01T23:24:17","date_gmt":"2021-10-01T23:24:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/?p=668"},"modified":"2021-10-01T23:29:18","modified_gmt":"2021-10-01T23:29:18","slug":"what-happens-if-you-dont-get-sr-22-insurance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/insurance-facts\/what-happens-if-you-dont-get-sr-22-insurance\/","title":{"rendered":"What Happens if You Don\u2019t Get SR-22 Insurance?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"c-section \" id=\"general-content-block_60ca2b1c379f6\">\r\n    <div class=\"o-wrapper\">\r\n                <div class=\"c-section__content\">\r\n            <div class=\"s-cms-content s-cms-content--left\">\r\n                <p class=\"FirstParagraph\"><span lang=\"EN-US\">Car insurance is one of those expenses that not many people like to pay for. After all, you don\u2019t get anything for it unless you end up using it. And if you do end up using it, it means that something bad has happened, like an accident or damage to your vehicle. Regardless, federal law says that you must have car insurance. There are also state laws mandating the minimum amount of coverage you must have and the penalties associated with not meeting the requirements. If you\u2019ve been told you need an SR-22, it is even more important to have the required amount of insurance. Without it, you may never drive again.<\/span><\/p>\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"c-section \" id=\"general-content-block_60ca2b30379f7\">\r\n    <div class=\"o-wrapper\">\r\n                                    <h2 class=\"c-section__title Default c-section__title--strong c-section__title--strongDefault\">What Is an <strong>SR-22<\/strong>?<\/h2>\r\n                            <div class=\"c-section__content\">\r\n            <div class=\"s-cms-content s-cms-content--left\">\r\n                <p>Although SR-22 is referred to as a type of insurance, it is actually a form that you file with your state government\u2019s office to prove that you\u2019re meeting the minimum auto insurance requirements required by state law. Keep in mind that, although car insurance is required on a federal level, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/dui-laws-and-limits-by-state\/\">each state has its own rules<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>An SR-22 may also be referred to as a certificate of financial responsibility. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/sr-22-requirements-by-state\/fr-44-requirements-florida\/\">If you live in Florida<\/a>\u00a0or Virginia, the form is called an <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/sr-22\/fr-44-insurance\/\">FR-44<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0instead of an SR-22.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"c-section \" id=\"general-content-block_60ca2ba1379f8\">\r\n    <div class=\"o-wrapper\">\r\n                                    <h2 class=\"c-section__title Default c-section__title--strong c-section__title--strongDefault\">How Do I Know Whether I Need an <strong>SR-22<\/strong>?<\/h2>\r\n                            <div class=\"c-section__content\">\r\n            <div class=\"s-cms-content s-cms-content--left\">\r\n                <p>If you\u2019ve never been told that you need an SR-22, or if you have a clean driving record, chances are you don\u2019t need one. However, your state may require that you or your insurance company provide an SR-22 if any of the following circumstances apply:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>You\u2019ve been convicted of driving while intoxicated (DWI) or driving under the influence (DUI)<\/li>\n<li>You\u2019ve been convicted of serious traffic offenses.<\/li>\n<li>You\u2019ve been convicted of the same traffic offense repeatedly.<\/li>\n<li>You were found to be at-fault in an accident, and you didn\u2019t have insurance.<\/li>\n<li>You\u2019ve previously had your license suspended or revoked.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"c-section \" id=\"general-content-block_60ca2bb7379f9\">\r\n    <div class=\"o-wrapper\">\r\n                                    <h2 class=\"c-section__title Default c-section__title--strong c-section__title--strongDefault\">Effects of Having an <strong>SR-22<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n                            <div class=\"c-section__content\">\r\n            <div class=\"s-cms-content s-cms-content--left\">\r\n                <p>Since an <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/sr-22\/what-is-an-sr-22-insurance\/\">SR-22<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0is associated with risky driving behavior, auto insurance companies will likely charge more for it than they would for insurance they\u2019d sell to someone who has a clean driving record. The reason for this is that they want to ensure they\u2019ll be able to pay any affected parties who may file a claim against you if you find yourself in any of the above-mentioned situations, e.g., car accident, DUI, DWI, etc.<\/p>\n<p>Once you submit an SR-22 proving that you\u2019ve paid for the level of insurance your state requires, you must keep the same level of insurance; you can\u2019t choose to reduce your coverage in an effort to lower your premium. If you do, it could result in a loss of license.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"c-section \" id=\"general-content-block_60ca2be7379fa\">\r\n    <div class=\"o-wrapper\">\r\n                                    <h2 class=\"c-section__title Default c-section__title--strong c-section__title--strongDefault\">How Do I Get and File an <strong>SR-22<\/strong>?<\/h2>\r\n                            <div class=\"c-section__content\">\r\n            <div class=\"s-cms-content s-cms-content--left\">\r\n                <p>If you have been ordered by your state to file an SR-22, start by calling your insurance company. They should be able to add it to the policy you already have. However, if you\u2019re not happy with the rate they give you (especially since higher risk=higher premiums), you\u2019re free to shop around.<\/p>\n<p>If you shop around and ask for quotes from other car insurance providers, make sure to let them know about the SR-22 in advance of committing to a rate. Some car insurance companies won\u2019t insure drivers who need an SR-22.<\/p>\n<p>Once you have found an insurer you like and pay your first premium, they will likely be able to file your SR-22 electronically with your state\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.transportation.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">department of motor vehicles (DMV)<\/a>. In some states, however, your insurance company will be required to mail the SR-22 to your state\u2019s DMV. If this is the case, be sure to account for the extra time it might take in the mail.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"c-section \" id=\"general-content-block_60ca2c3b379fb\">\r\n    <div class=\"o-wrapper\">\r\n                                    <h2 class=\"c-section__title Default c-section__title--strong c-section__title--strongDefault\">What If My <strong>SR-22<\/strong> Insurance Lapses?<\/h2>\r\n                            <div class=\"c-section__content\">\r\n            <div class=\"s-cms-content s-cms-content--left\">\r\n                <p>Unfortunately, skipping a premium payment for your car insurance isn\u2019t an option when you file an SR-22. Missing a payment will likely lead to what\u2019s called a \u201clapse in coverage,\u201d which means you won\u2019t be insured until you\u2019re able to pay again. They may even drop you altogether.<\/p>\n<p>If you are uninsured and get pulled over for any reason or get into an accident, the police officer(s) will ask for proof of insurance. If you don\u2019t have evidence that your SR-22 is in good standing, you may not be able to drive away. Instead, you\u2019ll likely be taken to the police station and need to be picked up by a friend or family member. Additionally, your car may be towed or impounded, which will cost you even more money to go pick it up. In addition, you could be charged fees and other related penalties by your state\u2019s DMV and local law enforcement.<\/p>\n<p>Aside from the financial consequences, the DMV may also suspend or take away your license, meaning you legally cannot drive. Even if you don\u2019t get pulled over or in an accident, but you skip a payment, your insurance provider is required by law to report the lapse in coverage to the DMV. In short, don\u2019t ever assume you\u2019ll get away with skipping an insurance payment when you\u2019re required to have an SR-22.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"c-section \" id=\"general-content-block_60ca2c52379fc\">\r\n    <div class=\"o-wrapper\">\r\n                                    <h2 class=\"c-section__title Default c-section__title--strong c-section__title--strongDefault\">What Are My Options If I Can\u2019t Afford <strong>SR-22<\/strong> Insurance?<\/h2>\r\n                            <div class=\"c-section__content\">\r\n            <div class=\"s-cms-content s-cms-content--left\">\r\n                <p>If you\u2019re worried about not being able to afford your SR-22 car insurance payments as required by the court or state DMV, the best thing you can do is to contact your insurance provider. They might be able to work with you and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/rates\/sr-22-average-rates-by-state\/\"><strong>develop a payment plan<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0to get you on track without your insurance lapsing.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019ve already let your insurance lapse, you will need to act quickly and immediately make any missing payments. At this point, you can ask your insurance company to provide the DMV with a new SR-22. But you may also need to pay the DMV to get your license back if it was already revoked.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"c-section \" id=\"general-content-block_60ca2c9f379fd\">\r\n    <div class=\"o-wrapper\">\r\n                                    <h2 class=\"c-section__title Default c-section__title--strong c-section__title--strongDefault\">How Long Do I Need to Keep My <strong>SR-22<\/strong> Insurance?<\/h2>\r\n                            <div class=\"c-section__content\">\r\n            <div class=\"s-cms-content s-cms-content--left\">\r\n                <p>The answer to this depends on where you reside, as states vary in their requirements. The average time frame for keeping an SR-22 is three years (36 months). Some states require a longer-term. Nonetheless, if you keep your SR-22 insurance for the required length of time, you can go back to getting regular car insurance unless an additional event occurs that requires a new SR-22.<\/p>\n<p>However, if you fail to keep your SR-22 insurance, whether for lack of payments or any other reason, you may have to start over with a new SR-22. For example, if your local court told you to keep SR-22 insurance for three years, but you skipped a few payments after one year, you won\u2019t be able to become current on your payments and finish the remaining two years. Instead, you\u2019ll likely be required to start the clock again and complete another three years. Again, try to work with your insurance provider to make sure your coverage doesn\u2019t lapse.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"c-section \" id=\"general-content-block_60ca2cb8379fe\">\r\n    <div class=\"o-wrapper\">\r\n                                    <h2 class=\"c-section__title Default c-section__title--strong c-section__title--strongDefault\">What If I Don\u2019t Have a Car? Do I Still Need <strong>SR-22<\/strong> Insurance?<\/h2>\r\n                            <div class=\"c-section__content\">\r\n            <div class=\"s-cms-content s-cms-content--left\">\r\n                <p>If you don\u2019t own a car and never plan on driving again, you don\u2019t need to file an SR-22. However, if there is a chance you may have to rent or borrow someone\u2019s car, then you will need one. Therefore, it doesn\u2019t matter whether or not you lease, own, rent, or borrow a vehicle; as long as you plan on being behind the wheel, you must file an SR-22 if required to do so.<\/p>\n<p>The good news is that you may be able to get a non-owner SR-22 insurance policy, which is generally less expensive than a traditional SR-22 policy. That\u2019s because insurance companies assume that you\u2019re less likely to drive one if you don\u2019t own a car. And if you\u2019re less likely to drive, you\u2019re less likely to cause an accident that will require them to pay the other party.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"c-section \" id=\"general-content-block_60ca2cd0379ff\">\r\n    <div class=\"o-wrapper\">\r\n                                    <h2 class=\"c-section__title Default c-section__title--strong c-section__title--strongDefault\">How Can I Make Sure I\u2019m Getting the Right <strong>SR-22<\/strong> Insurance?<\/h2>\r\n                            <div class=\"c-section__content\">\r\n            <div class=\"s-cms-content s-cms-content--left\">\r\n                <p>As you can see, getting the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/insurance-facts\/how-does-sr-22-insurance-work\/\"><strong>wrong type of coverage<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0that doesn\u2019t meet the courts\u2019 requirements or DMV could be quite costly. That\u2019s why it is important to communicate your SR-22 requirements upfront to your insurance company so they can help you stay on the road responsibly.<\/p>\n<p>If you find yourself in a situation where you or someone you care about needs high-risk auto insurance, you can reach our insurance partner <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/quote\"><strong>online<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0or over the phone at <a href=\"tel:877-822-2049\"><strong>877-822-2049<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0for help.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"c-section c-opinion-banner\">\r\n    <div class=\"o-wrapper\">\r\n        <div class=\"c-opinion-banner__question js-opinion-banner-question\">\r\n            <h2 class=\"c-section__title c-section__title--center c-opinion-banner__title\">Was this article helpful?<\/h2>\r\n            <div class=\"c-opinion-banner__content\">\r\n                <div class=\"c-opinion-banner__controls\">\r\n                    <button class=\"c-opinion-banner__control c-opinion-banner__control--ok js-opinion-banner-control-ok\" aria-label=\"Yes, this article is helpful\">\r\n                        <span class=\"o-icon c-opinion-banner__icon\"><svg focusable=\"false\" role=\"img\">\r\n                                <title>Yes, this article is helpful<\/title>\r\n                                <use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-content\/themes\/sr22\/assets\/html\/images\/icons\/icons.svg#icon-thumbs-up\"><\/use>\r\n                            <\/svg><\/span>\r\n                    <\/button>\r\n                    <button class=\"c-opinion-banner__control c-opinion-banner__control--no-ok js-opinion-banner-control-no-ok\" aria-label=\"No, this article is wasn't helpful\">\r\n                        <span class=\"o-icon c-opinion-banner__icon\"><svg focusable=\"false\" role=\"img\">\r\n                                <title>No, this article is wasn&#8217;t helpful<\/title>\r\n                                <use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-content\/themes\/sr22\/assets\/html\/images\/icons\/icons.svg#icon-thumbs-down\"><\/use>\r\n                            <\/svg><\/span>\r\n                    <\/button>\r\n                <\/div>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n        <div class=\"c-opinion-banner__ok js-opinion-banner-ok\">\r\n            <h2 class=\"c-section__title c-section__title--center c-opinion-banner__title\">Winner! 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