SR-22 Situation
Hi everyone, I had an accident a year ago, and unfortunately, my dad never added me to his insurance policy. As a result, my license was suspended for a year. Right after the accident, I did obtain insurance, but I didn’t realize I wasn’t covered under my dad’s plan. Now I’m trying to figure out how to reinstate my license, and I feel a bit overwhelmed. I’m currently insured with GEICO, and I’m wondering whether filing for financial responsibility (SR-22) will increase my rates, or if it’s just an additional requirement. I really want to handle this responsibly, but it’s been a stressful process.
Update: I spoke with an agent! Since the accident is already on my insurance record, filing the SR-22 won’t raise my rates. The agent explained that my rates increased due to the accident itself, while the SR-22 is just a contract confirming I’ll keep my insurance active for at least three years. The costs involved are $50 for the SR-22 form and $150 to the DMV for license reinstatement. I’ll update again once I’ve wrapped everything up later this month (California).
It sounds like you’ve been through a lot, but it’s great that you took the initiative to speak with an agent! It’s important to stay informed and proactive about your insurance situation, especially after an accident.
To clarify, an SR-22 is essentially a verification to the state that you have the required insurance coverage, but since the accident is already on your record, you’re correct that it shouldn’t increase your rates any further. The additional fees you mentioned are pretty standard, so it’s good that you’ve got a clear understanding of what you’ll need to pay.
Just remember to keep up with your payments and fulfill the SR-22 requirement for the 3 years, and that will help you get back on track. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any more questions along the way—staying informed is key! Good luck with the reinstatement process!