Why Do You Need SR-22 Insurance After A DUI?

Getting a DUI is a costly and embarrassing event, but it is also an event that authorities take seriously. When you drive under the influence of alcohol, you not only pose a risk to your own safety, but you also pose risks to other drivers and passengers on the roads. Because of this, you will most likely need to purchase an SR-22 insurance policy from a place like Able Insurance Agency after getting a DUI. Here are a few important things to understand if you need SR-22 insurance after a DUI.

The Risks of Driving Under the Influence

The police, courts, and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) all take DUIs very seriously. When people drink and drive, the alcohol impairs their reflexes and ability to think clearly. This results in accidents, injuries, damages, and deaths every single day. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 28 people die every day from accidents involving impaired drivers under the influence of alcohol.

Most people do not think about this when they get behind the wheel of a car after drinking. They often think this would never happen to them, but this is not reality. Anytime you drive while you are under the influence, you are putting people at risk, and you are also taking a huge risk yourself. Accidents and deaths caused by alcohol could all be prevented, and this is why DUIs are considered such serious offenses.

Why You Need SR-22 Insurance After Getting a DUI

After getting a DUI, you could potentially lose the privilege of driving due to the decision you made to drive after drinking. Fortunately, the courts typically give people second chances and opportunities to keep their driving privileges; however, there are usually things a person must do after a DUI to keep driving with a valid driver's license.

Getting SR-22 insurance is a common requirement for people convicted of DUI charges. SR-22 insurance does not guarantee that a person will never drink and drive again, but it does force a person to take an extra step of protection.

SR-22 insurance guarantees that the person driving has insurance, and this is a form of high-risk insurance so it typically costs more. When you purchase a policy, the insurance company that offers it takes on the responsibility of making sure the DMV knows that you have coverage, and they also inform the DMV if your policy lapses.

Consequences of Not Obtaining an SR-22 Insurance Policy After a DUI

In many cases, the only way a person with a DUI can keep their driving privileges is by getting SR-22 coverage. If you are instructed to get it, failure to abide by this can result in a suspended license. In addition, if you do not get the coverage you are told to get, you may never be able to get your license back. Most people are required to get SR-22 insurance for three years. If you choose not to get it, you will probably have no way of ever getting your license reinstated.

If you are caught driving without insurance or without a license, you can end up facing more criminal charges. It is better to pay the extra price for the coverage you need instead of taking further risks that could prevent you from ever driving again in the future.

SR-22 insurance is a common product sold by insurance companies. If you find out that you need SR-22 coverage, you should contact an auto insurance company soon to find out if they offer it and the costs for the policy. Getting the coverage you need might be the only way you can keep your driver's license.