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What is an SR22 and how is it a part of a San Diego DUI?

On Behalf of | Nov 20, 2015 | Firm News |

If you would like a video explanation of an SR 22 you can click here.

What is an SR22?  It is part of a San Diego DUI case.  It is needed in most situations.  You can stop googling and call our office to get a consultation on your case.  The key is to be proactive.  Call 858-751-4384.

An SR-22 is a DMV document that shows proof you have at least the minimum level of auto insurance coverage. This form is normally sent electronically by your insurance company to the DMV. The SR-22 is typically required by the DMV for three continuous years from the date the four-month driving suspension ended on a San Diego DUI case. If your policy lapses for any reason during this time, the insurance carrier is REQUIRED to notify the DMV. Failure to get your insurance re-instated could result in yet another license suspension.

An SR-22 is required if:

  • You were arrested for a DUI
  • Your license is suspended or restricted
  • You are required to complete a DUI program
  • You want to get a restricted license.

To get a restricted license after suspension or being convicted in court:

  • Pay a re-issue fee of $125.00,
  • Show proof of insurance (SR-22),
  • Show proof of enrollment in a DMV-approved DUI program.

An SR-22 is simply a financial responsibility form proving that you have insurance coverage. The insurance company files this form with the state on your behalf when you set up your insurance policy. Make sure you notify the insurance company that you need an SR-22, because not all companies provide this service.

When an SR-22 is required, it is usually required for three consecutive years. This can vary by state, and for the reason it was required. You will want to check with your Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to confirm how long it is required for your specific case.

An SR-22 requirement can be issued by the state or a judge. There are a variety of reasons that they can become required. Two of the most common times they are required is after receiving a ticket for DUI or driving without insurance.

Another version of the SR-22 is an FR-44. This serves the same function as the SR-22 but it requires the driver to obtain a higher level of insurance coverage. The FR-44 is usually required in cases where a driver has not kept up their SR-22 requirement.

What many people do not know is that when you cancel an insurance policy, that company will immediately notify the state that you are no longer covered and your SR-22 form will be rescinded. It is critical that if you are cancelling your policy because you are changing insurance companies, that you set up the new policy with an SR-22 before canceling your previous policy. Otherwise, your three year requirement starts from the beginning.

For example: After two years of being with the same company that has an SR-22 filed on your behalf, you decide to switch companies. You let your policy lapse on a Tuesday and set up a new policy on Wednesday with an SR-22, that one day lapse in coverage can cause your three years start over from the beginning. Most states will not “give you credit” for the previous two years. If you need an SR-22, find out for sure how long you are required to have it. If you change insurance companies make sure that you set up the new policy with an SR-22 before canceling your previous policy.

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