Everyone who practices safe driving techniques makes the roads safer for us all. We all make mistakes, but some drivers have complicated driving histories. They may recklessly endanger themselves, other drivers, pedestrians and passengers.
Reckless driving can send insurance rates skyrocketing. Offenders could also face stiff penalties under the law, not to mention high damage and injury costs.
When a driver has multiple instances of reckless driving, the local authorities and his or her insurance company could consider the policyholder a high-risk driver. In these cases, the state DMV may require the offender to provide proof of valid, active car insurance. This proof is a certificate called an SR-22. SR-22s are not insurance policies, but they verify that you carry an active policy.
What to do when you have and SR-22 requirement
If your state requires you to get an SR-22 certificate, do so without delay. Get in touch with your auto insurance company immediately.
Your agency may or may not be able to issue SR-22 certificates. If they can’t, they can likely refer you to an agency that can, indeed issue the form. Your insurance agency can likely issue an SR-22 certificate quickly and for a nominal fee.
Once you have the SR-22
After you have the SR-22 form on file with the DMV, you can likely return to the road. SR-22 forms usually stay on your DMV record for about two years. After that, they disappear from your record.
However, consider SR-22 coverage to be like a form of probation. Further driving offenses could lead to the loss of your SR-22 coverage and further penalties. To avoid losing your SR-22 coverage, you need to practice safe driving techniques.
Don’t rack up further driving offenses while you have an SR-22 policy.
- Keep your insurance policy active at all times. If you let your policy lapse, most states require your insurance agency to notify the DMV. The DMV will likely take action against you at that point.
- Don’t repeat the offenses that garnered the SR-22 requirement.
- Drive at a safe speed limit at all times. Obey all traffic rules.
- Keep a safe distance between yourself and other drivers. You can reduce the chances of an at-fault accident in this way.
- Follow all restrictions on your drivers’ license. Don’t drive without your glasses or any other required safety devices.
- Do not use your cell phone, other distracting devices, or put yourself at risk of DUI or DWI charges.
With appropriate steps, you can reduce your risks for further incidents that could jeopardize your SR-22 coverage.
Get in touch with Amco & Remco Insurance today. We can help you get an El Paso SR-22 insurance policy that will keep you safe on the road. Go online now for a fast, free quote to get the process started. Give us a call at (800) 282-2000 for more information.