My husband got his license suspended because he was caught driving without car insurance, they said the only way to get his license back is through an SR22 car insurance policy, what is that and how do we get one? I dont have a lot of cash to spend, so I need something cheap and just the minimum coverage needed.

Cecily

Columbus, GA

An SR22 is a certificate that is submitted to your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and serves as proof that you are carrying adequate amounts of car insurance coverage and can is financially capable of compensating anyone against injuries and damages you may cause during a car accident. An SR22 form also serves as your state’s way to keep track of those who has had unsatisfactory driving records and behaviors and in a way, assures mutual financial protection for both drivers and citizens that may get involved in a car accident.

Before your husband can facilitate getting his driver’s license reinstated, he must first find a company who is authorized to provide SR22 car insurance coverage. The insurance provider is actually the one in charge of submitting this form to your DMV office there in Georgia. Your husband would also have to maintain the SR 22 car insurance policy for the next couple of years, without any gaps, lapses or cancellations to avoid further penalties and keep your premiums from ballooning.

It would be best to begin your search for the most affordable SR22 car insurance on the Web. This website has a free insurance quote search tool that allows you to get the most up-to-date rate quotes, as well as compare offers and policies from many different insurance providers available.

I am wondering how insurance companies check your driving history? I live in Fontana, California, so will they only check California or state that wherein you have your license issued from? I am planning to purchase a new vehicle and buy car insurance.

Allan

Insurance providers check your driving history differently from insurer to another however most will check with a set number of years. If you had a license in a different state at the time period the insurance carrier will typically want to check your driver’s license history in the previous state and also with as the state in which you currently live which is in California.

Many states require for you to be licensed in the state in which you live, in your case. If you have just moved to a new state recently, that state will likely requires you to obtain a license within a certain period of time so you should verify with the DMV in California.

You can type in your zip code here if you want to get the cheapest car insurance quote for your new vehicle in California.

I’m moving to Tyler, Texas from Delaware and I was wondering if I should still continue filing my SR 22 once I’m settled in my new state?

Kara

When moving to a new state, it is always a good idea to check with the local Department of Motor Vehicles if you would have to continue your existing SR 22 from where it was originally filed and issued. This rule differs by state laws. In your case, by moving to Tyler and under Texas law you are no longer required to maintain an SR 22 filing based on your driving record from Delaware. This does not mean though that the state of Texas doesn’t issue SR22′s or that you are allowed no to carry or continue your existing auto insurance policy.

There are states however, such as Texas and California for example, that will require you to maintain an SR 22 for the duration period (usually about three years) until the period expires. Certain states like Delaware, Kentucky, Minnesota, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania will not require you to file an SR 22 but if you brought along an SR 22 from another state you would still need to complete the three-year holding period.

The best way to determine if you should still need to carry an SR 22 when moving between states is to talk to your insurance company or insurance agent since they would be knowledgeable about specific state laws and requirements wherever you may be moving to.

I know someone with a commercial car insurance policy. His new employee received a ticket for failure to provide proof of car insurance in the Oregon. But, he was driving a company car while employed at his old job. Does he have to carry the SR-22 in Eugene, Oregon since he was an employee and he was driving a company car?

Richard

The employee should know if he was required in Eugene, Oregon to file a SR-22 or not.

In Oregon the Department of Motor Vehicle requires that your insurance provider file an SR-22 certificate with DMV if

• You failed to provide proof to DMV that you have liability insurance,
• You have been involved in an uninsured accident,
• You have been convicted of driving without insurance,
• You are applying for a hardship or probationary permit, or
• At the time of reinstating your driving privileges following a DUII suspension.

The employee should check with the court to see if the ticket must stay with him or if instead it can be transferred to the owner of the work car.

What happens if I am pulled over and I dont have my driver’s license with me at the time?

Roger

Austin, TX

State laws vary but generally if you are driving a car and have a driver’s license but forgot it at home, you can be given a ticket if pulled over and requested by a police officer officer to produce it.

The good news is that in most areas they will give you the opportunity to present it before your court date and produce a driver’s license that was valid before the date and time of the original violation so that the ticket can be remove.

Always remember that this differs from state to state. If you were cited for not having your driver’s license in your possession, you may contact the court listed on the ticket and also probably your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles to check if you can show your valid license and have the ticket dismissed.

I am wondering if carrying an SR22 Insurance prevent someone from getting a CDL License?

Martha

Lafayette, LA

It will likely depend upon the reason that you must carry the SR-22 insurance if you will be able to get a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). If you are required to carry an SR-22 because of driving under the influence conviction, you may be disqualified from obtaining a CDL for a certain length of time. If you have to carry the SR22 due to something less serious then you may be able to apply for a commercial driver’s license.

You should verify with the Department of Motor Vehicles of the state in which you want to get the CDL to check if you can apply for this type of license at this time with your SR-22 insurance and by telling them of the reason you carry the SR-22. State’s DMVs issue the CDL and have their own guidelines and rules but also must following the federally set guidelines.

What will happen if I let my SR22 car insurance policy lapse?

Harry

Glendale, AZ

Most states require individuals to carry SR22 insurance policy for three consecutive years.

If you cancel it or let it lapse, most states would require you carry it for three more years so that you carry it for three consecutive years. It depends on your state and the regulatory entity. There are some situations where the state DMV won’t waive the requirement until the individual maintains it for three years. In Florida, for instance, we have seen situations where the state allows the license holder to waive the requirement.