How Long Do You Need SR22 Insurance in Colorado?
Drunken driving and other offenses carry serious fines and penalties. If a driver is convicted of a DUI, the state of Colorado will keep it on their driving history forever, which means any insurance company will consider them to be a higher risk. For a period after a driver is convicted of certain offenses, they are also required to carry a special type of vehicle insurance called SR22 insurance.
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SR22 Insurance Defined
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In the state of Colorado, SR22 insurance is a rider, or add-on, to a driver's regular policy. It serves as a guarantee from the insurer that a driver will maintain at least the minimum level of liability insurance coverage required by the state. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) typically requires the policy in order for a driver to get their license and driving privileges back. Additionally, in some cases the person will only be able to obtain a license with restricted driving privileges such as a commute to work.
Drivers Affected
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Drivers who have been convicted of a DUI (driving under the influence); who have excessive speeding or other tickets on their record; who have been involved in an accident while uninsured, or have been convicted of a DWAI (driving while ability impaired) are required to carry SR22 insurance. A DWAI conviction in Colorado is for drivers who do not have a high enough blood-alcohol content for a DUI but still show impairment in their ability to operate a motor vehicle.
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Holding Time Period
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SR22 insurance is typically required for a period of three years in Colorado. If a judge feels the driver or situation warrants it, they can require a driver to carry SR22 insurance for up to five years.
Lapsed Policies
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If a driver decides to stop paying their SR22 policy or otherwise lets it lapse, their insurance company will immediately contact Colorado's Department of Motor Vehicles, and the driver will have their license suspended. In order to regain the use of their license a driver will have to pay a fee and have their insurer file a new SR22 form for them. In addition, the required period they need to carry the SR22 insurance will reset to the beginning. Even if the coverage lapsed one week before the three-year required carrying period was up, a driver would have to carry the SR22 insurance for another whole three-year period.
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