I am Attorney Benjamin Arnold, I often encounter clients who are required to obtain SR-22 insurance. Understanding what SR-22 insurance entails and why it’s important can help you navigate this often complex requirement. This article aims to provide a clear explanation of SR-22 insurance, its necessity, and how it impacts you as a driver.
What is SR-22 Insurance?
SR-22 insurance is not actually a type of insurance policy. Instead, it is a certificate of financial responsibility required by the Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR). This certificate verifies that a driver has the minimum amount of liability insurance coverage required by the state. The SR-22 form is filed by your insurance company with the DOR to prove that you have purchased the necessary coverage.
When is SR-22 Insurance Required?
You may be required to file an SR-22 form in Missouri if you fall into certain categories of high-risk drivers. Common scenarios where SR-22 insurance is mandated include:
- DUI or DWI Convictions: Driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) are serious offenses that often result in the need for SR-22 insurance.
- At-Fault Accidents Without Insurance: If you are involved in an accident and do not have insurance, you may be required to file an SR-22.
- Multiple Traffic Offenses: Accumulating several traffic violations within a short period can trigger the SR-22 requirement.
- Driving Without Insurance: Being caught driving without the minimum required insurance can lead to the need for SR-22 insurance.
- License Suspension or Revocation: Certain infractions that lead to the suspension or revocation of your driver’s license may also require SR-22 insurance to reinstate your driving privileges.
Importance of SR-22 Insurance
Understanding the importance of SR-22 insurance is crucial for anyone required to obtain it. Here are several reasons why maintaining SR-22 insurance is essential:
- Legal Compliance: Filing an SR-22 form is a legal requirement for reinstating your driving privileges in Missouri after certain offenses. Failure to comply can result in further penalties, including additional fines and extended suspension of your driving privileges.
- Proof of Financial Responsibility: The SR-22 form serves as proof that you carry the state-mandated minimum liability insurance. This is important not only for legal reasons but also to ensure that you are financially responsible in case of an accident.
- Restoring Driving Privileges: If your driver’s license has been suspended or revoked, obtaining SR-22 insurance is often a necessary step to have your driving privileges reinstated. Without it, you may remain unable to legally drive, impacting your ability to work, attend school, or manage other responsibilities.
- Avoiding Further Penalties: Once you are required to have SR-22 insurance, maintaining continuous coverage is crucial. If your SR-22 insurance lapses, your insurance company is obligated to inform the DOR, which can lead to the suspension of your driver’s license again and additional penalties.
How to Obtain SR-22 Insurance in Missouri
Obtaining SR-22 insurance in Missouri involves several steps. Here’s what you need to know:
- Contact Your Insurance Provider: Not all insurance companies offer SR-22 filing services. It’s important to contact your current provider to see if they can file an SR-22 on your behalf. If they cannot, you will need to find an insurance company that offers this service.
- Pay the Filing Fee: There is typically a fee associated with filing an SR-22 form. This fee is in addition to your regular insurance premium and usually ranges from $15 to $25, although it can vary.
- Maintain Coverage: You must maintain the SR-22 insurance for a specified period, which is generally three years in Missouri. During this time, you need to ensure that your insurance coverage does not lapse. Any lapse in coverage will result in your insurance company notifying the DOR, potentially leading to the suspension of your driver’s license.
- Verify Minimum Liability Coverage: The SR-22 certificate ensures you have the state-required minimum liability insurance coverage, which in Missouri includes:
- $25,000 for bodily injury per person
- $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 for property damage per accident
The Cost of SR-22 Insurance
One of the concerns many drivers have about SR-22 insurance is the cost. Since SR-22 insurance is associated with high-risk drivers, premiums can be significantly higher than standard insurance rates. Here’s what to expect in terms of cost:
- Higher Premiums: Because you are considered a high-risk driver, your insurance premiums will be higher. The increase can vary depending on your driving history, the severity of your offenses, and the insurance company’s policies.
- Filing Fees: In addition to higher premiums, you will need to pay a fee for the SR-22 filing itself. This is usually a one-time fee, but it’s essential to budget for it.
Duration of SR-22 Requirement
In Missouri, the SR-22 requirement typically lasts for three years. However, the exact duration can vary based on the specific circumstances of your case. It’s crucial to maintain your SR-22 insurance for the entire mandated period to avoid any interruptions in your driving privileges.
What Happens if SR-22 Lapses?
Maintaining continuous SR-22 insurance coverage is vital. If your SR-22 insurance lapses for any reason, the consequences can be severe:
- Immediate Notification to the DOR: Your insurance company is required to notify the Missouri Department of Revenue immediately if your SR-22 insurance lapses.
- License Suspension: Upon receiving notification of the lapse, the DOR may suspend or revoke your driver’s license. This means you will lose your driving privileges until you can reinstate your SR-22 insurance.
- Additional Penalties: In addition to license suspension, you may face other penalties, including fines and an extended SR-22 requirement period.
Canceling SR-22 Insurance
Once you have fulfilled the SR-22 requirement period, you can cancel the SR-22 filing. Here’s how to go about it:
- Completion Period: Ensure that you have met the SR-22 requirement for the full mandated period, usually three years.
- Notify Your Insurance Company: Inform your insurance company that you have fulfilled the SR-22 requirement and that you wish to cancel the SR-22 filing.
- Confirmation from the DOR: Obtain confirmation from the Missouri Department of Revenue that your SR-22 requirement has been satisfied. It’s essential to get this confirmation to avoid any potential misunderstandings or future issues.
Final Thoughts
SR-22 insurance is a critical aspect of regaining and maintaining your driving privileges in Missouri if you have been deemed a high-risk driver. Understanding the requirements, costs, and implications of SR-22 insurance can help you navigate this process more effectively. By maintaining continuous coverage and complying with the state’s requirements, you can work towards reinstating your driving privileges and returning to the road with confidence.
If you have any questions or need assistance with your SR-22 insurance, please do not hesitate to contact my office at 913-777-4357 or visit my website at kcdui.com. We are here to help you understand your legal obligations and ensure you are compliant with Missouri’s requirements.
