Every state requires drivers to carry auto insurance, but keeping that coverage is not always easy after a DUI or suspension. The best way to retain affordable insurance is to understand your legal obligations and apply for an SR22 insurance quote.

Who Needs SR22 Insurance?
Not everyone needs SR22 insurance. The top reasons for needing this type of coverage are the following: driving without insurance, driving while intoxicated, too many moving violations, and suspension or revocation of a driver’s license. If you meet one of these conditions, you will likely be contacted by the Department of Motor Vehicles and your car insurance company.

An SR22 insurance quote is not any different than traditional insurance, except that the insurance company must meet the state’s filing regulations and deadlines. Technically, SR22 insurance does not exist. It is simply a combination of meeting both the state’s regular insurance requirements and finding an insurer that will file the SR22. An SR22 is a document demonstrating financial responsibility, or the ability to pay for damages in the case of a collision. Not all companies offer SR22 insurance.

Getting an SR22 Insurance Quote
Some insurance companies are unwilling to protect a driver who has been hit with a financial responsibility requirement. If you are dropped by your carrier, you will need to shop around for affordable SR22 insurance quotes. You should compare quotes from a number of companies to get the best deal.

Your SR22 insurance quote must be for at least the minimum car insurance requirements set by the state. You can purchase a higher level of insurance, but anything less will not fulfill your legal obligation. If you fail to comply with the law, you risk losing your driving privileges completely.

Most violations require a motorist to file the SR22 insurance form for three years. No matter how long this probationary period is, you must carry SR22 insurance for the entire length. If your policy is canceled or you stop making the payments, the auto insurance company is obligated to report that information to the state.

Can I Stop Filing If I Move?
Once your state requires you to file an SR22 form, you must continue to do so until the probationary period runs out. Moving does not change the situation. For example, if you are caught driving without car insurance in Florida, you will need to start the SR22 filings. If you move to Delaware, a state that does not mandate SR22 documents, you will still need to file in Florida. You will also need to buy auto insurance for Delaware, even though it will not be an SR22 insurance quote. The following states do not currently require SR22 insurance: Delaware, Kentucky, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania.

Driving After the SR22 Insurance Requirement Ends
When your probationary period ends, your insurance company can stop filing the SR22 documents. Since most companies charge for these extra services, you may need to contact your insurance company for a rate reduction. If they will not lower your current SR22 insurance premiums, you may need to apply for insurance at other companies. As with SR22 insurance quotes, comparing free quotes from several different insurers can save you hundreds of dollars per year off the cost of auto insurance.