What is an SR-22 and Do I Need One?

An SR-22 is a rider on an auto insurance policy that guarantees that the policy will be in effect for a certain time period, which is usually about three years. Colorado law requires that all drivers who are convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs obtain an SR-22 before they can regain their driver’s licenses. There are other offenses, as well, that result in license suspension or revocation, and which require drivers to obtain an SR-22 in order to gain reinstatement of their licenses. Some examples of these offenses may include driving without insurance and some repeated traffic offenses.

Obtaining an SR-22

When you buy an auto insurance liability policy, your insurance agency can provide you with an SR-22 form. After you complete the form, which provides proof to the DMV that you have an auto liability insurance policy with an SR-22 rider in effect, you must deliver or mail it to the DMV. You also will need to complete an Application for Reinstatement and comply with any other DMV requirements for reinstatement. You also should keep in mind that if you change insurance companies or policies during the time that you are required to have an SR-22 in effect, you must be sure that your policies overlap. In other words, get a new SR-22 on file with the DMV before your old one expires or is cancelled.

 

While the SR-22 rider itself is not expensive, its presence automatically flags you as a high-risk loss, so your insurance company is likely to look into your driving history when setting your insurance premium rates. When the insurance company discovers that you have been convicted of a DUI either administratively or criminally, for instance, it is likely to offer you much higher policy premiums than other drivers or even cancel your policy altogether.

 

Maintaining an SR-22

 

If you are required to get and maintain an SR-22 for a certain period of time, then you also must keep up the insurance policy premium payments, or the insurance company will cancel the policy, along with the SR-22 rider, altogether. The insurance company also is required to notify the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) that it has cancelled the insurance policy and SR-22 rider. This is likely to result in having to pay additional penalties, as well as of the cancellation, revocation, or suspension of your driver’s license. You also will be required to pay additional reinstatement fees.

 

Keep in mind that SR-22 laws are state-specific. As a result, if you move to another state, you will need to file proof to Colorado that you are no longer a resident and you will need to comply with the requirements of the new home state.

 

At the Tiftickjian Law Firm, P.C., we pride ourselves on having all of the information that you need to regain your driving privileges, if necessary. Our goal is always to avoid a Colorado DUI conviction altogether, but if a conviction does occur, we will attempt to minimize those repercussions by assisting you in regaining your driver’s license, to the extent that it is possible. Contact our office today and learn how we can help you out with this difficult situation.