How to Get Car Insurance After Your License Has Been Revoked or Suspended

Driving is a privilege extended by a state to its residents, meaning it can be withdrawn upon violating the set conditions. 

In most cases, a state would withdraw a person's driving privileges for reasons such as a DUI conviction, many moving violations on your license, and failing to pay child support.

Luckily most license suspensions and revocations don't last forever. You could have your driving rights reinstated after meeting the legal requirements, including having the minimum liability coverage. 

If you are in the process of having your license reinstated, here are a few things you should know about getting car insurance.

The DMV Has the Power to Suspend and Reinstate a Driving License

After being convicted of a traffic offense requiring a license revocation, your state's DMV will automatically suspend or revoke your driving privileges. The revocation will show whenever your driver's license is run through the DMV’s database. That means you should never attempt to get on the road with a revoked license because it could get you into even bigger problems.

The period of license suspension can vary from state to state and the reason for the suspension. The DMV will inform you of the period the suspension or revocation will be in place and the reinstatement conditions, one of which includes getting an SR-22. 

But, What Is an SR-22?

Before the DMV can reinstate your driving privileges, you must show proof of having minimum liability coverage. Proofing that you have minimum liability coverage will require a certificate of financial responsibility, often referred to as SR-22 insurance in most states. 

While an SR-22 is loosely referred to as insurance, it is not. An insurance company issues it to a policyholder on request as proof that the holder has purchased sufficient cover based on their circumstances.  

Obtaining an SR-22 is not expensive, as most insurers give it to you at a relatively low fee. However, insurance premiums accompanying an SR-22 can be much higher than pre-suspension premiums.

Getting Cheap Insurance after License Suspensions

You could have stuck to your insurer for years. But being with an insurer for years doesn't mean you will get a good deal from them after a license suspension. Some insurers can raise their premiums by up to four times. 

But you do not have to pay unnecessarily high prices for one mistake as it is possible to get fair SR-22 insurance premiums if you shop around. However, you must be sure to engage a reliable insurance provider. 

One of the best ways of getting affordable insurance after a license suspension would be leveraging the many SR-22 insurance comparison resources on the internet. 

Auto insurance comparison resources do the handwork of going through the many providers in the market to provide you with the list of the most reliable providers.

How Long Does an SR-22 Stay on Your License?

As long as you have an SR-22 status on your license, your insurance rates will remain relatively higher. But an SR-22 status does not stay on your license indefinitely as it often expires after three years. 

However, it does not always mean you will need to have it on your license for that long. Some states require drivers to have it on their licenses for shorter periods. 

If your state's requirement for having an SR-22 on your license is shorter than three years, you will need to request your insurer to drop it after you have satisfied the requirement. Typically an insurance company will not drop it unless you make the request.

For states requiring an SR-22 for longer than three years, you will need to reapply before it lapses to ensure that you do not create gaps that could get you in trouble.

Other Articles Related to Your Search

What Happens When You Get Caught for DUI in Tennessee?

Driving After a Night Out: When Is It Safe to Get Behind the Wheel?

Legal Advice Drivers Should Follow if They Are at Fault in a Car Accident