Did you spend some time in jail and get your license suspended for getting caught driving under the influence multiple times? Have you paid the price for the crime you committed and are now being allowed to reinstate your driver's license as long as certain conditions are met? If you are confused about one of the conditions because it requires a specific type of insurance, it is not as complicated as you think. You are likely required to show proof of what is known as SR-22 insurance to reinstate and keep your driving privileges. You will feel more aware of what is expected of you regarding SR-22 insurance after reading this article.

The Ease of Obtaining SR-22 Insurance

SR-22 insurance is not difficult to obtain, as it is not a typical insurance plan. You must have SR-22 insurance to prove that you have insurance coverage on your vehicle. Basically, you will be given a certificate of financial responsibility by your insurance company to prove that you can pay for other drivers' expenses if you cause an accident. If you stop paying for insurance, your insurance company will alert the DMV. You must obtain insurance from a company that offers SR-22 insurance, as not all insurance companies will provide the certificate.

How Long to Keep SR-22 Insurance

Once you have obtained SR-22 insurance from an insurance company, you must keep the insurance coverage for a specific amount of time. The reason for the certificate is that you are considered a risky driver. The authorities want to make sure you have coverage for several years because your risk of a collision is higher than other drivers. The duration of time that you must keep SR-22 insurance depends on the state in which you reside, but it is usually mandated for several years.

The Penalties for Not Having SR-22 Insurance

If you stop paying for insurance coverage after your driver's license has been reinstated, you will face penalties. For example, your license might get suspended again, or can possibly get revoked altogether. Depending on state laws, you might even be arrested and have to spend more time in jail than you did for driving under the influence. Keep in mind that moving to a different state does not mean that you are no longer obligated to maintain SR-22 insurance. You might have to get the certificate in the state that you move to or abide by other rules based on the state laws.