Get the Lowdown on Who Needs SR-22 Insurance in Ohio and For How Long
Having car insurance is essential in Ohio, but unfortunately, some drivers carry higher risk than others. If you are considered an at risk driver, you may be asked by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) to obtain SR-22 insurance. But what is SR-22 insurance, and who needs it? Lets dive deeper and get the lowdown on SR-22 insurance in Ohio.
Firstly, SR-22 is not a kind of insurance, but rather a certificate confirming you have the minimum auto liability coverage required by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles. If the Ohio BMV determines you are a risky driver, it may require that an SR-22 be filed on your behalf from your insurance company. So, if you have been asked to have SR-22 insurance, it means that you have been identified as a higher-risk driver because of certain violations.
The typical violations that can lead to the need for SR-22 insurance are getting caught driving with no valid insurance, driving with a suspended or revoked license, or multiple violations within a short period of time such as driving while intoxicated or convicted of reckless driving. In Ohio, if your drivers license was suspended or youve been convicted of a traffic violation that resulted in the Ohio BMV requiring an SR-22, it is required for a 3-year period.
Its important to know that obtaining an SR-22 can be an expensive process. Most insurance companies charge a fee to submit your SR-22 form to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, and these SR-22 fees can range from $20 to over $50. Additionally, you may also see an increase in your car insurance rates when the SR-22 is added to the policy. However, if you do have an SR-22 placed, youll be glad to know that in most cases, once you remove it, your premiums will decrease as well.
What if you dont comply? It is vital that you comply with the requirements set by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles; if you let your SR-22 insurance lapse or fail to renew it at the proper time, your insurance company can file a certificate revoking your SR-22 status, and the Ohio BMV may suspend your drivers license. In this case, youll have to re-apply for SR-22 and potentially face additional fees as your license is reinstated.
Its important to keep in mind that there may be other requirements the Ohio BMV may impose on you besides the SR-22 filing. You may be required to take a defensive driving course or pass a new driving test. These requirements depend on the nature of the violation that led to the SR-22 and can vary from case to case.
Now that you have the lowdown on SR-22 insurance in Ohio, you can rest assured that if you meet the requirements set by the BMV, you can also save money in the long run. You may want to spend time researching different insurance companies to find the most reliable coverage while keeping premiums affordable.
As far as ways to reduce risk, and reduce auto insurance cost, a great place to start is by avoiding traffic violations. Speeding, ignoring traffic lights, and aggressive driving are all behaviors that can increase your risk of receiving tickets and potentially require an SR-22. Practicing safe driving habits and maintaining your coverage is the best way to protect oneself from risk.
Another important thing to consider is that you may not need to be an Ohio resident to obtain an SR-22 in the state. In certain cases, you may be able to have an out of state SR-22 filed with the Ohio BMV. Using an out-of-state insurance company to obtain an SR-22, though, should always be done with caution, as you dont want to be held liable for a hefty fine in the event of a traffic violation.
If your license had been canceled prior to your obtaining SR-22 insurance, you may need to reapply for a new license. You may have to pass a written driving exam, a road test, and/or a vision screening. If your license was only suspended, you may be able to simply pay a reinstatement fee and present proof of the SR-22 insurance to the BMV to get your license back.
When searching for SR-22 insurance in Ohio, it may be helpful to know that not all insurers offer this type of coverage. Not only that, but different insurance companies have varying rules and fees associated with the process. Some may have waiting periods, higher fees, or more restrictions before the coverage can begin. Therefore, its important to compare the various SR-22 policies to see which best meets your needs.
In Ohio, SR-22 insurance is required for at least three years, and the state may also impose additional requirements such as an annual fee. Therefore, you need to ensure that you make the necessary arrangements to keep up with the payments to avoid letting your SR-22 lapse, as this can result in your license being suspended again. Its important to make sure you are compliant with all of the requirements throughout the three-year period so that your SR-22 status can be terminated when the time comes.
Another key factor to remember is that any traffic violation or accident that occurs while the SR-22 is in place can result in additional requirements being imposed by your states Department of Motor Vehicles. Be sure to check with your insurance provider to see what responsibilities are associated with your SR-22, and make sure you follow all of the rules to avoid any unintended penalties.
So what are the next steps? Before you can obtain any SR-22 coverage, youll need to get in touch with your insurance provider and determine whether or not they offer SR-22 filing for Ohio residents. Once you know this, you can inquire as to the cost and any other rules they may have that are pertinent to your policy. After you have obtained the SR-22, you will need to complete any additional requirements imposed by the Ohio BMV before your license can be reinstated.
Now you have a better understanding of SR-22 insurance in Ohio and are one step closer to being an informed driver. Being aware of your responsibilities ahead of time will help ensure that you are able to stay compliant with all of the conditions that are imposed on you. By understanding the background and following through with the proper actions, youll be ready to start your road to reinstatement and maintain the ability to drive in your state.
In conclusion, there are many aspects when it comes to obtaining SR-22 insurance in Ohio. Although the process may seem complicated, having a basic understanding of what is necessary can help reduce the stress and make the process easier. Start by researching various insurance policies to find the best deal that fits your needs, and remember to keep up with all requirements during the three-year period.
How can you keep your premiums up to date? Its not only important to pay your insurance bills on time and follow all traffic laws, but also vital in Ohio to take advantage of any discounts or savings available, such as defensive driving courses or accident prevention programs. These discounts can help you save money and reduce potential risks while youre on the road.
What if you have additional questions? Its important to make sure you understand all of the requirements that are set forth by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles before making any big decisions. Luckily, the Ohio BMV has an online customer service initiative to help drivers with any questions. With the right information, insurance, and effort, the SR-22 process can be a smooth experience.
