What Is an SR-22 and When Is It Required?

Having auto insurance coverage is necessary for the state of Ohio. Without it, drivers can face severe legal penalties. Moreover, driving without insurance can ruin your driving record. Impairment driving is often used to describe operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If you’re accused of driving impaired, your license will be suspended. It’s vital to know what an SR-22 policy is and when it’s required.

SR-22 insurance is also known as a certificate of insurance or SR-22 bond. It is required by the state when you don’t pay a judgment within 30 days. It’s filed with the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles by your insurance company. Depending on the state of Ohio, you might need an SR-22 for three to five years. Whether you’re filing an SR-22 to avoid losing your license, or you’re just worried about being caught with no insurance coverage, you’ll need to find an insurer to fill out this form.

An SR-22 certificate of financial responsibility from an auto insurance company proves you have minimum liability insurance coverage. Ohio law requires drivers to carry at least 25/50/25 liability insurance coverage. Many insurance companies will allow drivers to file their SR-22 certificates with the Ohio BMV electronically. This makes the process easy for those who need an SR-22. In Ohio, the state’s Bureau of Motor Vehicles has strict rules on what drivers should have on their auto insurance policy.

When is an SR-22 required? A recent DWI conviction in Ohio can direct you to have an SR-22. Filing an SR-22 is simple, as long as you can afford it. But you need to keep up with payments and renew your policy at least 15 days before it expires. During this time, you should avoid changing auto insurance providers. Lastly, you should keep a clean driving record to avoid revocation of your license.

Having an SR-22 does not affect the price of car insurance. The fee varies from state to state, but a good rule of thumb is to pay the fee upfront. For Ohio drivers, the cost can range anywhere from $15 to $650. It is possible to deliver the reinstatement fee over time. If you cannot pay for it upfront, you can apply for a payment plan.

If you’re convicted of an OVI in Ohio, you’ll likely have to file for an SR-22 certificate. Although an SR-22 is not required to drive a vehicle, the costs are high enough to make it unattractive. You’ll have to pay a higher premium to get a driver’s license back. But, it’s worth it because it means cheaper auto insurance.
An FR bond is another option to meet the SR-22 requirement. A bond issued through an insurance provider is cheaper than Ohio SR-22 insurance and meets the minimum liability requirements. Although an FR bond is a good option for drivers who need minimum coverage, it comes with limitations. A driver can only carry liability insurance under this type of bond. Further, FR bonds do not allow drivers to add additional types of coverage, such as collision or comprehensive insurance.