How Much is SR22?

Reckless Driving and the SR-22 Bond

An SR22 bond or certification is required in almost every state. It is a supplement to an auto insurance or motorcycle insurance policy, but is required even if the driver doesn't own their own vehicle (commonly referred to as non-owner's SR22 insurance).

This requirement is most often the direct result of being charged with a serious driving infraction such as DUI, OWI, DWI, or driving without insurance. The minimum length of time that an SR22 certificate must be kept in force is 36-months. Failure to maintain SR22 certification will result in hefty fines and further legal action by the state.

Compliance with the court's verdict enables the driver to regain driving privileges. This applies to drivers who may drive for a living and may not own a vehicle or this requirement applies to drivers who do own one or more vehicles.

If the judge has issued a verdict calling for SR-22 Certification, the chances are good that other action by the driver will be required. This could be in the form of safe driving courses, or for DUI or DWI infractions, completion of certified rehabilitation programs.

While the court's actions are expensive and inconvenient, these actions reflect the seriousness of the infractions. The reality of SR-22 application and filing is that the process takes a minimum of 30 days. The driver, then, cannot drive during that period, regardless of whether or not the necessity to drive is job related or not.

When the SR-22 is paid for and accepted by the insurance company and filed with the state, the driver will receive a notice and letter of instruction from the state. At this point, the driver can resume driving activity as long as the SR-22 is in effect or until the court ordered term is achieved and the requirement for SR22 waived.

Drivers must understand that existence of automobile insurance does not alleviate the need for the SR-22. A valid insurance card or a valid insurance policy alone does not fulfill the SR-22 requirement.

Idiosyncrasies Within the System

The SR-22 certificate is designed to follow the driver wherever he or she may choose to live. If the driver is relocated by his employer or makes a decision to move to another state, the SR-22 requirement is supposed be continued in the new state. However, the system is not exactly fluid. Below, are some examples of inconsistencies in the system:

Example 1: If the driver purchases an SR-22 in Alaska as ordered by the court in Alaska, the minimum liability is 50/100/25. If the driver moves to Indiana where the minimum coverage is 25/50/10 liability limits, the driver is still required to maintain the SR-22 with the Alaska limits.

Example 2: If the driver who has been ordered to maintain the SR-22 Certificate moves to a state that does not require SR-22's, the driver must meet the SR-22 requirements from the state where the decision was reached.

It is best to remember that the requirements for SR-22 compliance are state specific. If a relocated driver has questions, he or she should call the Department of Motor Vehicles in the state where the verdict was issued. In no case should a relocated driver allow the SR-22 Certificate to expire without clarifying the expiration with the Department of Motor Vehicles.