What is SR22 insurance in Missouri?

What is SR22 insurance in Missouri?
Image: What is SR22 insurance in Missouri?

SR22 insurance in Missouri is a financial responsibility filing required by the Department of Revenue for drivers who have had their license suspended or revoked due to certain traffic violations. It is an affidavit from an automobile liability insurer that provides proof to the state that a driver has the minimum amount of liability coverage required by law. SR22 insurance, also referred to as High Risk Auto Insurance, provides more expensive rates than regular auto insurance due to increased risk associated with prior offenses and higher probability of future incidents.

What is SR22 Insurance in Missouri?

What is SR22 Insurance in Missouri?
Image: What is SR22 Insurance in Missouri?

Getting SR22 insurance in Missouri can be confusing, especially for those who may not have prior experience with it. It is a form of auto insurance required for individuals who are deemed high-risk drivers. In order to obtain an SR22, you must have your current automobile coverage and meet the legal minimum requirements as set out by the state.

In Missouri, having an SR22 on file verifies that you have met the necessary financial responsibility laws in place. All policies that come with this type of coverage will include Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM) and Personal Injury Protection (PIP). Having these two policies ensures that if you are ever involved in an accident where either yourself or the other driver is uninsured, the damages caused to property, vehicles and personal injury costs will still be covered regardless of fault.

Along with having UM/PIP coverage attached to your policy when obtaining SR22 insurance, it also requires one additional filing fee for both reinstatement and annual renewal fees. This fee covers the cost associated with preparing documents such as proof of liability insurance from your insurer or policy change forms which must be filed electronically to renew your license each year. Any lapse in payments could result in cancellation; meaning anyone found driving without proper coverage can face a multitude of penalties including possible jail time.

Benefits of SR22 Insurance in Missouri

Benefits of SR22 Insurance in Missouri
Image: Benefits of SR22 Insurance in Missouri

Purchasing an SR22 insurance policy in Missouri offers a variety of benefits to its buyers. It helps in providing financial proof of insurance coverage to the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles. By purchasing an SR22 policy, individuals are able to drive legally and adhere to their state’s regulations.

Another benefit provided by these policies is that they enable people who have had their driver’s license suspended for certain violations or traffic infractions to reinstate it quickly. This kind of coverage also assists with paying fines due as a result of violating driving laws, as well as help with costs associated with any court judgements awarded against the policyholder.

The third advantage is that SR22 policies offer higher levels of protection than traditional car insurance policies. As such, motorists are more likely to be financially protected from losses caused by bodily injury and property damage resulting from car accidents or other incidents involving vehicles covered under this type of plan. Moreover, SR22 plans can provide coverage for medical bills and legal expenses if necessary.

Which Drivers Need SR22 Insurance In Missouri?

Which Drivers Need SR22 Insurance In Missouri?
Image: Which Drivers Need SR22 Insurance In Missouri?

Drivers who have been convicted of a range of offenses in Missouri may need to obtain SR22 insurance. Depending on the severity and circumstances, the required amount and type of coverage vary from case to case. Generally, driving infractions that may require an individual to carry SR22 insurance include any alcohol-related incident (e.g. DUI, DWI), certain types of moving violations (e.g. excessive speeding, reckless or negligent driving) or other violations deemed serious by the state such as failure to provide proof of financial responsibility when asked by police.

It is important to note that an individual’s license status plays a large role in determining if they must acquire this form of policy. If a person has their license suspended due to one or more factors listed above, they will likely be required to file for SR22 insurance before being allowed back behind the wheel again. Even if not requested at first by law enforcement authorities, it might become compulsory later due to non-compliance with court orders related to traffic tickets issued previously or any other fines imposed against them; additionally, certain prior convictions may also make it necessary for a driver in Missouri to maintain an SR22 policy throughout their lifetime regardless of future licensing status changes.

– Individuals found guilty on various grounds including but not limited to drinking and driving charges are advised that obtaining an SR22 policy could prove essential for them; certain forms of suspension or revocations can also demand such coverage either temporarily or permanently depending on each particular situation present within the state boundaries at hand.

How to Obtain an SR22 Insurance Certificate in Missouri

How to Obtain an SR22 Insurance Certificate in Missouri
Image: How to Obtain an SR22 Insurance Certificate in Missouri

For individuals looking to obtain an SR22 insurance certificate in Missouri, it can be a daunting task. First and foremost, one must begin by obtaining the certificate from their local insurance provider. It is important that applicants make sure that they are obtaining an SR22 specific policy, as this will be required for certification.

Once the policy has been obtained and all necessary paperwork has been filled out, the applicant should then submit said documents to the Missouri Department of Revenue along with payment for the fee (which can range anywhere between $15 – $50). After submission, it typically takes anywhere from 1-2 weeks before an individual receives confirmation of their coverage status.

To ensure compliance with state regulations throughout this process, applicants may wish to keep copies of all documentation sent off to prove that they have taken proper steps toward certification. Failure to do so could result in delays or even revocation of any previously granted certifications. Once everything has been submitted properly and fees are paid in full, individuals can rest easy knowing that they now have legal proof of financial responsibility in Missouri.

Cost of SR22 Insurance in Missouri

Cost of SR22 Insurance in Missouri
Image: Cost of SR22 Insurance in Missouri

The cost of SR22 insurance in Missouri is relatively straightforward and depends on the type of policy one wishes to purchase. A single policy can range from as low as $25 per month up to hundreds of dollars depending on the specific circumstances. Typically, younger or inexperienced drivers are charged more for SR22 insurance due to their higher risk profile. Likewise, those with prior infractions such as DUI convictions may also be subject to increased premiums.

In order to determine an individual’s exact rate for an SR22 policy in Missouri, it is best for them contact a local auto insurer directly and inquire about rates that apply specifically to their situation. Most insurers offer SR22 policies which include liability coverage along with optional collision and comprehensive coverage for additional protection. With each added level of coverage comes a price increase, so people should factor this into their decision when purchasing a policy.

The cost of an SR22 policy in Missouri will be impacted by where someone lives and drives. For example, residents who live or drive in highly populated cities tend to pay higher premiums than those living in rural areas as they are exposed to more potential risks on roads congested with traffic. Anyone receiving multiple speeding tickets over a certain period of time could see surcharges imposed onto their premium amount if deemed necessary by the insurer due to increased risk posed by reckless driving habits.

Termination Of An SR22 Filing in Missouri

Termination Of An SR22 Filing in Missouri
Image: Termination Of An SR22 Filing in Missouri

In Missouri, a driver may terminate an SR22 filing for various reasons. The two most common situations are when the termination is voluntary or when it is required by the Department of Revenue. Voluntary termination occurs when a driver has met their obligations and can demonstrate that they are no longer a high-risk driver. When this happens, drivers must complete Form 92 form, which requests information such as current auto insurance policies, driving records, and other personal details to prove they no longer need SR22 coverage.

Alternatively, drivers may be required to terminate an SR22 filing due to failure to adhere to certain requirements set forth by the state’s Department of Revenue. This could include failing to pay fines resulting from traffic violations or having lapses in coverage which have caused cancellations on existing policyholder’s policies. If this happens, drivers must still provide proof that all conditions imposed by the Department of Revenue have been satisfied before they can request a termination on their SR22 filing.

Once an SR22 termination has been approved by the Department of Revenue in Missouri, drivers will be given notice that their status has changed from ‘high risk’ back to ‘normal’ and can continue with their regular insurance needs as per usual without any additional restrictions regarding an SR22 filing.

  • James Berkeley

    Located in Bangkok, James simplifies insurance with a personal touch. Proud alumnus of the University of Edinburgh Business School with an MSc in Law, James has worked as auditor for multiple insurance companies US, UK and various Asian countries.