If you get a particularly serious driving charge, you’re likely going to face penalties. Law enforcement takes highway safety seriously. And drivers who break the law must cope with the consequences.
The SR-22 is nothing to ignore. Failing to carry one might cause you to lose your driving privileges. Therefore, if you receive this penalty, immediately take steps to get your SR-22 filed and activated. 
What’s an SR-22?
Think of an SR-22 as the state’s way of monitoring its most risky drivers. Troublesome drivers are most in need of auto insurance. If they don’t carry coverage, they’re exposing themselves and others to significant financial risks. Those risks are magnified due to their poor driving record.
An SR-22 is a form that attaches to a car insurance policy. It guarantees for the state that a high-risk driver has appropriate insurance.
Why Do People Get SR-22s?
If you get an SR-22 penalty, it is because you broke the law while driving. Not every violation can trigger the SR-22 requirement. However, the most severe driving offenses usually do. These might include:
- DUI/DWI arrests
- Driving without insurance
- Multiple or frequent speeding tickets
- Multiple or frequent accidents
- Driving without a valid license or registration
Given the gravity of these charges, and the danger they invoke.
Filing the SR-22
After receiving an SR-22 penalty, drivers must immediately activate the form. The state will expect most drivers not to drive until they have the active SR-22. To enroll in an SR-22:
- Contact your insurance agent. Ask them to help you file the form. Keep in mind that you might have to change or update your existing auto insurance as you enroll for an SR-22. Some insurers refuse to cover certain SR-22 laden drivers. Your insurance agent can help you determine if a policy switch is necessary.
- Usually, an agent can file the SR-22 electronically with the state authorities. You might have to pay a filing fee to your agent.
- You will possibly need to receive proof of the SR-22 from your agency and from the Secretary of State.
- You must keep the SR-22 active for up to three years. This means you have to keep active auto insurance coverage the entire time. Always review and renew your policy to keep it in effect.
Make sure you know when you can legally return to the road. Simply filing the SR-22 might only be one of several steps you have to take to begin driving again.
For more information on filing an SR-22, contact Prestige Insurance Group today. We can be an asset to you in the wake of an SR-22 penalty.