Why does someone need to get SR22 insurance? My friend was required to get one recently here in Washington and she has no idea what it was.

Myra

Seattle WA

People in Washington can get into vehicular accidents for many reasons. One, it can be caused by another person. Second, it can be self-induced.

In Washington, a number of self-induced car accidents happen because of alcohol. This not uncommon, even from other states. Some people just think it is a great idea to drive even when they’re seeing double. However, when this happens and the car starts swerving in the middle of street, you can be in a lot of danger. Not only are you risking yourself in getting hurt but other motorists as well, even pedestrians.

Under this circumstance, you can get into a lot of trouble. Moreover, the state would no longer be lenient in giving you your liberty to drive. Before you hit the road, you will need SR22 Washington.

So what’s this all about? This document is your key to driving. Anyone who’s convicted with DUI needs to file for this document, or else, license will be suspended. This should be carried around for a maximum of 3 years but will depend mainly on the type of offense.

Some people might have problems in obtaining this document for financial reasons. True, the processing of an SR22 in Washington may be costly. But the good news is: currently, certain companies offer services to help people in processing such document at affordable rates.

This document is not only a requirement for those who are convicted of DUI. People found guilty of driving with a suspended license or DWI, will have to obtain SR22 in Washington.

To file for such document, all you have to do is to find out the requirements stipulated by the state. However, if it’s much of a hassle, you can count on the people, who provides such service, to do the job for you.

I just bought a car here in Washington State. What’s my grace period for getting car insurance to avoid getting a penalty?

Jenny

Seattle WA

There’s no grace period for a liability coverage according to the Insurance Commissioner of Washington state. Also, the grace period to adding another vehicle to your insurance policy would be different from one company to another. It is important then to check with your insurer the maximum time required to file or add your newly bought vehicle to your existing policy. Most dealers would often require a physical damage coverage before it leaves the dealership.

If you’re replacing an old car to your policy, most insurers would extend that existing policy to your new car. If you’re adding a new car to your policy, you could inquire whether they would extend your existing policy for a certain amount of time or should you add the new vehicle to your policy with the required coverage.

If you’re just about to get an insurance policy on your car, then it is more practical to give your preferred auto insurance company an update on the type of car you’re planning to buy before it actually leaves the dealership. Request your dealership a fax of the car information to work with your insurer the practical coverage to apply.

I have auto insurance in Washington. I was just wondering if my car insurance will be effective in the state of California.

Jane

Seattle WA

It depends on your situation.

If you live in Washington and your vehicle is registered in WA and you want to just visit California, then typically your WA car insurance would conform to CA car insurance requirements.

If you go to school in CA but are still keeping your WA residence then your car insurance in Seattle WA may continue to cover you in CA. You will need to contact your car insurance company to be certain that you will be covered while you are in California.

If you plan to move to California, then you will need to register and insure your car in CA. If your car insurance company in WA also does business in California then you can just request to change it over to a new policy in California.

If you want to be sure that your car insurance in Washington state would also be effective in the state of California, I suggest that you speak with your car insurance agent.

For how long do I have to continue my SR22 insurance here in Washington?

Dorris

Seattle, WA

Good question. The state of Washington would usually require drivers who has gotten their driver’s licenses suspended to maintain an SR22 form for at least three years, without any lapses or cancellation of the SR22 insurance coverage. Although the length of the required period to carry this special type of auto insurance may vary depending on the reason for the suspension of your license, most common of which includes: DUI (Driving Under the Influence), operating a vehicle without a license or insurance coverage, causing or involvement in a car accident without carrying adequate liability insurance, just to name a few.

SR22 insurance is required by the state to make sure that drivers who have shown risky driving behaviors are carrying adequate insurance coverage in case they manage to injure anyone or damage properties in the event they cause a car accident. It would be best to get in touch with Washington’s Department of Licensing to get the specific details about the length of time you will need to carry your SR22 insurance there in Washington. Allowing your SR22 insurance to get canceled or to lapse can cause sever penalties and much more expensive insurance costs in the future.

To find the best rates for SR22 insurance Washington Policies, we highly recommend running a free SR22 insurance search using the quote tool on this website. This tool allows you to find and compare for the most affordable policies available in your area quickly and easily.

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.

I know that my auto insurance company will take care of me when I meet an accident, and that they’ll also take care of the damages to the occupants of the other car, too. However, what would happen if the other driver sues me? Would my auto insurance policy cover this? I have liability coverage

Kevin

Seattle, WA

Kevin, if you have liability insurance coverage, then your insurance policy will cover the damages done by the accident which you caused. If you did not cause the accident, then the other guy’s insurance policy will cover the damages. If the other driver guy decides to go to court, then your liability insurance coverage will still take care of your fees.

Liability insurance covers the expenses that the legal battle that results from the accident will cause. If you get sued in Washington, your auto insurance company will defend you in court. Be rest assured that your auto insurance company will hire a competent lawyer to defend you in court. The insurance will do its best to find a very good lawyer to represent you as the auto insurance company is also obligated to handle the legal payouts if ever the insured party loses the legal battle.

If you lose in court, the auto insurance company will pay for the fines/payments imposed by the court. It is because of this nature of liability insurance coverage that makes this crucial to motorists and even other professionals such as doctors and businessmen. Liability insurance coverage takes care of you when you figure in an accident, it also takes care of the other people who were affected by the accident and it takes care of you even after the accident.

I would appreciate if someone could give me details on SR22 requirements for Washington state. I think I need one due to DUI.

Sam

Seattle, Washington WA

In the State of Washington, if you commit a violation or an accumulation of violations, such as reckless driving, driving under the influence (DUI) or (DWI), or refusal to test, at fault accidents or driving without insurance, the Washington DMV will mandate proof of financial responsibility in the form of SR-22 insurance. This insurance is also known as high-risk auto insurance for some auto insurance companies in Washington WA. Washington state requires for SR22 to be temporary, usually running from two to three years.
Not all auto insurance company sell SR22 insurance in Seattle, Washington. SR22 requirement for can be met in two ways: owner policy or non-owner policy. The non-owner SR22 policy will release the license if there is no car to cover by the insured, or if there is already insurance in place. Be wary though that premiums in more urban parts like Seattle could a bit higher, so a broad form SR22 is usually best. Moreover, this type of policy runs 12 months in length, and is typically $300-$600 per year in Seattle, WA.
It is good to know that there is no communication necessary between the insured and his/her regular insurance company regarding the non-owner or broad-form SR22 purchased through some companies in Seattle, WA. As almost a beneficial case always, paying a bit extra for an additional policy should pay off in the long run, and is certainly the most convenient way to fulfill the requirement in Washington WA.

What will be the fine for driving with insurance but without your proof of insurance card in your car? I live in Seattle, Washington.

Rose

Seattle, WA

If you fail to provide proof of motor vehicle insurance in Seattle Washington, its is a traffic infraction and is subject to penalties as set by the supreme court under RCW 46.63.110. According to RCW 46.63.110 an individual found to have committed a traffic infraction shall be assessed a monetary penalty. No penalty may exceed $250 for each offense but there are other associated fees that may be added to the penalty amount.

So If you drive without proof of insurance in Seattle Washington, it is punishable by a minimum of $250 fine. There are other assessments and fees that can be added to this fine so it typically costs about $450.

So it looks like that with proper documentation that you were insured at the time of your citation for operating a vehicle without insurance then the court should dismiss the ticket and you will only need to pay administrative costs of $25. You may also contact the WA court listed on your ticket to find out what insurance documentation you will need to bring and to make sure that the fee amount has not changed.

My daughter just got her license and I would like to know if it is better for her to get her own policy or should she be listed on ours?

Anna

Seattle, Washington (WA)

It is usually less expensive and easier for a newly licensed teenage motorist to be added to their parent’s car insurance policy than to start up their own insurance policy, especially if it is a teen and they do not own their own car. If your daughter does own her own vehicle then she may get her own insurance policy, but if she is a minor than a parent or guardian will need to sign on the contact with her.

If you have not already done so, inform your car insurance provider that your has become licensed. At this time they should be able to inform you if they require you to add her to your insurance policy or how to set up her own policy on her vehicle.