Reader’s Question:

My had a DUI last year and at that time he had full collision coverage but he was informed that he still needs to get sr-22 since he did not have the bodily injury liability. I thought if you did not have the state required liability thats the time you will need an sr-22? Is this correct?

Maya

Good Question Maya.

Theres a lot of reason in various states as to why a SR-22, certificate of financial responsibility may be required. One of the major reason is that the individual did not have the required insurance by the state but this is not the only reason.

Most states would require the financial responsibility certificate to get your license restored even if ,at the time of the accident, you have the required insurance. The reasons for this may be different in most cases but generally the state want to verify that the individual is being responsible now that their license has been returned. The SR-22 is one way to make sure that proper coverage is obtained when the license is reinstated.

Your son may probably live in Florida from the information you gave. If he lives in Florida, normally Florida state requires auto insurance includes Personal Injury Protection coverage ($10,000) and Property Damage Liability coverage ($10,000).

It is noted however by the Florida Department of Financial Services that if an individual is involved in an accident the FL Financial Responsibility Law also requires Bodily Injury Liability coverage ($10,000 one person, $20,000 one accident or $30,000 combined) to be bought.

Although the FL HSMV does not require you to carry bodily injury liability (BIL) in order to get vehicle registration, if you are involved in an accident in which the other person is injured, you have penalties for not having this coverage according to information given from the FLDFS.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

Reader’s Question:

How long should I carry the sr-22?

Rico

Thank you for asking Rico.

it actually depends upon law of state the amount of time in which an individual must carry an sr-22, the reason you are required to carry this financial responsibility certificate, etc. Most states will inform you how long you will need to maintain the financial responsibility certificate or SR22 when you are first required to have it.

If you think your time period to carry this is up already, you need to contact your Department of Motor Vehicles, or like state agency, to see if you need to carry the SR-22 off or not. The DMV will be able to give you information on how many years the SR-22 is required for different infractions so you are aware how much longer you are required to carry the SR-22 if your time is not up yet.

If you are allowed to end carrying the SR-22 already then you should notify your auto insurance company. In many states there is a form, such as the SR-26, that the insurance company uses if you want to cancel your sr-22.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

Reader’s Question:

I just found out that my license was suspended. I just want to know what I should do to have license reinstated in the state of Louisiana and how should I carry it.

Will

Good Question Will.

In Louisiana the length of time an individual must carry the sr-22 certificate depends on the reason for requiring the financial responsibility or sr-22. To know if you only need to maintain it for 3 years and if this length of time began at the time which your drivers license was suspended or when you actually first filed the form you will have to contact the Louisiana Department of Public Safety.

You may want to contact the Motor Vehicle Reinstatement offices since this is regarding license reinstatement. They can assist you with reinstatement as well as cancellation and suspension.

Suspension or revocation of your driver’s license have the same affect on your driving privileges, you are not allowed to drive since you have invalid license. The differences between the two are the penalties for being convicted of driving while suspended and the reinstatement requirements.

Generally, you are not allowed to drive for a specific amount of time if your license is suspended.

You are allowed to restore your driving privilege and in most cases you must re-test (both written and drive) to be issued a new license when driving privilege was suspended after serving the required period.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

Reader’s Question:

My son acquired 12 points and received a suspension. He is required to get an sr-22. What is a South Carolina law on sr-22?

Mariel

Thank you for asking Mariel.

A form S-22 insurance certificate is required for 3 years from the ending date of the revocation for which it is required. This is according to the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicle. This form is also required during the six months when an person is issued a provisional license.

Before the license can be reinstated or a provisional license issued by an individual, the SR-22 must be on file at the South Carolina DMV . It is noted by the Department of Motor Vehicles that SR-22 is not required if the required three year period for the original suspension has ended.

It is also noted in the South Carolina’s manual for drivers that some revocations may require SC motorist to file SR-22 insurance before their driving privileges can be reinstated. The SR-22 insurance is proof of future financial responsibility . If you fail to maintain the coverage when you are still required to carry it, your driving and/or registration privileges will be suspended and you may be required to make a payment up to $400 in reinstatement fees.

You may contact the SC DMV to get more information on the laws regarding your son’s loss of license due number of convictions. You may also inquire about him getting an sr-22.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

Reader’s Question:

Do I need an sr-22 if my license was suspended for unrelated reason?

Chai

Thank you for asking Chai.

The SR-22 can be required for different reasons reasons in California including after a license revocation for a DUI and for reinstating a driver’s license after a suspension for driving without insurance or another type of financial responsibility on your car.

We are unable to say in certainty if you will be needing an sr- 22 or not without knowing what the unrelated issue was. However, you may be able to get more information if you contact the Department of Motor Vehicles or your insurance company to verify if you need an sr-22 on file.

You can get an answer to your specific case with the CA Department of Motor Vehicles. You can visit the CA DMV website or call them at 1-800-777-0133 during normal business hours (Between 8-5, Mon., Tues., Thurs., & Fri. Between 9-5 on Wednesdays) to verify about your particular situation. Make sure you have your driver’s license ready when you speak to them and other information sent by the DMV to you.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

Reader’s Question:

I never had a license but I was required to carry sr-22 in Virginia. Can you tell me why?

Rhea

Good Question Rhea.

This will actually depend upon state laws and the reason behind why an individual is required to get an SR-22 or if a person can be mandated to carry this even without a driver’s license. According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, the financial Responsibility certifications or the sr-22 is required in Virginia for the following instances:

* Unsatisfied judgments
* Driver license suspension as a result of a major conviction
* Uninsured motor vehicle suspension

If you get convicted doing any of these violations then you could be required to get an sr-22 even if you do not have a license.

It does not mean that the state has not started or has a driving history for the individual just because the person does not have a driver’s license. If you are caught driving without a valid license and are also cited for a any traffic violation, these will be recorded under a driver’s history even though you have not received or obtained your license yet.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

Reader’s Question:

How long do I have to carry an sr-22 in North Dakota? I got a DUI for almost 4 years ago.

Heidee

Thank you for asking Heidee.

In North Dakota, the penalty for driving under the influence of alcohol is very harsh.

There are two penalties involved under the DUI law:

1. administrative license penalty

2. court conviction penalty.

Your license may be suspended through either or both processes. By law, if you get caught for DUI, the police officer will take your driver’s license then and there. This is under the administrative penalty.

If convicted for DUI, the court process, in addition to suspending your driver’s license, you also face mandatory fines and jail sentences.

* First conviction- you will pay the fine of $250.
* Second conviction within five years—you will pay $500 fine and five days in jail or 30 days community service work.
* Third conviction within five years—you will pay $1,000 fine and 60 days in jail.
* Fourth conviction within seven years—you will pay $1,000 fine and 180 days in jail.

Moreover, all convicted offenders are required to submit to a mandatory alcohol addiction evaluation.

In addition to that, if convicted of a DUI, the law will require you to show proof of financial responsibility (SR 22 insurance coverage). The ND Drivers License Division of the Department of Transportation requires those that have been convicted of DUI, to show proof of future financial responsibility for a period of one year. This is according to the North Dakota Insurance Department.

Motorist who wants to reinstate their license and satisfy the requirement may do so by having their car insurance company file a SR-22 Financial Responsibility filing (SR-22 is the form name) in their the state.

You may contact the North Dakota Department of Transportation to get more information if you can only keep the sr-22 for a year.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

Reader’s Question:

Does my sr-22 covers the other vehicle if its my fault?

Rey

Good Question Rey.

SR22 is to show proof that you have necessary coverage that meets the state’s minimum financial responsibility laws.

If the state includes Property Damage Liability as a requirement, then that policy will cover the other vehicle, up to the limit on your policy.

Property Damage Liability

This covers you if your car damages someone else’s property. Usually it is their vehicle, but it could be other properties like a house or any other property damaged in an accident. This would also provide you with legal coverage if the other party files a lawsuit against you. It is best to buy enough of this insurance to get you fully covered since this will include the amount of damage your car might do to another car or properties. This coverage is limited to the terms and conditions in the policy.

If you have a very low limit, you may put yourself at risk in terms of financial cost. For instance, if you or a driver covered by your policy cause a serious accident where the damages exceeded your limits, you will be responsible for the cost above your limits. You might be forced to liquidate property, savings and other assets just to make that payment. You may be able to help yourself be protected from this risk if you purchase liability limits to account on your assets and future net worth.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

Reader’s Question:

Is it a way for the insurance company to know if you are a high risk driver if they ask you why when you get an sr-22?

Martha

Good Question Martha.

SR-22 form in Tennessee is proof of future financial responsibility as required under Tennessee Code. An insurance company needs the information as to the reason for getting an the SR-22 policy so they can inform the state of your compliance.

Here are the lists what is usually required of an insurance company when filing a SR-22 for an individual:

1. A copy of the certificate or form is required. This generally has all the information an insured gives to the insurance company.
2. Authorized signatures are required.
3. A sr22 filing may be made for an insured other than a named insured
4. no provision for fleet filings.
5. SR26 form must be filed not less than 20 days prior to the termination of coverage.
6. Insurers must enter their NAIC number on the SR22/26 certificates.
7. Filings are to be mailed to: Tennessee Department of Safety

Insurance companies are aware of TCA 55-12-114 and the reasons listed there why an SR-22 may be needed by an person. Insurance companies never ask why to know if you are a high risk driver or not.

Insurance providers will be able to know if you are a high risk driver by looking at your driving record. For example, if you are required to carry a SR-22 due to a DUI, the insurers will be able to know about the DUI offense from your driving record anyway.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

Reader’s Question:

Will my car insurance policy increase after having DUI?

Ares

Good Question Ares

Usually you will see an increase in your car insurance rates because of the DUI conviction on your record. Driving a car under the influence of alcohol puts you under the category of a high risk drivers. This is being put on your driving record.

The increase on your insurance premiums due to having a DUI and/or needing an SR-22 (certificate of financial responsibility) depends on the rating system of the insurance company that you are dealing with. If you have a safe driver discounts that helps you lower your insurance premiums, it is also possible that you may lose this discount if you have DUI in your driving record.

Some state car insurance regulators give information on the average insurance increase for a DUI conviction. You may also get this information from the Department of Motor Vehicle. For instance, the cost of a DUI brochure lists that your Colorado car insurance can go up 30 % on average, that is if it is not terminated, after getting a DUI conviction.

Goodluck!

MariCAR