A primary aspect of an independent insurance agent's job is helping clients understand the vocabulary of coverage. A common misunderstanding that pops up on a regular basis is about the definition and utility of an SR-22 insurance policy. Customers who need an SR-22 have usually lost their driver’s licenses due to serious driving infractions, such as incurring a DUI or from being involved in an uninsured accident. Once the time penalty portion of their license suspension has passed and they’ve paid their financial penalties, they often discover there is still one more hurdle to overcome in getting their license back: they need this thing called SR-22 insurance.
It is necessary to explain that an SR-22 is not the insurance itself, but rather a certificate of insurance attached to an auto insurance policy that informs the Department of Motor Vehicles that—yes, indeed—the customer is now insured.
Explaining how an SR-22 works is especially beneficial to those individuals who believe that once they pay their first month’s premium and get the SR-22, they can let their insurance lapse in the following month and still be legal to drive. This is not the case.
The point of the SR-22 is that lapse of coverage information quickly finds its way to the DMV, just as quickly as notification of coverage. To make this certificate and its ramifications as clear as possible, it is valuable to stress the following points:
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An SR-22 requires the insurance company to notify the DMV that a client has insurance coverage, initiating reinstatement of their suspended license.
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In reverse, an SR-22 on a policy also requires the insurance company to notify the DMV if the client’s insurance coverage lapses, which can lead to re-suspension of the client’s license.
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The client’s state DMV will always require a specific time period for an SR-22 to remain attached to the client’s auto insurance policy. This typically lasts from three to five years, depending on the state and the original driving convictions of the client. This means the client must maintain auto insurance—with the attached SR-22—within that window of time.
If you need further explanation of coverage, our agency is happy to assist you.
We’re here to assist drivers who are considered high-risk. Call Auto Insurance Discounters at (816) 252-2255 for more information on Kansas City SR-22 insurance.