I’m just curious, what are the reasons for me to get SR22 insurance coverage in Washington?

Issa

Seattle, WA

I’m glad you asked. We believe its important for everyone who operates a car to know what actions or reasons would require them to file for an SR22. Just by being aware of these reasons would already increase your chances of being more conscious about your driving, and hopefully prevent you from having to get your license suspended and file an SR22 for reinstatement in the future. Here are the common reasons why you may be asked to file an SR22 form:

1. DUI (Driving Under the Influence) or DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) arrests and convictions.
2. Driving with an expired/ invalid drivers license.
3. Driving without adequate auto insurance coverage.
4. Accumulating too many driving violations or citations such as speeding, reckless driving etc. and getting too many points against your license within a relatively short-period of time, normally one year.
5. Being at-fault in causing any number of major car accidents and being unable to show car insurance coverage afterwards.
6. Drivers with poor driving records, or with very risky driving behaviors.

It is also good to note that you may be required to pay certain penalties and fees to get your license back. It may also take up to 30 days for your SR22 to get processed and submitted to your state Department of Motor Vehicles Office. You would also need to maintain full and continuous SR22 insurance coverage for the next couple of years to avoid further penalties.

One of the best ways to get SR22 insurance coverage in Washington is to shop for one on the Web! We have a free insurance search tool that can help you find and compare affordable SR22 insurance quotes and policies available and that best fits your SR22 insurance needs.

What are the implications of DUI to my car insurance here in , Washington? I suppose it can’t be a good thing.

Bill

Spokane, WA

Since when has drunk driving been a good thing? I suppose you already know about the license suspension, lawyer fees and fines. I’m assuming here that you did get convicted of drunk driving. Well, in case you haven’t spent enough yet, on top of everything, you have to worry about higher premium prices for your vehicle insurance–that is if you are lucky. Some insurance companies will actually cancel your policy. And bet the top of your legs that you’re going to have a hard time looking for new automotive insurance. So, let’s say that your company decides to keep you, you lucky son of whatever, as one of their policy holders. You then will be branded as high risk. Your car insurance company is required to submit an SR-22 to your DMV there. It is a document that gives proof that you have the minimum required coverage, and more importantly, it reestablishes your driving privileges.

If you’re thinking that this is easy enough to handle, that it was all worth it since you had so much fun drinking, let me tell you now that not all insurance companies offer SR-22s. Check out your insurance laws there in Spokane, WA to find out. And one last thing, stop being an idiot. Don’t drink and drive.

My son received a speeding ticket in the state of Nevada, is it true that this will not go in his driving record in the state of Washington. What if you get involved in an accident and its not your fault, will it still be put in your driving record?

Sarah

Thank you for asking Sarah.

States records on a driver’s motor vehicle records (MVR) if an accident has occurred involving them, but do not assign who is at fault. Collisions involving non-commercial cars stays on the individual’s driving record for 5 years from the date of collision. Collisions that involves commercial cars remain on the record for 10 years.

The state of Washington documents accidents on your driving record to show involvement, but the WA Department of Licensing (DOL) does not determine fault for the collisions.

Regarding the speeding ticket that your son received, both NV and WA are members of the Drivers License Compact. This means that Nevada’s DMV should share the information regarding the moving violation to Washington’s DOL.

Some states that are part of this Compact do not to assess points or put the out of state infraction on the individual’s driving record, but others do.

Goodluck!

MariCAR