DUI In California

Reader’s Question:

Why is SR22 insurance in California being referred as certificate of financial responsibility? In case I’ll be required to get SR22, will my insurance company have this?

Robert

Corona, CA

California SR22 insurance is usually called certificate of financial responsibility or simply high risk insurance. Actually, SR22 is a form that becomes a part of the car insurance of the person required to get it. In general, SR22 would be asked of a driver due to the following reasons: a conviction for Driving Under the Influence (DUI), numerous at-fault road mishaps or other reckless traffic violations, or if a driver does not have car insurance after an at-fault traffic mishap.

California SR22 insurance certifies the policyholder that he/she does have the proper insurance. This is filed by the car insurance company to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) with the assurance that although the policyholder is a high-risk driver, he/she has at least the minimum required coverage. Also, it is very important that the SR22 insurance doesn’t lapse because if this happens, the DMV will be notified right away. This will prompt the DMV to have the driver’s license re-suspended until he/she gets SR22 insurance.

Not all car insurance companies in California offer SR22 insurance; and if they do, they offer it at a price. So you have to check with your current provider first if they do have it in case you’ll be required to get it in the future.