8 Ways to Save Money on SR22 Insurance

After a DUI or another major traffic violation, you’re going to see a spike in your auto insurance. Most states will require you to obtain SR22 insurance—a document that verifies you’re meeting the state’s minimum liability insurance requirements. SR22 insurance marks you as a high-risk driver, which means insurance companies see you as more expensive to insure. As a result, there’s a good chance you’ll be looking at discounts and bundling options alongside your new SR22 insurance policy. Saving money on your SR22 is much like saving money on regular auto insurance. When you shop around, ask about the details, and follow the rules, you can lower your premium and put less strain on your budget. If you’re looking for ways to save money on SR22 insurance, check out this guide for top tips and ideas.

Learn the Rules

A lot of people don’t learn about SR22 insurance until they have to obtain it. This makes it hard to understand what exactly your requirements are and what you need to do to meet them. The more you know about the SR22—and auto insurance in general—the easier it is to navigate policies, requirements, and all the other details. Read up on what SR22 insurance is and how your state handles it. You should also look at the insurance requirements in your state to figure out the minimum liability requirements you have to meet. This will help you find a policy that fits your requirements and your budget.

Bundle, Bundle, Bundle

Most auto insurance providers offer discounts to customers who bundle their plans. You can lower your premium by adding multiple drivers—such as your spouse—to your policy. This also works when you insure multiple vehicles through the same policy. Additionally, many insurance providers also offer homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. Adding these policies to your auto insurance can help you bundle and save. Keep these options in mind as you search for quotes and compare insurance providers. You should always be on the lookout for ways you can bundle your insurance and reduce your rates.

Seek Out Discounts

Bundling policies isn’t the only way to save money on your auto insurance. Most companies offer various discounts you can add to your policy, such as a good student discount for student drivers with a certain GPA. You might get a discount for falling into a certain age bracket, serving in the military, or installing anti-theft systems on your vehicle. Make sure you read through your options to find all the discounts that apply to you. It’s also a good idea to ask about additional discounts as there may be more options you qualify for.

Drive a Cheaper Car or Drive Less

Insurance companies calculate your premiums based on how expensive you are to insure. If you own an expensive car that you drive every day, getting into an accident is going to cost you a lot of money. This, in turn, costs your insurance company. On the other hand, older or cheaper vehicles are usually less expensive to repair and face a lower risk of car theft. This makes them less of a financial risk to insure. The same concept applies to drivers who are on the road less. The less you drive, the less likely you are to get into an accident. Make sure you ask about mileage options when creating your auto insurance policy.

Take Care of Your Credit

Insurance companies also look at your credit score when calculating your rates. A good credit score makes you appear more reliable with your money, which means you’re less of a threat to insure—even with a DUI or other major traffic violation your record. When you take care of your credit and boost your credit score, you prove to insurance companies that they can rely on you to make your monthly payments. Try to improve your credit score by paying bills on time and managing your credit cards responsibly. You should also check your credit report occasionally to make sure there are no errors or inaccuracies that might be unfairly lowering your score.

Keep Up With Payments

One of the most reliable ways to save money on SR22 insurance is to handle your payments responsibly. Failure to make your payments on time can lead to late fees and other costly penalties. This is particularly important when it comes to SR22 insurance. Your state requires SR22 insurance to make sure you are continuously keeping up with your minimum liability requirements. Your policy can last for several years, but it’s important to keep up with your payments for that entire time. If you miss a payment and let your SR22 policy lapse, the process starts all over. That means spending more money for a longer period of time. Avoid this complication by diligently paying your auto insurance each month. You can also avoid late fees and penalties by signing up for automatic payments. Some insurance companies even offer a discount if you choose to pay automatically each month. Another way to save is by paying your insurance in full each period rather than on a month-to-month basis. The more responsible you are with your payments now, the sooner you can complete your SR22 requirement and gain a little financial freedom back.

Become a Responsible Driver

Obtaining an SR22 requirement means you have a serious mark on your driving record, but there’s always time for a fresh start. One mistake doesn’t have to define your record for the rest of your life. Drive safely and responsibly every time you get behind the wheel. Consider taking a defensive driving course or—if you’re recovering from a DUI conviction—an alcohol education course. These courses show the DMV and your insurance company that you’re committed to becoming a safer driver. Auto insurance companies frequently offer safe driving discounts if you make it through a certain amount of time without any accidents or violations. Be smart, safe, and dependable every time you get behind the wheel. Over time, you’ll see the rewards as your driver’s record clears and your premiums go down.

Get Expert Help

Finding an affordable SR22 insurance policy doesn’t have to be complicated. Serenity Group is here to help you make sense of your requirements and find the best policy to match. If you’re in the market for the cheapest SR22 insurance in California or anywhere else you live, get in touch with us today. We’ll help you shop around, find the best quotes, and choose an SR22 insurance policy that meets your needs without emptying your wallet.