SR-22 insurance, although often misunderstood, helps drivers—especially young, high-risk drivers—get back on the road legally. It’s technically not insurance; it’s a form your insurance company files with the state to confirm your financial responsibility after certain traffic offenses. For high-risk or new drivers, there’s a lot of misleading information out there, so it’s important to separate fact from fiction.
SR-22 is required for drivers who have had their license suspended or revoked to meet the minimum insurance coverage required for reinstatement. Below, we’ll debunk common myths about SR-22 insurance.
Myth 1: “SR-22 Insurance Is Only for DUI Offenses”
A common misconception is that SR-22 insurance applies exclusively to DUI-related offenses, which frequently necessitate an SR-22 filing. However, this requirement extends beyond drunk driving. Young drivers may face SR-22 requirements due to other offenses like reckless driving, accumulating too many points on their driving record, or driving without insurance.
SR-22 insurance serves as proof that the driver is meeting their legal financial responsibility requirements. If your child’s license has been suspended due to any serious traffic issue, the state may require them to obtain this filing to reinstate their driving privileges, as is often the case with DUI offenses and related penalties like house arrest.
Myth 2: “SR-22 Insurance Is Always Expensive”
A major deterrent for many drivers facing SR-22 requirements is the belief that this type of insurance is prohibitively costly. For young drivers who are considered high-risk, the premiums may be higher, but this isn’t always true.
Your child’s driving record, the type of violation, and even their insurer all determine the cost. Some providers may charge more because of the higher risk associated with drivers requiring SR-22 coverage, but affordable options are available.
Myth 3: “You Need To Own a Car To Get SR-22 Insurance”
A particularly limiting myth is the idea that SR-22 insurance is exclusively for vehicle owners. This is simply not true. Nonowner SR-22 insurance exists for those who don’t own a car but still need to reinstate their license.
For example, if your child needs to use your car or a rental after a driving offense, a nonowner policy is their solution. It satisfies the legal requirement without tying the coverage to a specific vehicle.
Myth 4: “Once You Get SR-22 Insurance, You’re Done”
Yet another widespread belief is that obtaining SR-22 insurance fulfills all requirements, but this isn’t the case. SR-22 coverage must be maintained over a specified period, usually three years, depending on the state and the violation. A single lapse in this coverage can result in severe penalties, including an additional suspension of your child’s license or an extension of the SR-22 filing period.
By staying proactive in managing payments and filing renewals, your child can avoid unnecessary setbacks.
Get the Facts and Move Forward
These common misconceptions about SR-22 insurance can make the process seem scarier than it is. Now that we’ve debunked common myths about SR-22 insurance, your child can proceed with clarity and confidence as you help them reinstate their driving privileges.