3. Sr-22 & Low Cost Insurance
The SR-22 Insurance Requirement.
If you are convicted of a DUI or lose the DMV hearing, or if you were in an at-fault accident or cited without insurance, you will likely be required to obtain an SR-22 insurance document from your insurance company to file with the DMV in order to be eligible for a drivers license. The SR22 is a promise from your insurance company to inform the DMV if you ever lose insurance. The typical required duration for an SR-22 is three years. Some insurance companies transmit the form directly to DMV in a matter of hours or days after your request, and others take up to several weeks and actually mail you the original for you to file directly with the Ukiah DMV. SR-22's can come in different shapes and sizes. Click below to see what an SR-22 looks like:
Sample Electronic SR22 Receipt
Shop around. The simple fact of a DUI should not result in cancellation of your insurance policy (many insurance companies offer the SR-22 form), but this may be a good time to shop for the most affordable insurance for your unique situation. In addition, if your current insurance company refuses to issue an SR-22 until you jump hoops or unless certain conditions are satisfied, then you may wish to consider contacting an insurance company that will issue the SR22 at the time you want it, such as John Macdonald Insurance Service, Inc., or Serenity Insurance (these are not endorsements but just resources to check out for fast SR-22's if you like the company and their quotes and service).
Click here to access a search engine and Insurance Answer Bank for many questions about rate increases, multiple persons on policies, out of state requirements, etc.
Low Cost Insurance (not SR-22)
If you simply need insurance to get your driver license back, but you cannot afford insurance, then click here on California Low Cost Auto Insurance Program for information about Sonoma County's participation in the state sponsored low income insurance program. Note: this program does not offer the SR-22.