Auto Insurance Policies

Reader’s Question:

Will SR22s in California result in cancellation of automobile insurance policies?

Kayla

San Francisco, CA

An SR22 is a document filed by the automobile insurance company on the policyholder’s behalf. This form is filed with the Department of Motor Vehicles to show proof that an individual has automobile insurance coverage.

There are two instances where an SR22 may be required by the State of California. The first one could be a traffic violation that merited driver’s license suspension. This may mean getting involved in an accident and was unable to present proof of coverage to the law enforcement officer at the time of the traffic mishap. Or it could be due to a driving while intoxicated (DWI) arrest. In this case, the offender will be required to obtain high risk insurance, thus the need for SR22. These two situations typically result to a suspended driver’s license.

For the offender to have the license reinstated, he or she will need to present proof to the DMV that there are automobile insurance policies in effect. Having a non-owners car insurance policy also means having an SR22. So, cancellation of auto insurance policies largely depends on the offense drivers have committed that triggered the SR22 procedure. To avoid having to go through all this in the future, remember to always bring proof of automobile insurance coverage. It could be an insurance card or even a photocopy of the policy itself.

Tags: DMV, DWI insurance, high risk insurance, SR22 Form, traffic violation