Before the answer of how long an SR22 stay on record, it is prudent to explain what it is for those who may not know what it is. A SR22 is a document that proves that the person who carries it has the financial ability to meet any financial obligations that may arise as a result of an auto accident they may be party today.
Across all states a driver or a car owner is required by law to keep a minimum insurance. This requirement is meant to cover for costs that incur to cover repairs or hospital bills.
Coverage applies when involved in an auto crash.
However some people (people of different reasons) will be required to acquire a special document (SR22) that assures any interested parties that they have insurance.
What circumstances lead to a SR22 requirement?
Offense | Fines | Jail | Suspension | SR22 requirement | IID |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lack of insurance | Yes | At the discretion of court | Yes | Yes | No |
DUI | Yes | Probably | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Repeat offenders | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No |
Vehicular manslaughter | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | If DUI was involved |
Suspended License | Yes | At the discretion of court | Yes | Yes | No |
Lack of insurance
As stated, it is a legal requirement to have insurance. That doesn’t prevent some people from driving without insurance.
While penalties vary from state to state, the general penalty across all states is for you to acquire a SR22. In case if you are found guilty of driving without Insurance.
DUI or DWI
If you are in the habit of drinking and driving, you may need to rethink your choices. Driving while intoxicated is prohibited.
You will face stiff penalties like fines, jail time and suspension. You will also find yourself with a SR22 requirement on your list of to dos.
If your license is suspended, you will need to produce a SR22 to have the license reinstated.
Repeat offenders
Some people constantly break traffic laws. This essentially means they find themselves with tickets over and over again.
While it is easy to assume that tickets are harmless, you will be surprised to learn that too many repeat traffic offenses will land you into trouble.
The more tickets you get, the more convincing you become that you are not to be trusted on the roads and are likely to commit more serious offenses in the future.
To remedy this, you will be required to acquire a SR22 in time. This therefore calls for watchfulness.
Vehicular manslaughter
If unfortunately you are the cause of someone’s death in the event of an accident, you will be faced by jail time, license suspension, fines and a SR22 requirement.
The penalties may vary from state to state, but the bottom line is you may have to face all the penalties stated.
This therefore calls for extra caution as long as you are behind the wheel.
Driving without a license
For you to drive, you must have a valid driver’s license in whatever state you are in.
It therefore follows that if you drive without a driving license or with a suspended license your driving privileges will be revoked and you will be required to acquire a SR22 before your suspension is lifted.
So how long does SR22 stay on record?
How long SR22 will stay on record depends on the state you reside. In most states it will go on for a period of up to 3 years.
However, bad behavior can extend a SR22 requirement for a period of up to five years.
Generally breaking traffic laws while under a SR22 requirement adds more time to your already existing SR22 requirement.
Should your insurance lapse within the time you have the SR22 requirement, your insurer is obligated to report this o the courts and the Department of Motor Vehicles within your state.
What we offer?
At Select Insurance Group, we specialize in the business of high risk insurance. That means that all matters SR22/FR44/SR50/SR22A are our specialty.
It is therefore wise for you to speak to us as soon as you are slapped with a SR22 requirement.
We will advise you on what to do, what documents are required and will notify the court for you when the SR22 runs its course for you.
By filling our easy to fill forms, you will be able to contact us and get all the services you require. We are professionals and have many years of experience.