How Does SR22 Insurance Affect Ohio Drivers?

If you’re an Ohio driver facing license suspension due to violations such as a DUI, reckless driving, or accumulating too many points, you may be required to obtain SR22 insurance. Understanding how SR22 insurance affects you is crucial for reinstating your driving privileges and maintaining legal compliance.

What Is SR22 Insurance?

An SR22 isn’t a type of insurance but a certificate of financial responsibility that your insurance company files with the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). This filing confirms that you carry the state’s minimum required auto insurance coverage. In Ohio, the minimum liability coverage is:

Bodily Injury Liability: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident

Property Damage Liability: $25,000 per accident

These limits ensure that, in the event of an accident, there are sufficient funds to cover damages and injuries.

Why Is SR22 Insurance Required?

Ohio mandates SR22 insurance for drivers who have committed certain offenses, including:

Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Driving Without Insurance: Operating a vehicle without the legally required insurance coverage.

Accumulating Too Many Points: Accruing 12 or more points on your driving record within two years.

Reckless Driving: Operating a vehicle in a manner that shows a willful disregard for the safety of persons or property.

The BMV or the court handling your case will inform you if SR22 insurance is necessary.

How Does SR22 Insurance Affect Your Driving Privileges?

Obtaining SR22 insurance is a prerequisite for reinstating your driver’s license after suspension. Without it, you cannot legally drive in Ohio. Maintaining continuous SR22 coverage is essential; any lapse can lead to further penalties, including an extension of the SR22 requirement period.

Duration of SR22 Requirement

In Ohio, the SR22 requirement typically lasts for three to five years, depending on the severity of the violation. For instance, a first DUI offense may require SR22 insurance for three years, while a second offense could extend the requirement to five years. It’s crucial to adhere to this period to avoid additional penalties.

Cost Implications

Securing SR22 insurance often results in higher premiums due to the perceived increased risk. On average, Ohio drivers with an SR22 filing pay about $380 more annually than those without. For example, a first DUI offense can lead to an average annual premium of $2,388, while a second offense may increase to $4,050.

Steps to Obtain SR22 Insurance in Ohio

Contact Your Insurance Provider: Reach out to your current insurer to request the SR22 filing. If they don’t offer this service, you’ll need to find a provider that does.

Provide Necessary Documentation: Be prepared to supply details about your violations and any court orders related to your license suspension.

Pay Filing Fees: Insurance companies may charge a filing fee, typically between $25 and $50, to submit the SR22 form to the BMV.

Maintain Continuous Coverage: Ensure that your SR22 insurance remains active for the required duration. Any lapse can result in further penalties.

Alternative Options

If you don’t own a vehicle, you can obtain a non-owner SR22 policy. This type of insurance provides liability coverage when driving vehicles not owned by you, ensuring compliance with Ohio’s financial responsibility laws.

Impact on Insurance Rates

After obtaining SR22 insurance, expect your premiums to be higher than standard rates. For instance, drivers with a DUI conviction may see average annual premiums around $1,381, which is 63% higher than those with clean records.

Maintaining Compliance

To avoid further complications, it’s imperative to:

Pay Premiums Promptly: Ensure timely payment of your insurance premiums to prevent policy cancellation.

Avoid Additional Violations: Refrain from committing further traffic offenses during the SR22 period.

Keep Records Updated: Notify your insurer of any changes in your contact information or driving status.

Conclusion

Navigating the requirements of SR22 insurance in Ohio can be challenging, but understanding the process and its implications is vital for restoring your driving privileges. By securing the appropriate coverage and adhering to all requirements, you can work towards reinstating your license and maintaining legal compliance on the road.

For more detailed information on SR22 insurance in Ohio, click to read more. If you have further questions or need assistance, please contact us.