How a DUI Affects Your Insurance

A DUI conviction comes with a lot of different consequences. One repercussion that can cost you a lot over time is the change in your auto insurance. Driving under the influence—like any other major traffic violation—will likely result in a spike in your insurance premium. This means a more expensive policy for the foreseeable future. A DUI can change a lot in your life, which is why it’s important to understand the kinds of consequences you may be facing. Learn more about how a DUI affects your insurance with this guide. (more…)

How To Tell If Someone Has a Drinking Problem

For many people, alcohol is just a normal part of life. You can have a few drinks with friends, raise a glass to celebrate, and otherwise drink recreationally without posing a risk to yourself and others. For some people, however, drinking alcohol can turn into an addiction that creates serious mental and physical health risks. Because alcohol is such a normal part of adult life, it isn’t always easy to tell when someone’s drinking turns into a problem. Furthermore, alcohol addiction looks different on everyone. It’s important to learn the signs of alcohol abuse so you can keep an eye out for symptoms and address the problem quickly to the best of your ability. To help you take care of yourself and your loved ones, here’s our guide on how to tell if someone has a drinking problem. (more…)

Non-Owner Car Insurance: What It Covers and Who Needs It

Not everyone who drives owns a car. If you’re cruising around in a vehicle that you borrow or rent, you still need a valid auto insurance policy. This is where non-owner car insurance comes in. A non-owner policy costs less than regular car insurance and covers less than other insurance policies, but it ensures that you meet your state’s minimum liability requirements for auto insurance. However, a non-owner policy isn’t for everyone. Find out if this is the car insurance policy for you with this overview of non-owner car insurance, what it covers, and who needs it. (more…)

What You Should Know About SR22 Insurance

For many people, SR22 insurance is a mystery. You might not know what it means or what it entails until you’re facing an SR22 requirement yourself. As a result, the information and details surrounding this topic can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, much of the SR22 is a straightforward process once you know what you’re dealing with. Though there are several rules and variations depending on where you live, you can find the information you need to obtain an SR22 insurance policy and set yourself up for success.

If you find yourself facing an SR22 requirement, we’re here to help. This comprehensive guide covers everything you should know about SR22 insurance requirements, policies, and what you can do to make the most of the situation.

What Is the SR22?

The term ‘SR22 insurance’ is actually misleading. In fact, SR22 insurance is simply a certificate that goes along with your insurance policy. Also known as a certificate of financial responsibility, the SR22 serves as a guarantee to the state that you’re keeping up with the minimum liability requirements on your auto insurance. Your insurance provider will file this form with the state when you purchase a policy with them. Likewise, if you cancel your policy or drop the SR22, the insurance company will inform your state of the change. Most states use SR22 insurance as a way of ensuring that high-risk drivers have enough insurance to cover them and other parties in the event of an accident.

Why Would You Need SR22 Insurance?

Not everyone needs SR22 insurance. It’s a measure reserved for drivers who the state deems to be high risk, usually after a major traffic violation. Many states require you to obtain SR22 insurance to reinstate a suspended license. You will also likely need it if you’ve been convicted of multiple or severe driving violations, such as:

• DUI or DWI
• Driving without auto insurance
• Driving without a valid license
• Causing a car accident
• Committing multiple traffic violations within a certain amount of time
• Other forms of reckless or aggressive driving

You can receive an SR22 requirement from your state or a court. If the requirement comes from a court, the judge will let you know at your hearing. If the state orders the SR22 requirement, you’ll receive a letter from the DMV notifying you of the policy.

The Different Types of SR22 Policies

Many people ask if you still need SR22 insurance when you don’t own a car. No matter how often you drive or how many vehicles you own, you still need to meet your SR22 insurance requirements. Fortunately, there are different types of SR22 insurance policies to accommodate both vehicle owners and non-owners. A traditional owner policy is for individuals who own their vehicles. A non-owner policy covers individuals who borrow or rent the vehicles they drive. Non-owner policies cover the individual rather than their vehicle. While these are often cheaper than other auto insurance plans, they also prevent you from owning your own vehicle during the length of your policy. Of course, you might fall somewhere in between these two categories. If that’s the case, you can obtain an owner/operator policy, which covers individuals who go back and forth between driving a rental car and driving their own vehicle.

Variations on the SR22

When it comes to what you should know about SR22 insurance, it’s important to remember that every state works differently. Some states don’t even have an SR22 requirement, while others have variations on the policy. You will never need to file for an SR22 certificate if you live in Delaware, Kentucky, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, or Oklahoma. However, if you receive an SR22 insurance requirement in one state and move somewhere that doesn’t require the policy, then you will still need to keep up with your original requirements.

Alternatively, if you live in Florida, Virginia, Arkansas, or Indiana, you might receive a certificate of financial responsibility that differs from the SR22. Both Florida and Virginia have FR44 insurance, which specifically covers DUIs or DWIs. It’s important to note that you may still receive an SR22 insurance requirement in these states for other types of traffic violations. In Arkansas, you may need the SR21 form to reinstate your license after a major traffic violation. This form proves that you had valid auto insurance at the time of your accident, as opposed to the SR22—which you can still receive—that proves you continue to meet your requirements after the incident. The SR50 form in Indiana works in the same way, but it specifically involves reinstating your license after a DUI.

Affording an SR22 Policy

Because the SR22 is more of a form than an actual insurance policy, it doesn’t cost that much by itself. However, your insurance premium will increase when you receive an SR22 requirement. This added cost comes from the traffic violation itself. Once a DUI conviction or another major violation is on your record, insurance companies see you as more of a risk to insure. As a result, your policy will cost more. Fortunately, there are ways to keep your premium as low as possible. Remember that your current insurance company may not provide SR22 insurance. Even if they do, they may not have the best deals available. Make sure you shop around between insurance companies that offer SR22 so that you can look at different quotes and policies.

What Happens If You Drop Your SR22 Policy?

As mentioned above, your insurance company must tell the state if you drop or cancel your SR22 policy. If you fail to meet your requirements and allow your policy to lapse, the state will revoke your license and registration. You must then obtain a new SR22 policy in order to reinstate your license. The process begins all over again, meaning you will have to meet your SR22 requirements for a longer period of time. You might also find yourself facing a higher insurance premium due to the lapse of coverage. The length of your policy will vary depending on where you live, though most are somewhere between one and five years. It’s always best to meet your requirements for the entire duration of your SR22 insurance policy. If you have to switch insurance providers or otherwise change your policy, make sure your new insurance coverage is active before canceling your old policy. This will help you maintain your SR22 requirements without having to start the process over again.

The Different Forms of Distracted Driving

Since you were a teenager with your newly printed license, you’ve probably heard all about the dangers of distracted driving. Even a single moment of distraction can lead to serious consequences for yourself, your passengers, and other drivers on the road. Anything that takes your attention away from the road causes at least one of the three types of distraction: visual, manual, and cognitive. Learn more about the different forms of distracted driving and their consequences with this overview. (more…)

How Much a First-Offense DUI Costs

We all grow up learning about the dangers of drinking and driving. A DUI offense can lead to personal, professional, legal, and financial troubles. However, knowing this doesn’t necessarily tell you the real cost of drinking and driving. If you receive a DUI charge, you’ll face fees and fines from a number of different sources. Even if you don’t end up with a conviction, these expenses can add up to thousands of dollars. Of course, these prices vary depending on where you live and other circumstances surrounding your case. Learn more about how much a first-offense DUI costs with this overview.

What You’re Paying For

You already know a DUI will cost you money, but what exactly are you paying for? Many expenses might come up during a first-offense DUI. You might have to pay bail, court fines, or attorney fees, which can range from a few hundred to a couple thousand dollars. Depending on your sentence, you might also have to spend money on alcohol education courses or an ignition interlock device. You can also expect to see an increase in your auto insurance premium, especially if you receive an SR22 insurance requirement. Fortunately, you can save money on this last expense by letting Serenity Group find you the best SR22 insurance quotes in California or any other state with an SR22 requirement.

Factors that Affect the Cost

The cost of a DUI can vary greatly depending on your circumstances. Factors such as the state in which you live or your blood alcohol content level can affect the price and outcome of your DUI charge. If you choose to go to trial, you’ll likely pay more in court and attorney fees, but you might save money by avoiding a conviction. Whether or not you caused an accident or property damage will also affect the cost of your DUI. For example, if you get into a minor wreck, you might still have to pay for car repairs, a towing service, and other expenses.

Keep in mind that this guide only covers how much a first-offense DUI costs. Most states are more lenient with first offenders, which means a second DUI or other major traffic violation can cost you much more. This is why your first DUI should also be your last one. If you take responsibility for your situation and stay on top of your payments and requirements, you can get through this period of your life and avoid paying even more in the long run.

The Difference Between Careless and Reckless Driving

Everyone knows it’s important to be a safe driver, but what happens if you make a mistake? There are a lot of traffic laws and terminology that can be difficult to keep straight, even if you find yourself facing a certain charge. Two terms that people often mix up are careless driving and reckless driving. While both have the same general meaning—irresponsible and dangerous driving—there are a few key differences. The more you know, the better prepared you are in the event of trouble on the road. To help you stay informed, here’s our guide on the difference between careless and reckless driving.

Careless Driving

Careless driving means operating a vehicle with a disregard for the safety of yourself and anyone you come across. Examples include speeding, texting while driving, or changing lanes illegally. These actions put yourself and others in danger—as a result, they can come with some serious fines. However, careless driving isn’t a criminal offense. Instead, it’s a civil traffic citation. Still, careless driving charges can add up on your license and lead to a suspended license or even worse consequences down the road.

Reckless Driving

Like careless driving, reckless driving occurs when you put yourself or others in danger because of unsafe driving behavior. The biggest difference between careless and reckless driving is intent. Reckless drivers willfully disregard the safety of others when they get behind the wheel. As such, the consequences of a reckless driving charge are more severe. Reckless driving is a criminal offense that can lead to fines, jail time, and a suspended license.

Reckless driving might also lead to an SR22 requirement. The rules vary depending on where you live, but Serenity Group is here to help you learn more about the SR22 in California, Connecticut, or anywhere you live and drive in between. When you know the charges you face and how to handle them, you can make your return to the road as easy and stress-free as possible.

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. (more…)

How to Recover After a DUI Conviction

Everyone knows that driving under the influence is a mistake. However, after you make that mistake, fixing it can seem like an impossible task. If you’re facing the consequences of a DUI conviction, it’s important to remember that this isn’t the end of the world. You’re not the first person to go through this process, which means you never have to be alone in the experience. As you face each challenge, remember that every step you take brings you closer to recovery and a return to normal life. From facing your financial obligations to learning how to forgive yourself, here are our best tips and advice for how to recover after a DUI conviction.

Own up to Your Actions

Before you can start to make up for your actions behind the wheel, you need to accept responsibility for committing them in the first place. It might seem easier to ignore the issue and pretend nothing ever happened. Unfortunately, this often leads to further hardship down the road. The only way to truly create change in your life is to admit that you need it. Similarly, the quickest way to achieve forgiveness—from yourself and from those you hurt—is to take ownership of your actions. Admit that you made a serious mistake, and put effort into sincerely apologizing for it. Once you consciously and fully accept responsibility, you can start taking the steps you need to make up for your actions and create a better future for yourself.

Don’t Go It Alone

Learning how to recover after a DUI conviction can be a stressful, uncertain, and overwhelming process. Fortunately, you never have to go it alone. There are plenty of resources you can turn to for information, support, and care. Your friends and family are among the most valuable—and most beneficial—sources of help. Many people who suffer from addiction try to hide it from their loved ones, but this makes it nearly impossible for your closest relations to help you. Don’t be afraid to seek support where and when you need it. While you can’t rely on others to fix everything for you, having a shoulder to lean on is invaluable when dealing with hardships. Additionally, being honest about your experiences and struggles can help give you a stronger sense of accountability. This is a great way to remind yourself that your actions affect everyone around you, as do the positive changes you make to your life. Together, you and your loved ones can create a plan to overcome addiction and come out on the other side of your DUI conviction.

Find Support Groups

Support groups are another invaluable resource as you recover from your DUI and addiction. The stigma surrounding Alcoholics Anonymous and other organized support groups can make it hard to seek out local chapters. However, there’s something unique and special about talking to those who share your experiences. Meeting other people who understand where you are or where you’ve been can help you make sense of your own circumstances. Your peers can also be a great source of advice since they have lived through what you’re currently facing. This is also another way to hold yourself accountable as you share your story and goals with other people in your group. Not every support group works for everyone, so be sure to do some research and look around for a group that will best support you and your situation.

Seek Professional Help

In addition to finding help in your loved ones and peers, professional help can be extremely beneficial when recovering from a DUI. There are many resources and professionals who can help you work through your addiction or the complicated feelings surrounding your accident. Counselors and therapists can help you establish constructive goals and solutions for managing stress, addiction, and other mental health factors that may have contributed to your DUI. If you’re seriously struggling with addiction, you might also seek out a rehab center. While this decision isn’t for everyone, it can be an incredible resource to you as you take steps toward recovery. No matter where you find it, professional help is a great way to manage your circumstances and make constructive changes to your life after a DUI conviction.

Rethink Your Social Life

Peer pressure isn’t just a problem for teenagers. The people around you influence your choices and behaviors throughout your entire life. The people you hang out with and what you do with them can have a huge impact on alcohol or drug addiction. If you and your friends always spend your quality time together at a bar, you might want to try mixing things up. Talk to your friends about changing your habits. Find alternatives to drinking together so you can have a good time without the temptation of heavy drinking, driving under the influence, or other risky behaviors. While you can certainly have a few drinks with friends, it’s important to have a social life that can exist without alcohol. Game nights, movies, and other activities are just as fun sober—especially with the right group of people. While it isn’t always easy to make changes within your friend group, remember that those who truly support you will be happy to mix up their routine to keep everyone safe and healthy.

Face the Consequences

A DUI conviction comes with personal, financial, and legal ramifications. It’s important to face these consequences head-on so you can work your way through them and create a better life for yourself on the other side. Make sure you meet all the requirements that come with your conviction, such as alcohol education courses, court fees, or SR22 insurance. Take care of these requirements completely, and don’t try to cut corners by skipping court dates or driving on a suspended license. While none of these circumstances are fun, they don’t have to ruin your life, either. By following orders, paying fines, and finding the best policy among insurance companies that offer SR22 insurance, you can work through your requirements and get back to your normal life as quickly and efficiently as possible.

How a Driver’s License Gets Revoked

The ability to drive is a privilege many people cherish. If you’re not careful, however, your state can take that privilege away in the form of a revoked license. Every state has its own set of driving laws and regulations, which means making sense of the regulations surrounding your license isn’t always easy. The more you know, the easier it will be to navigate your situation, reclaim a valid license, and get back behind the wheel. Learn more about how a driver’s license gets revoked and what to do if you’re in that situation with this guide.

What Is a Revoked License?

A revoked license is a void license. When the state revokes your driver’s license, it effectively revokes your ability to legally drive. It’s easy to confuse a revoked license with a suspended license. They both take away your driving privilege, but the key difference is that a revoked license is permanent. You will not be able to reinstate your license after the state revokes it.

How a Driver’s License Gets Revoked

A state will usually revoke an individual’s license after a severe traffic violation, such as a DUI conviction, reckless driving, or a serious car crash that results in injury. This is particularly true if you’ve already committed multiple violations in a certain amount of time. Another sure way to get your license revoked is to drive with a suspended license. Many states also have non-driving reasons to revoke a license. For example, most states can revoke someone’s license if they don’t pay their child support. You might also get a revoked license for failing to answer a court summons or using alcohol or drugs as a minor.

What to Do If Your License Is Revoked

If the state revokes your license, you can’t get it back. You’ll likely receive a revocation period, during which you can’t get a valid license. If you meet your requirements and fulfill this period, however, you can then apply for a completely new license through the DMV. The requirements for getting a new license will vary from state to state, but you can generally expect fines, an SR22 insurance policy, and the standard license tests in your state.

Serenity Group is here to help you reinstate your driving privileges. We’ll help you learn more about SR22 insurance in Washington or any other state so that you can fix your revoked license and get back on the road as efficiently as possible.