How do I know if I have to have an SR22 filed?

by vberta » Fri May 09, 2008 12:58 pm
Posts: 2
Joined: 09 May 2008

Are there levels of infractions that do not require one? I have a customer that needs one and I am wondering how you can tell, or if you can tell during the quoting process whether or not the person will need it.

Total Comments: 9

Posted: Fri May 09, 2008 05:03 pm Post Subject:

First of all, and trust me on this, the Department of Motor Vehicles will pretty much make sure that your client is aware that he will need to file an SR-22! Typically, it's not a surprise to the driver!

SR-22 filings, also called "financial responsibility" filings, are normally required when the driver is busted for a DUI or driving without insurance. Depending on the state in which you live, these requirements could vary.
Additionally, the length of time in which the SR-22 would need to be filed will vary based on the traffic offense committed.

The quoting process will not let you know anything. It may ask you if there is an SR-22 requirement within the bank of questions that must be answered on computer based apps, and this will pretty much always throw your client into a non-standard insurer.

Normally, the term associated with these filings, especially if the client was previously a preferred risk customer, is "sticker shock" with most scenarios.

Good luck and let us know if there's anything else!

InsTeacher 8)

Posted: Fri May 09, 2008 05:30 pm Post Subject:

In quoting the auto insurance, the prospective insured knows, just like InsTeacher said, but he/she may not tell you. In this case your quote will be based on the information made available to you by the applicant and any additional information obtained from an MVR, if your quoting system runs MVS's during the quoting process.

If the person must have an SR-22 it's probably to show financial responsibility to a court to get a driver's license re-instated.

There is no "fool proof" way of knowing whether an applicant needs SR-22 insurance or not.

It could get by you, the agent and the insurance company, but somewhere along the line it will surface.

Maze

Posted: Sat May 17, 2008 10:33 am Post Subject:

Your local MVD will certainly let you know.

Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2009 03:23 pm Post Subject:

As long as the DMV does not inform you, you do not know that you need to have SR22 . At the same time DMV makes sure to apprise you that you need one.

Posted: Thu Jul 16, 2009 04:46 am Post Subject:

Hello Neetalia,

At the same time DMV makes sure to apprise you that you need one.



And, how would they go about it?

Should I always wait for DMV to get in touch with me or it'd be better to be preempt to avoid troubles?

Posted: Thu Jul 16, 2009 10:01 am Post Subject:

At the same time DMV makes sure to apprise you that you need one.


Someone has pointed out that if I need it, it would surface somewhere along the line. Now, if the DMV, takes more time in informing me, it shouldn't get counted as my fault. Am I right!

Steven

Posted: Fri Jul 17, 2009 03:20 am Post Subject:

Boy, this thread's lasted a while!

Someone has pointed out that if I need it, it would surface somewhere along the line. Now, if the DMV, takes more time in informing me, it shouldn't get counted as my fault. Am I right!



Unfortunately, you aren't right, steven.

To get the SR-22 filed, as you have figured out, an insurer would have to send documents to the state DMV to prove the financial responsibility of the insured. As well, there will be an entry made on the MVR of the driver and possibly the owner of the vehicle involved (depends on state). Onto my point. Every state has a requirement that you inform them within a certain amount of time if you move. Normally, it's 30 days. A lot of people completely ignore this. DMV can only get information to a person at their last known address. You're also supposed to inform your insurer if you move.

Let's say that the state did delay in getting out the information due to some problem of whatever nature. Is it their fault that the problem occurred in the first place? Claiming the lateness in delivery of documents is rarely upheld when used as an affirmative defense- vicarious and pass-through liability cases, which this is. Another thread for that one. You can bet that the state has the correct dates entered into the DMV database. So, what are ya gonna do? Maybe get a sympathetic ear on the phone? That can actually work, rarely, but? Take 'em to court? Right.

So, if you look at the combined sources of information and reporting involved, I would wager that almost every "I didn't know" situation is a direct result of stupidity, ignorance on the part of the parties involved or just plain ignoring the situation hoping it will "go away." Sorry if I step on toes, but that's a life smack upside the head when you operate a vehicle drunk, uninsured or live your driving life in the stupid lane.

InsTeacher 8)

Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2011 07:32 pm Post Subject: SR22 & DUI

What about the parents who take their kids to work, probation and classes and such. I know my son should not have been drinking and driving. But now that I just sopke with someone from the Ins Co about SR22 ins, I was told that if he lives in my house where a have registered vehicle I should have it on those as well. I think that is punishing me and I didn't get a DUI??? What is up with that Ins requirement???

Posted: Sun Mar 27, 2011 12:03 am Post Subject:

anyone living in your house of driving age needs to be listed on an auto policy. that's how it is.

however, just because he must be listed doesnt mean he has to be covered. you can list him as an excluded driver.

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