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Overview
An SR-22 is proof of financial responsibility on the part of a driver in Virginia and other states. It is issued to drivers considered to be high risk by insurance companies. After payment of an initial premium, it certifies that the driver is carrying the state's minimum liability insurance requirement. The SR-22 really functions as a way for a state's Division of Motor Vehicles to monitor drivers who have had their licenses suspended for violations, including driving without insurance, being involved in an accident without insurance coverage and piling up excessive points for moving violations. The insurance company issuing the SR-22 must immediately notify the Division of Motor Vehicles if the policy is allowed to cancel or lapse for any reason. The DMV will then suspend the driver's license.
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Step 1
Find an insurance company licensed to do business in Virginia that will sell you SR-22 high risk insurance. Not all insurance companies will do so. Check the cost, as this will be higher than normal car insurance, and determine if you can afford this. -
Step 2
Pay the initial premium due the insurance company. Keep in mind that SR-22 insurance must normally be kept in force in Virginia for at least 3 years. If the policy is ever allowed to lapse due to non-payment, the insurance company will notify the Division of Motor Vehicles immediately and your license will be suspended. -
Step 3
Get the SR-22 certificate from the insurance company, after you have paid the initial premium. -
Step 4
Take the SR-22 certificate to the local office of the Division of Motor Vehicles and put it on file. After payment of an administrative fee, your license will be reinstated.
- Skill: Moderately Challenging
- Ingredients:
- Company that sells SR-22 high risk insurance
- Premium for insurance policy
- SR-22 certificate
- Tip: In Virginia, you will be required to file an SR-22 if your license has been suspended for one of the following reasons: if you are involved in an accident where you did not have the minimum liability insurance required by the State of Virginia; if you are stopped and found to be driving without insurance; if you exceed the maximum allowable points against your driver's license for speeding and other moving violations; or if you have a conviction of Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol. This will require what is known as an FR-44 filing (see Warnings).
- Tip: Wessell Insurance Services at (866) 663-7561 is duly licensed to do business in the State of Virginia and will sell you SR-22 coverage.
- Warning:
- In Virginia, if your license is suspended for an alcohol related offense such as Driving Under the Influence, you will be required to file an enhanced SR-22 which is known as an FR-44. Under the FR-44, the liability insurance required is doubled. Virginia is currently the only state which requires this extra protection for the public where a high risk driver is involved.
- If your SR-22 coverage is ever cancelled, or you allow it to expire due to non-payment, the Division of Motor Vehicles will be notified and your license will be suspended.
