You’re likely here because you or someone you know has recently received a major driving infraction in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, and is now required to get SR22 insurance. But what exactly is an SR22, where do you get one, and how long do you need to have one? Keep reading below to learn everything you need to know about SR22 insurance.
First off, an SR22 has many names – SR22 insurance, SR22 certificate, and Certificate of Financial Responsibility. However, this is not actually a type of insurance, but rather a form that must be filed by an insurance agency with the state on your behalf, verifying that you have high risk insurance in place.
During the period of time an SR22 is required of you, you’ll have to pay more for car insurance than you otherwise would. But these higher rates won’t haunt you forever. In fact, if you keep your driving record clean and stay properly insured for the required duration of time given to you by the state of Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or the court you appeared at, you will be paying standard rates again after just a few years.
When it comes to getting an SR22 filed with the state, it’s important to note that not all insurance companies are able to do so for you, nor will they all penalize you equally. If your current insurance company does not specialize in high risk auto insurance, you’ll have to start shopping for an agency that does – like Action Insurance Agency. And for those who don’t own a car, a good option for you in this situation might be non-owner insurance.
When is an SR22 Necessary?
We mentioned above that SR22 insurance is required after major infractions on a driving infraction. To list a few examples, these infractions could include:
- DWIs or DUIs
- A serious moving violation
- License suspension or revocation
- Multiple traffic offenses
- Failure to maintain the auto insurance coverage required
If you’ve experienced one of these driving infractions, and you are required to get an SR22 certificate, you will receive a letter in the mail from Wisconsin DMV or the court you appeared at. Part of your high risk auto coverage financial obligations entail a nominal fee for the insurance agency that provides an SR22 certificate to the state on your behalf.
SR22 Insurance Defined
As briefly touched on already, an SR22 is a form that must be filed by an insurance company that specializes in high risk auto insurance to the state on your behalf. This form certifies that you have the state-mandated high risk driver insurance in place for the required amount of time given to you by the state or court. This Certificate of Financial Responsibility also states that you are financially responsible for any accidents. Should you fail to meet any of the mandated terms of the SR22 certificate, your insurer is also required by law to inform the state, which will penalize you further.
SR22 Terms & Requirements
The requirements for SR22s and high risk insurance may vary by state; however, in the state of Wisconsin, you generally must retain both the SR22 and your insurance policy for three years. As previously mentioned, if your insurance policy lapses for any reason, your insurer is required to notify the state of Wisconsin DMV. The state will then revoke your driver’s license until the high risk driver insurance has been reinstated, and your time requirements for how long you have to have the insurance may start over. Once you have met your SR22 certificate obligations, you will have a wider variety of auto insurance coverage options available to you again, and you will be able to enjoy lower insurance premiums and standard rates once more.
We know you likely still have questions, and that’s why we’re here to help! Contact the experts of high risk insurance at Action Insurance Agency to discuss your SR22 requirements in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, and/or surrounding areas.
About Sun Prairie, WI
Sun Prairie is a suburb located in Dane county about 12 miles northeast of Madison. In 1837, President Van Buren commissioned a team of 45 men to travel to Madison and establish a territory capital. Two weeks later, the settlers arrived and named the area Sun Prairie. Two years later, Charles Bird returned to the area and became the first settler. The town gradually grew into a city, and in 1958, Sun Prairie was officially incorporated.
Where to Get SR22 Insurance
The only way to obtain an SR22 Certificate of Financial Responsibility is to have a high risk insurance specialist like Action Insurance Agency file it on your behalf to the state after you enroll in high risk auto insurance. If you have an existing auto policy, check with your insurer, as you may be able to add the coverage onto your policy and have them file your SR22 with the state. If your current insurance agency can’t file the form, or you’re uninsured, you’ll need to shop for a new policy. When you choose to work with Action Insurance Agency, we make the process as simple as possible with a brief phone call followed by a free, instant quote.
How to Know When an SR22 is Necessary
There are a handful of reasons that an SR22 certificate may be required, including:
- A DUI, DWI, or another major alcohol violation
- Many traffic offenses over a short time period
- A hardship or probationary license is needed
- Getting pulled over or getting into an accident while driving without insurance
- A serious moving violation conviction like negligent or reckless driving
- Not carrying car insurance on your registered vehicle
- Needing to reinstate your license after a suspension or revocation
If you fall into one of these categories, don’t fear! Action Insurance Agency specializes in helping drivers with these infractions on their record, and we can help make the process quick and easy for you. Once you get an SR22, your license and/or registration can be reinstated, and you will be able to drive again.
But remember, an SR22 Certificate of Financial Responsibility is not always required if one of these infractions occurs. You will know if one is required when you are informed by the court or the state of Wisconsin. They will send you a letter in the mail detailing why an SR22 certificate is required, the high risk driver insurance terms and requirements, and how long the SR22 form must remain on file.
For how long do you need an SR22?
We’ve mentioned that the average length of time an SR22 is required to be filed with the state of Wisconsin (and most other states) is three years. However, there are a couple of factors that can make the period of time vary, such as the offense and when your state determines your time period begins. It can begin with the conviction date, suspension date, offense date, or the date that you reinstate your license.
It’s vital you know how long the SR22 is required because if you cancel your high risk car insurance before you meet your time obligations, your insurer is required to inform the state, and you will be penalized. Further penalties could include your license and/or registration being suspended or revoked or the time period of how long you need your SR22 insurance on file could reset again. On the contrary, when you keep your driving record clean and maintain your insurance for the required time limit, your car insurance rates and premiums will go down with time.
At Action Insurance Agency, we can inform you of any additional questions or details you may need in one short phone call so you can be sure to avoid unnecessary delays and/or penalties.
What happens to an SR22 if you move?
With SR22 insurance staying on file for a few years, we know that life goes on and people may move out of state. But what happens to your Certificate of Financial Responsibility when you do move?
If you move to one of the states listed below, an SR22 is not required. However, each does have its own form of the certificate and insurance requirements, so it’s important to contact your insurance provider when you move to one of the following states:
- New Mexico
- Pennsylvania
- New York
- Kentucky
- Minnesota
- North Carolina
- Delaware
- Oklahoma
If you have SR22 insurance on file with one state and move to another, usually you are still required to meet the terms of the state where the driving infraction was committed. If you leave the state of Wisconsin, Action Insurance Agency can help point you in the right direction for an out-of-state SR22 filing.
Action Insurance Agency & SR22 Certificates
It’s common knowledge that not all insurance companies are created equal, nor are they all willing to file an SR22 for high risk drivers, as some may not want to insure a driver with major infractions on their record.
However, at Action Insurance Agency, we specialize in SR22s, meaning we are used to helping people who need high risk insurance. We believe that whatever caused you to need SR22 insurance has caused enough inconvenience in your life. Let us help you get your SR22 filed with the state and make sure that you have the best high risk insurance provider in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin.
Contact our local agents at Action Insurance Agency today for an instant quote from the high risk driver insurance experts!