FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021
Whenever you drive, you are putting yourself at risk of accidents or other hazards. You can’t control the behavior of other drivers, but you can take responsibility for yourself. That’s why it’s up to you to follow the rules of the road, and if you get caught breaking the law, you must accept the consequences.
Traffic violations could range from written warnings to citations, fines, license suspensions and even SR-22 penalties. All these penalties can cause financial hardship and an increase in your auto insurance rates. Still, the SR-22 penalty in particular is often extremely financially disadvantageous, and can have significant long-term consequences. However, SR-22 penalties are often some of the biggest blows to your wallet. Why is this the case?
To auto insurers, SR-22s are clear indicators that the policyholder in question is a massive risk to insure. Therefore, insurers must protect their financial investment in these drivers. As a result, SR-22 recipients are more likely overall to pay more for their auto insurance coverage. Therefore, it’s much more efficient to do all you can to avoid this risk in the first place.
Understanding The SR-22
An SR-22 on its face is simply a certificate that proves for a state’s DMV that a driver has an active car insurance policy. Most states required insurance of all drivers, and those who fail to do so will face penalties. Still, not all drivers have to carry an SR-22. The SR-22 is an added measure imposed on drivers with the highest driving risks, to ensure that they always have a policy in place.
So, what causes an SR-22 penalty to be instituted in the first place? Depending on where you live, the triggers will vary, but often include:
All of these issues are considered severe driving infractions in most jurisdictions. Simply put, if your actions behind the wheel show that you cannot drive safely, then you might get an SR-22. It will likely remain on your driving record for a couple of years. You must keep your policy active for the duration of the penalty period. If you ever let your coverage lapse, your state’s DMV will be notified, and you will face penalties.
It’s much easier to do all you can to avoid committing actions, like those above, that could trigger an SR-22 penalty. Let’s take a closer look at how you might be able to do so.
Driving Without Insurance
Since an SR-22 forces you to carry car insurance, it’s pretty obvious why you might have to get one if you fail to carry a policy in the first place. Therefore, as soon as you become a licensed driver, make sure you are covered by insurance.
Almost every state requires you to carry minimum levels of insurance. Most require liability insurance. This coverage protects other parties in the event your actions cause harm to them. Always get at least the minimum state requirements. However, consider upgrading your coverage to include higher limits and more protection.
Driving with a Suspended License
Your driver’s license might expire or be revoked by the authorities if you commit a serious offense. If you drive without a license, then you are not supposed to be driving in the first place, and regardless of whether the vehicle is insured, an SR-22 might be instituted as part of your penalty. It will usually take effect as soon as you are re-licensed.
DUI Or DWI Offenses
As far as reckless driving goes, DUI and DWI charges are among the most dangerous acts anyone can commit. If you drive drunk (or otherwise impaired), you cannot operate a vehicle safely. You create significant security risks for everyone around you. It stands to reason, given the circumstances, that an SR-22 might result from getting caught.
Avoiding DUI charges doesn’t have to be hard. You simply shouldn’t drink and drive. Take public transportation, ride with a designated driver or make other travel arrangements. If you have even had one drink, carefully consider whether you feel safe behind the wheel. Do not risk putting yourself and others in danger.
Frequent Moving Violations
No one really wants to get a speeding ticket or similar charge. These infractions are usually relatively minor and don’t impact you forever. Yet, they sometimes can cause your auto insurance rates to rise. So, the more infractions you accumulate, the higher your likelihood of receiving an SR-22 might prove.
Severe At-Fault Accidents
If you run a red light and hit another car, the authorities might hold you responsible, and you might have to pay for both your own and any affected third party’s damage. When you cause an accident, you show that you have significant operating risks behind you. Thus, the SR-22 will force you to honor your financial duty to others in case a problem occurs.
The simplest ways to avoid SR-22s are to follow the rules of the road. Don’t speed, keep your license and registration active and always carry car insurance. The more care you take when driving, the better your chances of never facing this penalty.
No Comments
Post a Comment |
|
Required
|
|
Required (Not Displayed)
|
|
Required
|
All comments are moderated and stripped of HTML.
|
|
|
|
|
|
NOTICE: This blog and website are made available by the publisher for educational and informational purposes only.
It is not be used as a substitute for competent insurance, legal, or tax advice from a licensed professional
in your state. By using this blog site you understand that there is no broker client relationship between
you and the blog and website publisher.
|
Blog Archive
|