What Is an SR-22 in Virginia?
An SR-22 is a policy that Virginia requires some individuals to carry along with their auto insurance. It is not insurance. It is a certification that means that the driver is carrying the required liability coverage, referred to as proof of financial responsibility. The court could require an individual to carry an SR-22 for a variety of criminal convictions.
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SR-22 Certification Requirements
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Virginia requires drivers to carry an SR-22 certification if the court finds the driver guilty of any of the following convictions: unsatisfied judgments, a conviction resulting in a driver license suspension, a suspension for an uninsured motor vehicle, a conviction for failure to show proof of insurance with respect to insurance monitoring, and a conviction for falsifying an insurance certification.
Convictions Resulting in Driver's License Suspension
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SR-22 certifications are mandatory for drivers who received a license suspension under any of the following convictions: involuntary or voluntary manslaughter; perjury to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) by making a false affidavit on a motor vehicle registration application or a false statement on an application for a driver's license; any felony conviction in violation of a vehicle law or a felony conviction that involved the use of a vehicle; failure of a driver to stop and provide his information at the scene of an accident resulting in death or personal bodily injury; or operating or allowing another to operate an automobile for transportation of other passengers for hire without a license, as a second offense.
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Limits for Liability Coverage
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The minimum insurance coverage a driver carrying an SR-22 can purchase is $25,000 for the bodily injury or death of on individual, $50,000 for the bodily injury or death of two or more individuals and $20,000 for property damage.
Duration
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An SR-22 is filed with the DMV for three years. During that time window, the driver must carry the minimum insurance requirements. At the end of the three-year period, the driver can remove the SR-22 by informing his insurance agent of the termination. Some insurance companies require proof of termination of the SR-22 from the DMV.
FR-44
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Virginia requires an SR-22 for drivers whom it considers "high risk." The next level of coverage for high-risk drivers is an FR-44, which requires minimum liability coverage that is double that of an SR-22.
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References
- Photo Credit driving 4 image by Andrzej Borowicz from Fotolia.com
