If you had a serious traffic violation like a reckless driving or a DWI in Missouri, you need an SR 22 insurance. While SR-22 is almost the same as a standard car insurance policy, SR-22 are more expensive considering the severity of the violation it covers.
While it is commonly known as SR-22 insurance, it is not a separate insurance policy. It is a form that an insurance company sends to the Department of Revenue to confirm that a driver is covered by auto insurance. This shows that as a driver, you are complying to the minimum requirement of Missouri’s auto liability requirements. That is why SR-22 is also known as certificate of financial responsibility.
An SR-22 insurance policy is required for a two-year period following any DWI-related suspension of your driving privileges. If you need SR-22 insurance, call your insurance agent to check availability. Not every car insurance provider offers SR-22 so you need to confirm with your insurance company if they include SR-22 insurance on top of your car insurance policy.
Who Needs SR-22 Insurance?
“High-risk” drivers or those who have DWI charges in the past two years are the ones who need SR-22 the most. Traffic violations vary from one state to another. In Missouri, while most violations do not warrant SR-22 form, you will need one if you have committed one of the following:
Driving under the influence (DUI)
It could either be driving under the influence of alcohol or driving under the influence of drugs. You will be charged for this violation if the traffic officer concluded that you are too impaired to drive. This means that drugs, alcohol, or sleepiness makes you too impaired to drive.
Driving while intoxicated (DWI)
While most people think DUI and DWI are the same, they are not. DWI is driving while intoxicated. There are certain factors that need to be considered before you are charged of DWI. For example, DWI means the driver has a BAC of at least 0.08% and the list goes on depending on your ability to drive while impaired.
Reckless driving
Reckless driving is a high-risk traffic violation. This can greatly harm other people and personal properties. With SR-22 form, the authorities can verify that the driver has an active car insurance policy.
Driving without insurance
Driving without insurance poses a great risk. Car insurance policies, depending on its coverage, serves as a guarantee of financial responsibility. This usually covers medical expenses, damages to the other party’s vehicle or a property. If you have been caught driving without insurance, you may face hefty fines and penalties.
Driving with suspended license
In Missouri, driving with suspended license is considered a “misdemeanor crime” and may involve different penalty charges depending on the severity of the case.
There are many factors that can trigger or cause suspension or revocation of license. Like any other states, Missouri uses the point-based suspension system. This means that your license will be suspended if you meet the required number of points within a specific period. For example, if you accumulated 12 points within a year or 12 months, your license will be suspended.
How to Get an SR-22 Insurance
While the procedure in getting SR-22 insurance car insurance coverage may vary from one state to another, it is important to find an insurance company that offers SR-22. Not all insurance companies offer this so it is important to ask your insurance agent if they provide SR-22. If not, then you must find an auto insurance that provides SR-22.
In Missouri, SR-22 is required. DWI and other serious traffic violations can have a negative impact on your driving record. To avoid hefty fees and penalty charges, always ensure your insurance is up-to-date and must include an SR-22 insurance.
There are certain minimum requirements needed for your SR-22 form.
$10,000 per accident for property
$25,000 per person for bodily injury
$50,000 per accident for bodily injury
Anytime these policies lapsed, you will be required to get an SR-22 or pay $30,000.
After completing all the requirements for SR-22, you may now submit them. If you do not have time or are simply busy, we may, on your behalf, do this for you. We can file SR-22 insurance electronically on your behalf.
Types of SR-22 Forms
You can choose one of the 3 SR-22 form
Operator’s certificate – this one is usually used when the driver does not have a car but still drives.
Owner’s certificate – this is used when the driver is the owner of the vehicle
Operator-Owner’s certificate – this is used when the driver has one or more motor vehicles owned and also drives another vehicles that he does not own.
Why Choose DWI Springfield
If you have been charged with a DWI or any of the following traffic violations mentioned above, it is important to find a highly-experienced criminal defense lawyers. Choosing a good DWI lawyer means getting the best in the field.
Our criminal defense lawyers Dan Romine and Ted Eckelkamp have partnered to form a law firm in Springfield, Missouri devoted to DWI defense. They have intimate knowledge of the justice system and Missouri driver’s license laws.
Our good DWI lawyers can help you resolve the issue by investigating your case from top to bottom, take witness statements, review police reports, and examine the evidence. Then, we will work with you to determine the best possible course of action.
We will:
Investigate your case from top to bottom to ensure that everything is clear and see the angle where we can help you get out fast.
Take witness statements to make sure that everything is told truthfully and based on facts and not on hearsay
Review police reports so you understand what happened and how it will be resolved.
Examine evidence – double check facts and evidence to find out the story behind every situation
Work with you to identify the best possible course of action
Our team has has handled thousands of criminal cases. Call us anytime to discuss your situation.
Visit https://www.dwispringfield.com/ or call us for free consultation.