Between 2009 and 2018, more than 9,200 Californians died in alcohol-related car accidents. As part of its efforts to combat intoxicated driving and its devastating consequences, California participates in the SR-22 insurance program.
But what is SR-22? Who needs it and where can they get it? Here are the facts every driver needs about SR-22 in California.
Is SR-22 California a Type of Insurance?
Contrary to popular misconception, SR-22 is not a type of insurance policy. Instead, SR-22 refers to a specific set of safety responsibility (SR) forms. Any of these forms may also be referred to as a California insurance proof certificate.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles uses SR-22 forms to verify that high-risk drivers have state-required motor vehicle insurance. Once an insurer issues an SR-22 form on a policyholder, the company is legally required to notify the DMV if the policyholder cancels, defaults on, or reduces their coverage below the state’s minimum level.
Drivers who do not maintain their coverage for the full period required by the DMV, which is usually three to five years, may have their licenses suspended or revoked.
Types of SR-22 Certificates
There are three primary kinds of SR-22 certificates. Which certificate a driver needs will depend on their vehicle ownership and driving habits.
An owner certificate verifies that drivers have adequate coverage on any vehicles they own. Drivers with this type of certificate may drive only their own covered vehicles.
An owner-operator certificate verifies that drivers carry coverage on not only their own vehicles but any other vehicles they drive as well. This enables them to drive any vehicle they are licensed to operate.
A non-owner certificate applies only to drivers who have a license and wish to drive but do not own their own vehicles.
Minimum Coverage
In order to qualify for an SR-22 form, motorists must carry liability coverage with at least:
- $5,000 worth of property damage per accident
- $15,000 worth of bodily injuries per person
- $30,000 worth of bodily injuries per accident
Who Needs an SR-22 Form?
The California Department of Motor Vehicles may require drivers to submit SR-22 certificates if they are found guilty of:
- Driving without a valid license
- Driving without insurance or with insurance below state minimum requirements
- Alcohol-related offenses such as a DWI or DUI conviction
- Reckless driving
- Uninsured driving in combination with a car wreck
- Repeat traffic offenses
- Amassing too many points on their licenses
Also, SR-22s are almost always required to get one’s license reinstated after it has been suspended or revoked for any reason.
In most cases, drivers need an SR-22 form that covers a period of three years. Importantly, however, if they commit new offenses during that time or allow their coverage to lapse, that three-year period resets. Thus, failure to carry the right insurance consistently and maintain a clean driving record can:
- Extend the length of time a driver needs an SR-22 on file with the DMV
- Lead to ongoing high insurance costs
- Cause a driver to lose their license
How Do You Know If You Need an SR-22 Form?
Drivers who need to submit an SR-22 form will be notified directly by the DMV. The DMV will supply a date by which they must receive the form and spell out the consequences if drivers do not submit one.
How to Get an SR-22 Form
The only way to get an SR-22 form is to request one from your insurance provider. The provider will:
- Send a copy to the DMV on your behalf
- Store an electronic copy in the system for authorities to reference
- Issue you a copy for your records
If you do not already have a policy that covers the state minimum requirements, you will need to upgrade your existing policy or purchase a new policy that meets state standards. By law, drivers must purchase adequate coverage through a single provider who can verify their compliance with state standards. They cannot piecemeal together coverage from various places and still qualify for an SR-22 certificate.
Insurers may charge a modest processing fee to create and submit an SR-22 form to the DMV on a driver’s behalf. If drivers allow their coverage to lapse, they may need to request and pay for a second certificate when they reinstate their coverage.
Timing
It is important to note that not all insurers issue certificates in the same timely manner. Some insurers can take up to 30 days to issue an SR-22. As such, it is essential that drivers talk to their insurers about issuance times when requesting a form.
Some insurers can issue an SR-22 certificate instantly, which can be invaluable for drivers seeking to comply with state DMV rulings before they lose their license.
Crossing State Lines
Drivers should be aware that the need for an SR-22 is tied to their license rather than their presence in a state. Drivers who move out of state before their SR-22 term is up must still maintain their insurance to California’s mandated levels. Failure to do so may cost them their licenses.
Often, drivers who move out of state must also file an SR-22 with the DMV in their new state of residence. If that state has different minimum insurance requirements, drivers must purchase coverage that meets both the standards of that state and California’s standards. They must hold that coverage until their mandated SR-22 term finishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Drivers often wonder “does getting an SR-22 raise my insurance rates?”
The answer to this is no. The original offense or offenses that lead to the DMV demanding an SR-22 may raise a driver’s insurance rates, but the SR-22 mandate itself does not.
Another common question among drivers is “how can I avoid needing an SR-22?”
Once the DMV orders a driver to submit an SR-22, there is nothing they can do except comply with the terms. The best way to avoid reaching that point altogether is to cultivate safe and lawful driving habits and to purchase and maintain appropriate insurance at all times.
Drivers may also take advantage of any options that allow them to prevent the accumulation of points on their licenses. For example, they may be able to get some points removed by participating in defensive driving courses.
Find the Insurance That’s Right for You
Choosing the right insurance can help you avoid an SR-22 in California or get one over with as painlessly as possible. Contact us today and let our insurance experts help you select and secure the insurance that’s right for you.
