Car Insurance With SR22 or FR44 After DWI or DUI to Regain License
By Clifford J Schimek
Car insurance with an SR22 or FR44 filing is required in most states for DWI or DUI drivers. This type of car insurance policy is tailored to meet coverage and other requirements specific to each state. SR22 and FR44 are the names of the forms used to document and submit (file) proof of insurance compliance. This is often the last step before convicted drivers regain their license. The process is similar everywhere with some distinct differences in a few states.
Each state legislature determines requirements and their respective Department of Motor Vehicles administers the process. In 2007 and 2008 Florida and Virginia began to separate DUI convictions from other high risk drivers by using Form FR44 which increases liability limits over the SR22. An FR44 compliant policy includes $300,000 of liability limits in Florida while its SR22 requires $30,000. In Virginia it's $100,000 for the FR44 and $50,000 for the SR22. Texas increased its liability requirement for their DWI drivers in 2011. Since 1980 when Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD) organized and brought this issue to the forefront states have continuously done more to deter drivers.
Another trend toward deterrence has emerged due to the sluggish economy. Local municipalities and states with diminishing revenues are aggressively seeking out drivers to collect fines and fees. Additional administrative and underwriting (insuring) requirements for the applicant and policy to enhance deterrence will likely continue by most states. Current notable differences between some major states include California and Florida having a 3 year compliance period and Texas 2. New York, North Carolina, Delaware, Kentucky, Minnesota, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania do not require SR-22s. An FR44 or SR22 in Florida must be filed electronically to Florida's Bureau of Financial Responsibility. The common pink colored SR22 Form is used in Texas and can be presented in person to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Finding out the exact requirements for state compliance where you live is critical in securing a policy for license reinstatement.
The policy premium for liability coverage is the same with or without an SR22 or FR44 filing. There may be a state filing fee as in Florida ($15.00) or a company fee as in Texas ($0.00 - $50.00). Any significant increase in the cost of a policy with an SR22 or FR44 is due to points applied and its corresponding surcharge from the citation. A multitude of rating factors makes an individual quote necessary to find out how much a policy is for any particular driver. Naturally, some companies discourage applicants with a conviction. What is not so obvious is other companies are "quietly" competing for this business. A good shopping strategy will keep rates lower. This is a recent and encouraging trend for the convicted driver in need of a policy.
These changes and trends do not happen suddenly as the legislative process can be rather slow. It is hard to believe but some insurance companies are even slower to respond. Companies that did not adapt to electronic submissions in a timely fashion in Florida were faced with cancelling customers. Many companies currently have not caught on to how profitable this business has become and gladly cancel policies. If you have received a citation you may want to "quietly" change your insurance company. People in these circumstances deserve to be treated like policyholders not criminals. Often I remind our customers "Anyone can easily make this mistake as only a small amount of alcohol can breach the threshold for conviction."
Car insurance policies from wherever you live with either a DUI, DWI, FR44 or an SR22 are all very similar. However, the differences are critical in getting you license reinstated and how much you pay. Keep in mind requirements frequently change for convicted drivers. A knowledgeable independent insurance agent licensed in your state can explain the exact requirements needed and how much it will cost. The same agent can start the process by completing, binding, and submitting an application to the insurance company. The SR22 or FR44 Form is usually generated at point of sale and either submitted electronically as in Florida or a duplicate given to the applicant to present to the DMV as in Texas to expedite filing and license reinstatement.
For additional information and shopping strategies visit Car Insurance With DUI .com and How Much Is DUI Insurance .com. Also, please feel free to contact our agency by telephone for a no obligation DWI or DUI car insurance quote.
Auto Plus Insurance Agency:
1-877-WIZ-AUTO (949-2886).
Thank you, Cliff.
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SUMMARY
Car insurance policies from wherever you live with either a DUI, DWI, FR44 or an SR22 are all very similar. However, the differences are critical in getting you license reinstated and how much you pay.
