So, your bad driving has caught up to you and your license has been suspended. Symptoms of bad driving may include:

• DUI (DWI/OUI)
• Reckless driving
• At-fault accidents
• Driving without insurance
• Other offenses

The good news is that if you file an SR-22 with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), you can have your license reinstated; and hopefully you’ll begin to adopt safer driving habits.

What is an SR-22?

Although most people believe that an SR-22 is a special insurance policy, this is not the case. An SR-22 is nothing more than a form of proof of insurance. Usually, a state DMV requests that you offer proof of your insurance other than your insurance card or policy directly from an insurance carrier, known as the SR-22 Insurance certificate.

The reason for this is that premiums skyrocket for too many points on your license, a serious accident, a DUI or driving without insurance. Too often, people do not keep up the minimum car insurance that is needed in the state. But an SR-22 is one way of making sure that drivers who display risky behavior have enough insurance. Generally, to have a license restored after it is suspended or revoked, citizens affected can get their license activated only if they have an SR-22 from their auto insurance provider on file. The SR-22 is simply a way of proving you have enough car insurance to meet minimum state auto insurance requirements.

Getting the SR-22 Certificate

Unfortunately, a number of excellent insurance companies do not insure high-risk drivers needing an SR-22. However, many independent insurance agents are partnered with numerous insurance carriers that can provide this coverage to high-risk drivers.

How Long Will it Last?

If you learn your lesson and have no more moving violations or accidents, most states stop requiring an SR-22 after three years. In addition, you only need an SR-22 if a judge says you need it. So once you’ve fulfilled your SR-22 timeframe, ask your insurance provider to have the filing taken off your insurance policy.

How Costly is an SR-22?

Folks with existing auto insurance can simply ask their insurance company to file an SR-22 with the state. The filing fee is not too costly and it is only for three years if your driving improves. But, your insurance rates may increase if the need for an SR-22 is related to a moving violation or a car crash.

Follow the rules of the road and ultimately the SR-22 car insurance requirement goes away after time, and your insurance rates can go back down. But a little bit of caution behind the wheel can go a long way in ensuring you may never need this coverage.

We’ll help you get the coverage you need. Call Peachstate Insurance at (877) 997-2478 for more information on Atlanta SR-22 insurance.