If you’ve been required to carry SR-22 insurance in California, it’s crucial to maintain your coverage for the full duration of the mandated period. Failing to do so can lead to serious consequences that could further complicate your situation. Let’s explain what happens if you don’t keep SR-22 insurance in California and why it’s important to stay compliant.
Penalties for Letting SR-22 Insurance Lapse
If you fail to maintain SR22 car insurance in California, here’s what could happen:
License Suspension: If the California DMV is notified that your SR-22 insurance has lapsed, your driver’s license will be suspended. This could result in the temporary loss of your driving privileges, meaning you won’t be able to legally drive until you reinstate your SR-22 coverage and pay any associated fees.
Extended SR-22 Period: In some cases, if your insurance lapses, the DMV could extend the SR-22 requirement for an additional period. This means you could end up having to maintain the SR-22 insurance for a longer period than originally required, which could lead to increased costs and further complications.
Fines and Penalties: Driving without the proper SR-22 insurance can also lead to fines and other legal penalties. If you’re caught driving without the necessary insurance, you could face additional fees from the DMV, which can add up quickly.
Increased Insurance Premiums: If your SR-22 insurance lapses and you need to reinstate it, you might find that your insurance premiums increase. Insurers may raise your rates if you allow coverage to lapse, viewing you as a higher-risk driver.
Ineligibility for Driver’s License Reinstatement: In California, if your SR-22 insurance lapses, you might be ineligible to have your license reinstated until you prove that you have continuous coverage. This could mean an even longer waiting period before you’re legally able to drive again.
How to Prevent SR-22 Insurance Lapses
To avoid the severe consequences of not keeping SR-22 insurance, here are some tips to help you stay on track:
Make Sure Your Insurance is Paid: The most important thing is to ensure that your SR-22 insurance payments are made on time. If you miss a payment, your insurer may cancel the policy, which could trigger a lapse in your coverage. Set up reminders or automatic payments to avoid any lapses.
Regularly Check with Your Insurance Provider: Keep in close contact with your insurance provider to ensure they have filed your SR-22 with the DMV and that there are no issues with your coverage. They should be able to confirm your status and notify you of any lapses or issues.
Understand the Duration: Make sure you’re aware of how long you’re required to carry SR-22 insurance. In California, it’s typically for three years, so plan accordingly. Letting this deadline pass without renewing your coverage could result in further complications.
Switching Insurance Companies: If you decide to switch insurance companies, make sure that your new provider is aware of your SR-22 requirement and can file the necessary documents with the DMV. Ensure the transition is seamless so that there’s no gap in your coverage.
Don’t Let Your Policy Expire: Ensure that your SR-22 insurance is renewed before your policy expires. Allowing your policy to expire without renewing can lead to your SR-22 status being revoked.
Getting a Free Quote for SR-22 Insurance
One thing you always want to do before agreeing to SR-22 insurance is to get a quote. You want to explore what your options are and choose the best one for your needs and budget. Thankfully, there are reputable websites that will allow you to get an instant quote and you won’t have to pay for it. It’s very easy and quick to do, which is why you should take advantage of the offer. Here is what you can expect to do to access your free quote.
Enter Some Personal Details
First of all, you’ll need to supply the website with some general details about you. This can include your first and last nape, as well as your zip code. Note that you don’t have to enter your full address. You should also enter a valid phone number for the SR-22 insurance quote, alongside your date of birth. When you choose a reliable website that has good reviews, you won’t have to worry about your personal details. They’re only going to be used to formulate your quote.
Enter Car Details
To complete the form, you will have to enter your drivers license number. Make sure you have this with you when you’re filling out all of the information. You will also have to declare what type of policy you want. For example, you will need to state whether you need a non-owner policy. Don’t forget to provide an email address so you can receive your quote. Once it arrives, take your time to choose the best SR-22 insurance.
Conclusion
Maintaining SR-22 insurance is critical for drivers in California who have been required to file for this special coverage. If you fail to keep your SR-22 insurance, the consequences can be severe, ranging from license suspension and fines to increased premiums and a longer SR-22 filing period. To avoid these penalties, make sure you stay on top of your payments, regularly check your coverage, and be proactive in dealing with any lapses.
