I have a non-owners SR22 insurance policy and I understand that I can operate any car with permission except one that belongs to a family member? Does this mean that I cannot drive a car owned by a family member? Or does it simply mean that the car insurance policy will not cover me in case of accident? Please I need help.

Jenny

Fort Wayne, IN

A non-owners policy usually means that the an individual on the policy does not own a car nor lives in a household with a car. If the family member does not live in your household it might be possible for you to operate their vehicle but you should check with your insurance broker.

Also make certain that your family member’s vehicle is insured and would cover you if there is an accident since when borrowing somebody else’s vehicle, the car owner’s insurance policy is primary to cover damages.

I currently have an auto insurance policy with my insurance agent for the next three months. Can I purchase an SR22 as additional auto insurance policy through another insurance provider?

Jim

Dallas, TX

No. I do not see any reason why you should continue paying on one auto insurance policy and purchasing another auto insurance policy. In fact it is actually illegal to have two policies on the same insurable interest in some states.

If your insurance provider can file the SR-22 insurance policy for you, that would be the first course of action. If they cannot, then I suggest that you find an auto insurance policy that has an SR-22, buy it and cancel your existing policy.

Additionally, there is no such thing as SR22 as an additional coverage. An SR-22 is an insurance policy that the state mandated requirement to show proof of auto insurance coverage.

How long should I carry the sr-22 certificate on my insurance policy?

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

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

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

Does my sr-22 insurance cover 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

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

When is the start of the sr-22? 3 years from the suspension of license or 3 years when you purchased the sr-22 insurance? I live in Florida.

Wendy

Thank you for asking Wendy.

The Florida Responsibility Law requires any individual to have bodily injury liability insurance at the time of:

1. A collision where you are at fault and injuries have occurred.
2. A suspension for too many points against your driver license.
3. A citation for DUI, which results in suspension.
4. A suspension for Habitual Traffic Offender.
5. A suspension for any serious offense where this department is required to revoke your license.

Your driver license will be suspended for up to 3 years if you are involved in any of these violations and do not have insurance to comply with the Florida law.

To get your license reinstated, you will need to pay a $15 fee and show the department a proof of financial responsibility in the form of sr-22 for 3 years from the original suspension date.

You may contact the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (HSMV) to know the the length of time that you are required to keep the sr-22.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

I received a DUI 3 years ago and I have not reinstated my license yet. Can I be added to my sister’s insurance and do I need an sr-22? Do I have to purchase an insurance before purchasing a car? Please help.

Allan

Thank you for asking Allan.

In most states you will need to show proof of insurance if you are going to register a vehicle so it is better to get an insurance beforehand. If you do not own a vehicle at the time of buying insurance you will need to get a non-owners SR-22 which you may be able to change into regular SR22 policy once you get or own a vehicle.

You may contact the insurance company of your sister if you want to be added to her policy and check if it is possible. You may also consider checking other insurance company and compare if it would be better to have you added or get your own policy from a different company. Once you get quotes from different insurance companies. you will be able to know which is cheaper.

You will need to keep your insurance policy that you will going to purchase in order to reinstate your license. Remember also that you can get different quotes online to give you more options and best insurance company that may be able to assist you in all your car insurance needs.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

My son has a DUI and carries a  sr-22 bond. I just want to know how to remove it. we live in Texas.

Alice

Good Question Alice.

An SR-22 insurance policy in Texas is a certificate of insurance. It shows proof of insurance for the future to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) , as required by law. It is not a high risk insurance. It is motor vehicle liability insurance. It is required by the insurance company to certify to the DPS of your coverage. The insurance company must notify DPS anytime if the policy is cancelled, terminated or lapses.

Appropriate enforcement action may be taken once the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) receives notification from the insurance company that the policy is cancelled before the required period. If the SR-22 is still required, the driving privilege and vehicle registration will suspended.

The SR-26 form must be filed by the insurance company to cancel the SR-22. If your son no longer needs the SR-22 he needs to inform his insurance company to have it removed. Some insurance companies may want him to show documentation from the DPS that the SR22 can be removed already. Thats the time they will submit the sr-26. To confirm if the sr-22 can be removed already, your son may contact the Department of Public Safety.

The cancellation of SR-22 insurance certificate in the form of sr-26 is a form submitted by an insurance company to inform the department that the SR-22 issued by that company has been terminated. The form SR26 filing may start suspension action by the department if the record of the individual shows that the SR22 is still required at the time the SR26 is received. This is the reason why your son should be certain the SR22 is no longer required by the state. You may contact your insurance agent or the Department of Public Safety to get more information.

Goodluck!

MariCAR