What is an SR-22? An SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility developed by the insurance industry and each state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This form tells the DMVs that an individual has automobile insurance.​

An SR-22 form is used when someone must prove they have insurance in order to obtain, keep or reinstate their license, usually for one of these reasons:

1. Major convictions like DUI or reckless driving
2. Conviction for not having insurance
3. Failure to pay damages for an at-fault accident
4. Underage drinking conviction

Who must file an SR-22? State DMVs decide who must file an SR-22. In most states, every driver is required to have some minimum amount of insurance. This requirement is the basis of the “compulsory auto insurance law,” which states that drivers must be financially responsible by purchasing liability insurance. Usually, the state DMV accepts the automobile owner's word when they say they have the required insurance. If the owner or licensee fails to maintain insurance or gets a major violation, they must show proof of insurance.
How do I file? Some insurance companies file these forms automatically for their customers, but not all. Fewer companies will offer insurance. Ask your agent to file the SR-22 or call the customer service number at your insurance company. They will take care of it for you.
Is there a cost to filing an SR-22? The SR-22 certificate is filed directly with the state by your insurance company. Infinity charges a fee to file this form. -The fees differ by state, but usually cost around $25. However, the infraction that caused you to apply for an SR-22 is what could make your premium rise considerably. This doesn’t mean that you can’t shop around, but expect to see a significant increase in your auto insurance.
How long does the SR-22 remain in force? If your insurance policy remains in effect, not canceled for non-payment or any other reason, the SR-22 filing remains in force until it is no longer required by the DMV. The insurance company is required to tell the state if the insurance policy is cancelled. Failure to maintain the SR-22 filing may result in the loss of your license.
What if you’re moving to a different state? If you filed for an SR-22 in one state and moved to a different state, you still need to meet the requirements of the SR-22 where the offense took place. Look for an auto insurance company that operates nationwide, so you don’t run into issues when you move elsewhere.
There are some states that don’t use an SR-22 certificate. These states are: Delaware, Kentucky, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania.
These states have their own requirements and forms that you’ll need to fill out to be compliant with each state’s laws.
What’s the difference between an SR-22 and the FR-44? An FR-44 is a document of financial responsibility required in Florida and Virginia to prove that you carry auto insurance, after you’ve been charged with a DUI or another major offense (such as driving with a suspended license).
The main difference with an FR-44 is that you’re required to have coverage that is significantly higher than the state’s minimum for the next three years.

At Old Town Insurance Agency, we have affordable SR-22 options to help get you back on the road. Call us today at (559) 322-2525 or click here for a free SR-22 quote.

What is Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage? The short answer...it will cover you, under the  liability portion of an auto policy, in case you are hit by a driver with either no insurance or not enough to cover your damages.

If a driver or owner of a vehicle does not have insurance and is legally liable for an accident, you can use Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage for injuries, including death, that you, your resident relatives, and occupants of your insured vehicle sustain, up to the limits you select. Certain exclusions may apply. Refer to your policy.

If a driver or owner of a vehicle is legally liable for an accident but does not have enough insurance, you can use Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage for injuries, including death, that you, your resident relatives, and occupants of your insured vehicle sustain, up to the limits you select. Certain exclusions may apply. Refer to your policy.

If driver or owner of a vehicle is legally liable for an accident but does not have insurance or does not have enough insurance, you can use Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Property Damage Coverage (UMPD) to cover damage to your insured vehicle, up to the limits you select. In some states, UMPD is available as an alternative to Collision coverage. Certain exclusions may apply. Refer to your policy.

So what's the bottom line? Though it is not currently a requirement in California, most Insurance Agents and Brokers highly recommend this coverage. It is usually not much more money to include it on your policy, $5-$10 additional per month on average, but the piece of mind and potential benefit in the case of an accident are worth it.

​For more information on Auto Insurance coverage, call or email us today!