One of the most common consequences of a DUI is losing your right to drive. In most cases, the state will suspend your license after you receive a DUI conviction. This means you’re going to want to do everything you can to get your license and freedom back as soon as possible. While there are a few steps to the process, it helps to know what your requirements are and how you should meet them. Here’s our guide for how to reinstate your license after a DUI.

Fulfill Requirements

Conviction of a DUI often involves court dates and processes. You will likely have the chance to appeal the case in a court hearing. However, if you don’t request a hearing or you fail to attend one, the state will suspend your license until you fulfill all court requirements. These vary depending on where you live. You might have to pay fines, participate in alcohol education programs or driving classes, or install an ignition interlock device in your car. Whatever your requirements are, meeting them is the first step to getting your license back.

Figure out Insurance

Almost every state requires a certificate of financial responsibility, otherwise known as SR22 insurance, to prove you have auto insurance after your DUI. When looking for SR22 insurance, it’s important to shop around to make sure you have the best policy and provider for your situation. You can look online for SR22 rates to find the right plan for you. It’s important to remember you must maintain SR22 insurance for as long as your state requires it—typically around three years. If you let your policy lapse in that time, your license will become suspended and you’ll have to start your SR22 insurance over again.

Head to the DMV

Once you fulfill all the court and state requirements and have your SR22 insurance, there’s one more task you’ll need to complete. The final step on how to reinstate your license after a DUI is to go to your local Department of Motor Vehicles. There will likely be a reinstatement fee for you to pay. Once you do this, the DMV will give you back your license and your freedom to get back on the road.

For many people, driving is a major part of everyday life. From commuting to work to picking up friends or family, we often get into our cars without a second thought about potential driving dangers. Fortunately, you can reduce that danger by practicing safer habits behind the wheel. Here are eight tips for becoming a safer driver for you, your family, and everyone else you meet on the road. (more…)

Vacations are a time to kick back and have fun—especially if you’re visiting somewhere out of state. For many people, a night out includes plenty of good food and drinks, but things can get difficult if you don’t drink responsibly. While you may know the DUI laws in your own state, things can get a little more complicated when you’re pulled over elsewhere. Here’s what happens if you get an out-of-state DUI.

What Happens in the State of the Arrest?

After you’re pulled over for driving under the influence, the arresting officer will report the incident to that state’s Department of Motor Vehicles. Your license will be temporarily suspended in that state as the case goes to court or you request a hearing to appeal the charges. If you lose or fail to attend a hearing, the suspension becomes final; you’ll have to face that state’s consequences in order to reinstate your license.

What Happens in Your Home State?

The state of the arrest will notify your state when you’re convicted of a DUI or DWI. Your home state can uphold the other state’s consequences or enforce their own requirements—often, you’ll have to face whichever laws are more severe. The arresting state will also report your suspended license to the National Driver Registry, which means you won’t be able to reinstate your license in any state until you’ve met your requirements.

Possible Consequences

Apart from having your license suspended, there are many possible consequences of a DUI or DWI conviction. You might have to pay court fines or a reinstatement fee when you’re allowed to get your license back. If you don’t meet any additional requirements put forth by the court or state—such as fines or DUI safety education programs—your license can remain suspended indefinitely. Some states even require jail time after a DUI. There are long-term consequences as well. After a DUI conviction, your auto insurance rates might increase, as you’re now a high-risk driver. The court or state might also require you to file for SR22 insurance. For example, you may need help securing SR22 insurance in Las Vegas. If you need SR22 insurance, talk to Serenity Group today—we can help.

For many people, their initial questions after receiving an SR22 insurance requirement are financially related: how much is this going to cost, and how can I afford it? While the specific price of SR22 insurance depends on several variables, there are a few things you can look into to get a better idea of what you’ll be paying. Here are some factors that can affect your SR22 insurance rate.

What is SR22 Insurance?

If you find yourself needing to file for SR22 insurance, one of the most important things to do is to learn more about the process, requirements, and any other information you need. Knowing what you’re facing will help make the entire procedure as easy and efficient as possible. For those that aren’t familiar, SR22 insurance is a way for the state to ensure that you are meeting the minimum liability requirements and keeping up with your auto insurance. It’s also technically not insurance. The SR22 is a certificate of financial responsibility that affects your insurance, but it is not a policy in and of itself.

Who Needs an SR22?

Generally speaking, SR22 certificates are required for drivers who are deemed high-risk. By filing for and keeping up with your SR22, you are guaranteeing to the state that you meet their auto insurance requirements. Your state may require you to file for an SR22 certificate after certain driving instances:

  • Conviction of a DUI or DWI
  • Driving without auto insurance
  • Multiple or serious traffic violations
  • Causing a car accident, or getting in an accident while uninsured

If your state or judge requires you to get SR22 insurance, you will have to inform your auto insurance company. They will take the proper steps to file the SR22 certificate with the state and update your insurance policy to reflect the changes.

What Can Affect Your Rates?

Type of Violation

One of the biggest factors that can affect your SR22 insurance rate is, of course, the type of violation that caused you to receive the SR22 requirements. More serious infractions—such as driving under the influence or causing a serious car accident—will severely increase your auto insurance rates. Some states require you to get a different certificate of financial responsibility for these more severe violations. In Florida and Virginia, for example, you may need FR44 insurance after conviction of a DUI or DWI. The minimum liability limits for FR44 insurance are even higher than those of SR22 insurance, which means your insurance policy will cost more.

Type of SR22 Coverage

There are different types of SR22 insurance to fit your situation: operator, owner, and operator/owner. An operator policy, also known as a non-owner policy, is designed for drivers who don’t own their own car and instead borrow or rent their vehicle. An owner SR22 insurance policy is for drivers who own their own car and use it as their primary vehicle. If you fall into both categories, you might need operator/owner insurance, which is designed for drivers who both own their own car but also occasionally borrow or rent their vehicle. The different types of SR22 insurance make it easier to find a policy that is right for you and your situation.

Insurance Provider

Your insurance company plays a huge part in your SR22 insurance. When you are first looking for the right SR22 policy, don’t be afraid to shop around between insurance companies. Some providers won’t even cover drivers who have an SR22 certificate, while others offer much higher rates than their competitors. Every insurance company and policy is different, which is why it’s important to consider your options ahead of time.

Where You Live

Every state has different SR22 insurance requirements, so your rates will vary depending on where you live. The minimum liability requirements in your state determine your SR22 insurance’s cost. For example, the minimum liability requirements in Colorado are $25,000 for bodily injury to one person, $50,000 for injury to two or more people, and $15,000 for property damage. These are the rates that will define your SR22 insurance costs if you are required to file for the SR22 in Colorado. Some states have higher minimum liability requirements, while others are lower. A few states—Delaware, Kentucky, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, and Oklahoma—don’t have SR22 requirements. However, even if you move in the middle of your SR22 policy, you are still required to pay the original state rates where your SR22 certificate was filed.

Failure to Meet Requirements

Because it’s a guarantee to the state that you’re maintaining the required auto insurance, it’s vital that you maintain your SR22 policy throughout the entire required coverage period. As soon as you drop your policy or fail to meet the requirements, your insurance provider is legally obligated to contact the state that your SR22 certificate is no longer active. Once again, the consequences will be different depending on where you live and your specific situation, but you might have your license suspended and have to pay other fines. However, you might have your SR22 insurance for up to five years, and a lot can happen in that time. If you must change insurance providers—either because you’re moving to a new state or you find a better policy—make sure your SR22 coverage never slips during the change. Don’t cancel your old policy until the new one is in place.

Policy Extensions

Even if it’s by accident, a lapse in coverage may result in consequences that could make your SR22 insurance rates cost more and last longer. In addition to the penalties you’ll face, if your state finds out that you aren’t meeting and maintaining your SR22 requirements, you will need to start your coverage period over again. For example, if you get caught without your SR22 certificate two years into a three-year probation, your policy will restart, and you will have to continue with your SR22 insurance for another three years. This is why you should take extra care to meet your requirements and have a copy of the SR22 certificate with you whenever you drive.

In short, many different variables affect your SR22 insurance rate. If you are facing SR22 requirements and aren’t sure what to do next, learning more about state requirements, insurance providers, and other details is a great first step.

Factors that Can Affect Your SR22 Insurance Rate infographic

If you are required to file for SR22 insurance, chances are you have many questions about what that means, what your requirements are, and how this will affect your everyday life. For many people, car insurance is a matter of renting and borrowing a vehicle rather than owning one, which can make policies seem more complicated. Fortunately, there’s an SR22 policy for you and your situation. Here’s an overview for anyone asking, can you rent a car with SR22 insurance?

What is SR22 Insurance?

SR22 insurance, otherwise known as a certificate of financial responsibility, is a state or court-mandated document that proves a driver has auto insurance that meets the minimum liability requirements for their state. SR22 insurance is intended for high-risk drivers. You may have to file for it if any of the following conditions apply to you:

  • You have a DUI or DWI
  • You’ve been caught driving without auto insurance
  • You’re found to be at fault in a serious accident
  • You have multiple or serious traffic violations

Types of SR22 Insurance

The details and requirements of your SR22 insurance will vary based on where you live, why you received the requirement, and other details of your situation. However, there are three different types of SR22 insurance to help you find the policy that’s best for you. The first is owner insurance, for drivers who own their own car. Next is non-owner insurance, for drivers who don’t own their own car and instead rent or borrow a vehicle. Finally, for drivers who do a mix of both, there is owner/operator insurance that covers both owned and borrowed cars.

Renting a Vehicle

Life doesn’t stop just because of your SR22 requirements, which means there many questions that may come up while you have it—such as, can you rent a car with SR22 insurance? If you rent a car regularly for travel or daily life, you will have a non-owner policy. These are usually cheaper than other SR22 insurance policies, but they also usually only provide minimum coverage and don’t cover repairs to the vehicle you’re driving. As such, not all rental car companies will rent to SR22 holders. However, every company is different. If you’re looking to rent, contact the company ahead of time and ask if they rent to those with SR22 insurance. It’s also a good idea to read the fine print on both the rental car contract and your insurance policy.

There are many variables when it comes to SR22 coverage, which is why it’s important to have all the information about your policy and regulations. If you are looking for SR22 insurance in Denver, Serenity Group can help you learn everything you need to know and find the right insurance plan for you.

If you find yourself filing for SR22 insurance, it’s likely that one of your biggest goals is to get rid of it. SR22 insurance can seem complicated, and you need to keep many rules and variables in mind. One of the most important details is if you end your SR22 insurance early or improperly, you might lose your license and have to start your probation period over again. If you need to change or end your policy, we provide a brief guide for how to cancel SR22 filing without being penalized.

What is SR22 Insurance?

The best thing you can do when you get an SR22 requirement is to learn exactly what that means and what you have to do. Though it’s referenced as insurance, the SR22 actually refers to a certificate that attaches to your regular auto insurance policy. It’s typically required after multiple or serious driving violations such as a DUI, driving without insurance, or multiple wrecks or traffic tickets. It works as a way to verify that you meet your state’s insurance requirements. This means it’s vital to keep up with your SR22 requirements throughout your probation period.

Consequences of Canceling Early

The SR22 provides proof that you are keeping up with your state-mandated insurance requirements, so cancelling early or getting caught without it can cause a major problem. If you fail to meet your SR22 requirements, your insurance provider must notify the state. In many states, this will result in license suspension. You will also likely have to start your probation period over again, which means you’ll have to meet your SR22 requirements for even longer.

Switching Insurance Companies

There are only a couple of reasons why you would remove or cancel your SR22 insurance, and one of them is if you change policies. If you move states, or just want different auto insurance, you need to know how to cancel SR22 filing without being penalized. You never want your SR22 insurance to lapse, so if you change to a new insurance provider, make sure your new policy is in place before you cancel the old one. Managing insurance companies and policies can be confusing, but the trick is to find insurance companies that offer SR22 insurance with a policy and rate that works for you.

End of Required Period

The other time you would cancel your SR22 filing is once you complete your probation period. Before you change your policy, you should contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles to confirm that you no longer require a SR22. After that, inform your insurance provider that you no longer need the SR22 on your policy, and they will cancel your filing.

Unless you or someone you know has had to obtain SR22 insurance in the past, chances are the term is completely new to you. When the state requires you to have SR22 insurance, all the facts and details can make the process seem overwhelming. Fortunately, once you have the right information, the process is fairly straightforward. For anyone facing these requirements, here’s a breakdown of how to obtain an SR22 insurance form.

Why You Might Need SR22 Insurance

SR22 insurance is the state’s way to guarantee that risky drivers meet the minimum insurance requirements. Another common stipulation is you’ll need to reinstate your license after a DUI or other severe traffic violations. There are several reasons why you may need to file for an SR22 certificate, and they often vary from state to state. Some examples include:

  • Conviction of a DUI or DWI
  • Driving without auto insurance
  • Causing a serious accident
  • Having multiple or serious traffic violations within a short period

Different Types of SR22 Insurance

There are different types of SR22 insurance you can obtain to best fit your circumstances. If you borrow or rent a car, you can get an operator or nonowner’s certificate. If you own and drive your own car, you can acquire an owner’s certificate. If you drive your own car and a borrowed or rented one, you can get an operator/owner certificate. Depending on where you live, the state might require you to file a different certificate of financial responsibility. In Florida and Virginia, for example, they require an FR44 specifically after a DUI.

How to Get SR22 Insurance

No matter where you live, the method of how to obtain an SR22 insurance form is the same. You need to contact your auto insurance provider, so they can add it to your current policy. From there, your insurance company will file the SR22 form with the state. Some insurance providers don’t offer SR22 coverage, and policies and rates will vary from company to company. The process can seem confusing, which is why many people use an SR22 online service, such as Serenity Group. We can help you find the perfect insurance provider and policy for your specific situation.

When you need to get SR22 insurance, your top priority is getting your license and normal lifestyle back. You can achieve this faster and with less stress by learning more about what SR22 insurance is and what the requirements are for your situation. For anyone needing to know how SR22 insurance works in Indiana, here’s a rundown.

Why Would You Need an SR22?

There are numerous reasons why an individual may require SR22 insurance. The specific rules vary depending on where you live, but for the most part, you might have to get SR22 insurance for:

  • Conviction of a DUI or OWI
  • Driving without auto insurance
  • Multiple car accidents, especially when uninsured
  • Committing multiple traffic violations in a certain amount of time

Basically, the state requires you to have SR22 insurance after serious driving incidents. It technically isn’t insurance, but a form the state uses to guarantee that risky drivers will keep up with their auto insurance.

How Does SR22 Insurance Work in Indiana?

The specific requirements for SR22 insurance vary from state to state. In Indiana, filing and obtaining an SR22 certificate is necessary to get your license back after a DUI or OWI. The SR22 form serves as a verification that you have met the minimum liability insurance requirements for the state of Indiana. These requirements are also what determines the cost of your SR22 insurance. There is a $25,000 minimum liability cost for injury to one person, $50,000 for injury to two people, and $10,000 for property damage. If you don’t keep up with your SR22 insurance, it becomes invalid and the state suspends your license.

Finding the Right SR22 Insurance

The first step of obtaining your SR22 certificate and getting back on the road is finding the right insurance policy and company for your situation. If you’re filing for an SR22 in Indiana, we at Serenity Group can help you find a plan that works for you. With the right people at your back, you can navigate the process and return to your normal life as soon as possible.

Figuring out SR22 insurance can seem like a daunting task. With so much information to process and so many details that vary state to state, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by the situation. We’re here to help. With this closer look at individual state requirements for SR22 insurance, you can get the information you need to move forward with the process and with your life.

What is SR22 Insurance?

SR22 insurance isn’t something that makes its way into the average conversation. If you find yourself in need of an SR22, your first step might be figuring out what that means and what you’re supposed to do next. In every state, an SR22 is a certificate of financial responsibility that proves you’re meeting and maintaining your minimum liability requirements after a traffic violation or accident. A court or your state can order an SR22 after you’re convicted of a DUI, driving without insurance, or multiple traffic violations within a period of time. If you don’t keep up with your insurance requirements, your license will be suspended.

Which States Don’t Require SR22 Insurance?

Some states don’t require the filing of any certificate of financial responsibility. You won’t need an SR22 if you live in:

  • Delaware
  • Kentucky
  • New Mexico
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • Oklahoma

If you’re issued an SR22 in one of these states and later move to a state that does have SR22 requirements, you still won’t be required to have SR22 insurance.

Variations and Add-Ons

Some states require other certificates of financial responsibility on top of or instead of SR22 insurance. In Florida and Virginia, for instance, you may have to file an FR44 certificate. While these states may still SR22 insurance for various types of traffic violations, FR44 insurance specifically covers DUIs and DWIs. Because of the potentially destructive nature of drunk driving, an FR44 requires your insurance plan to have a higher liability minimum. In Virginia, an FR44 doubles the minimum liability requirements, making the coverage limits $50,000 for bodily injury of one person, $100,000 for injury of two or more people, and $40,000 for property damage. In Florida, those coverage limits are $100,000 for injury of one person, $300,000 for injury of two or more people, and $50,000 for property damage.

Arkansas and Indiana also have variations on their SR22 insurance requirements. Arkansas requires an SR21 for you to reinstate your license after an accident with damages exceeding a certain cost. It proves that you had insurance at the time of the accident—as opposed to the SR22 certificate, which proves that you’re maintaining your insurance after the violation. Indiana has a similar policy with its SR50 insurance, which verifies the beginning and ending dates of your insurance policy at the time of the accident or violation. The difference is that the SR50 is specifically for reinstating your license after a DUI.

How Much Does SR22 Insurance Cost?

Generally speaking, you will probably be spending between $300 and $800 on SR22 insurance, but the cost varies depending on the state you live in and the incident that occurred. Each state’s SR22 insurance minimum is based on their liability requirements. These will vary, but most states tend to have coverage requirements of around $25,000 for bodily injury to one person, $50,000 for bodily injury to two or more people, and $15,000 for property damage. While these amounts are the average, however, they can be anywhere from $10,000 to $100,000 depending on the state you live in and the type of violation you committed. That’s why it’s always a good idea to take a look at your insurance company and state requirements.

How Long Will I Have to Maintain My SR22?

The length of time you’ll have to keep your SR22 certificate varies on a case-by-case basis. Most states require around three years, but some states require as few as two years or as many as five. Many states also ask you to file for a new certificate every six months. The length of your SR22 insurance may also depend on the type of conviction you received. Be sure to read up on your state’s guidelines so that you have the right information for your situation.

What Happens if I Move out of State?

If you move to a different state in the middle of your SR22 insurance requirements, things might start to seem a little complicated. This doesn’t have to be an overwhelming situation, however. Keep yourself informed by doing a little research on each state’s SR22 insurance policies and how they differ. This way, you won’t be surprised by any policy or requirement changes. Take a look at your auto insurance provider to see if they serve the state you’re moving to so that you can update your coverage accordingly.

Even if you move to a state that doesn’t require a certificate of financial responsibility, you’ll still need to maintain the SR22 insurance you have in your old state. For example, say you’re issued an SR22 in the state of New Jersey and you move to New York, which doesn’t have SR22 insurance requirements. You’ll need to get auto insurance for New York, but you’ll still need to complete your SR22 requirements for New Jersey. If you don’t keep up with your SR22 insurance, you may face other penalties, such as having your license suspended or even losing your license altogether.

Where to Learn More

Because SR22 insurance requirements vary so much from case to case, it’s always a good idea to learn more about the specific circumstances you’ll face. You can go to your state’s website to find out more about the requirements. Your local DMV will also have information to help you meet the requirements necessary to regain your license and get back on the road. Also be sure to look through your auto insurance provider’s website to learn about their policies and rates.

This may feel like a lot of information to process, but we can help you navigate your SR22 insurance so that you get the right plan for your situation. Once you learn everything you need to know about your SR22 car insurance, you’ll be that much closer to getting back to normal.

SR22 Insurance: A Closer Look at Individual State Requirements infographic

If you have to file for SR22 insurance, you’re probably facing a lot of different information. It can be difficult to make sense of what your requirements are and what you have to do. Once you know what’s going on, however, the process gets infinitely easier. We break it down with these tips for filling out and filing SR22 insurance.

What Is SR22 Insurance, and Why Would You Need It?

Technically speaking, SR22 insurance isn’t actually an insurance policy. It is merely a certificate proving that you meet the minimum insurance coverage in your state. You may need to get an SR22 certificate for numerous reasons, including:

  • Driving while drunk or intoxicated
  • Driving without auto insurance
  • Getting multiple tickets or traffic violations in a certain amount of time
  • Causing a car accident

Essentially, an SR22 certificate is the state’s way of guaranteeing you meet their minimum liability requirements after proving yourself to be a high-risk driver. After one of these incidents, you will likely need to file for SR22 insurance to reinstate your license and get back on the road. You will also need to keep up with your state’s SR22 insurance requirements throughout the entire mandated period.

Know What Forms You Need

There are different types of SR22 insurance, and different add-ons you might have to file alongside your SR22, depending on your state. We’ll start with the SR22 itself, which has three types: operator or non-owner, owner, and operator/owner. An operator or non-owner policy protects a driver who borrows or rents a car, rather than the specific vehicle itself. This policy might be cheaper than the others, but it also means you can’t own a car for the duration of the policy. An owner policy provides coverage for drivers who exclusively drive a car that they own. The operator/owner policy covers drivers who do a combination of renting a car and driving their own.

Some states have different types of certificates of financial responsibility that you may have to file instead of or along with an SR22. For example, Florida and Virginia require an FR44 certificate to reinstate your license after a DUI or DWI. An FR44 form is specific to drunk or intoxicated driving, which means you will have a higher liability insurance minimum. Other states have different forms that serve as proof of insurance at the time of the accident or traffic violation. For example, the SR21 certificate in Arkansas or the SR50 certificate in Indiana. These are different from the SR22, which is proof of insurance after the incident.

Find Out How Long You’ll Need It

Once again, the specifics of your SR22 insurance—including the minimum length you’ll have to maintain it—are based on your state’s requirements. While most states have a minimum filing period of about three years, the range can be anywhere from one to five years. It’s vital to maintain your SR22 insurance during this time and not to let it lapse. As soon as you cancel your coverage or it expires, your insurance provider, by law, has to inform the state and the Department of Motor Vehicles. If this happens, they’ll send an SR26 form to the state to cancel the SR22 insurance, which can result in fines, losing your license, or other consequences.

If you change insurance providers or move to another state, you will still need to keep up with your SR22 insurance requirements. This goes for those who move somewhere that doesn’t require an SR22 certificate as well. If you move, you must maintain the requirements of the state where you originally obtained the SR22. Make sure your new insurance policy still meets the minimum liability requirements of your state. Failure to keep up with these requirements will count as a lapse in your SR22 insurance. This means it will take even longer to complete your SR22 and get back to normal life.

Know the Cost

One of the biggest questions people have when filing for SR22 insurance is, how much is it going to cost? The form itself isn’t that expensive and usually costs around $25 to file. However, most of the cost is going to come from your insurance policy. When you file for an SR22 with your insurance company, the cost will depend on the minimum liability requirements in your state. For example, the SR22 in Indiana has the following insurance minimums:

  • $25,000 for bodily injury to one person
  • $50,000 for bodily injury to two or more people
  • $10,000 for property damage

These prices are pretty standard for most states, but rates can range anywhere from $10,000 to $100,000. As such, it’s important to do some research on your specific situation and requirements.

Unfortunately, these costs aren’t always easy to meet. If you find yourself in a position where you need to save money on SR22 insurance, there are a few things you can do. Go through your current auto insurance provider to get a quote. It’s also a good idea to go through a company such as Serenity Group, which specializes in SR22 and can find you the most affordable rate for your situation.

When Purchasing

The most important step of shopping for SR22 insurance is finding the right provider and policy. This is because your auto insurance company files your SR22 certificate. Some insurance companies don’t even offer SR22 insurance policies. Others do, but they drastically increase your rates due to accidents, traffic violations, and other incidents in your driving history. This is why it’s important to look around and get a few quotes from different providers. Knowing how your SR22 will impact your insurance coverage and rates will keep you from facing unexpected costs further down the road.

Once you’ve taken on a plan with SR22 coverage, it can still take over 30 days for personnel to file, process, and send the SR22 certificate to you. The SR22 is not complete until the state or DMV files it. Once you receive it and are back on the road, it’s a good idea to keep a copy of the certificate with you or in your car at all times.

Overall, the most important tip for filling out and filing SR22 insurance is to stay informed. When you have all the necessary information, the entire process becomes more manageable. And you become that much closer to getting your freedom and mobility back.

Tips for Filling Out and Filing SR22 Insurance

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