When Do You Need SR22 Insurance?

SR22 is the short hand name given to the State Law that allows a person whose driver's license has been suspended to drive again. You can take advantage of this law if your license has been suspended for lack of insurance. The SR22 is a "rider" on your insurance that proves you have insurance, and it requires you to keep it up, for a certain amount of time. That amount of time is dependant upon the rules your state has developed; usually the time is two years.

Benefits

The major benefit of obtaining an SR22 is that you can drive legally, you will not be able to get insurance if your license has been suspended for no insurance. So, the SR22 is the only way you can get it back.

Considerations

If your license has been suspended for another reason, like drunk driving, you may still be able to get it back, but you can't take advantage of the SR22.
No matter why your license has been suspended, your insurance rates will be very high. You are considered an insurance risk.
Having insurance will protect your rights in an accident. It is very important that you keep this up, since it is in your best interest to do so. Also, it is state law.

Warning

If you have had your license suspended, you will not be able to get the state required insurance, thus, you can't get your car inspected or licensed. You will not be able to drive legally, and if you are caught, the local authorities will put you in jail. They have no choice in that matter, you will go to jail.

Effects

Although an SR22 will allow you to get insurance and drive, you will still have to obey all of the rules and traffic laws. If you get a ticket for anything else, this will cancel your SR22 and you are back to square one.

Prevention/Solution

Don't break the law; keep your car licensed and inspected.
Keep your insurance current.
Stay safe and don't drink and drive. Always use a designated driver.