sr22 ohio how long for lapse insurance
What does it mean when youre told that you need an SR-22 in Ohio? Its actually not as daunting as it may sound. An SR-22 is simply a form that is required by the state of Ohio when someone has had their license suspended and they are looking to get it reinstated. The SR-22 proves to the state that you have adequate liability insurance coverage. Its basically a proof of insurance form. It is usually only requested for drivers who have had their license suspended or revoked due to DUI/OWI convictions or tickets that they failed to pay.
Ohio requires an SR-22 form to be submitted to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. The SR-22 must be kept on file with the BMV for a minimum of three years, starting from the date the SR-22 was first filed. Once the three year period has passed, the SR-22 form can be removed from active status. This means you no longer need to keep the SR-22 form on file.
So how long do you have to keep an SR-22 insurance policy in Ohio? Generally speaking, you will need to keep the policy active for the full three years. However, if you cancel or allow your SR-22 liability insurance to lapse during the three year period, the BMV can take action, such as suspending your license again, more fines, or even jail time.
It is important to keep your policy active and in effect at all times during the three-year period. That means that if your policy has expired, you should renew it immediately, or you may face the consequences. To be extra safe, its a good idea to set yourself a schedule to renew it before it expires. This will ensure that you never miss a payment and your SR-22 insurance policy stays in effect.
HOWEVER, be aware that insurance companies are known to raise rates for those carrying SR-22s. So its important to shop around and get a good set of different quotes that you can compare. Health insurance has the same rates for everyone, but auto insurance is different – each person tends to have a different set of rates. By shopping around, you can save some money on your insurance so that the cost of the SR-22 form itself isnt too painful.
Lastly, its important to remember that the three year period of the SR-22 requirement is separate from any other suspensions or revocations. Even if the three years are up, if you have other suspensions or revocations that have not been taken care of, your license will still be suspended until those other issues are resolved.
But regardless of the SR-22 Insurance policies, keep in mind that it is important to be financially responsible and maintain liability coverage to protect yourself and your assets. Thats why an SR-22 is required for drivers with suspensions or revocations in the first place. Be proactive in managing your SR-22, and youll be sure to keep your license in good standing.
Not all drivers need an SR-22 in Ohio, but if you do, it is important to monitor your liability insurance coverage for the full three years. It is also important to be proactive in shopping for the best auto insurance rates, before and after an SR-22 is issued.
IN ADDITION:
It is important to remember that while an SR-22 may make your auto insurance more expensive, it can be a necessary step when it comes to respecting the law and keeping your license valid. A lapse in insurance could result in not only a hefty fine, but another suspension or revocation of your license, ruining any progress you have made. Maintaining good driving habits and keeping your insurance with a licensed provider in Ohio is essential to keeping your license active.
Moreover, consider that there are certain circumstances where drivers may be required to carry higher limits of auto insurance once theyve received an SR-22 form. This includes coverage for property damage liability, bodily injury, and uninsured and underinsured motorists. Check with your insurance provider to make sure you have the required coverage and limits, as penalties for not meeting these requirements can be severe.
Also be aware that after you have satisfied the three year time frame, you may still be required to carry an SR-22 beyond that three year period. Factors such as DUI convictions, multiple tickets, not meeting financial responsibility requirements, and/or being involved in an at-fault accident can all contribute to the need to carry an SR-22 form past three years.
Further, get into the habit of checking your insurance policy at least once a year. By doing this, you can make sure your policy is up-to-date and youre insured for the right coverage, especially when it comes to higher limits of auto insurance after having an SR-22. This will help you from having to pay out-of-pocket costs for unprotected accidents.
Lastly, if you do have to get an SR-22 in Ohio, make sure to double check with your insurance company that the form is submitted. Its important to know that insurance companies must submit the SR-22 form to the BMV electronically its not enough for just you to have the form in hand. The SR-22 form must be on record with the BMV in order for your license to be reinstated and your driving privileges to become active again.