It can sometimes be difficult for drivers with serious violations to reinstate their licenses and get insurance. In most cases, the first step in restoring a suspended license is having your insurance provider file an SR-22. Like many other carriers, USAA can help their customers reinstate their licenses and get insurance with an SR-22. If you’re a USAA customer with a serious violation on your record, keep reading to learn more about what SR-22 coverage is and how it works.
What Is USAA?
USAA (United Services Automobile Association) is a company that offers insurance and banking services to all current and most discharged military members and veterans, as well as their families. While the company provides a wide range of insurance services, it is well known as an auto insurance provider for military service members. USAA is known for providing a high standard of service and competitive rates for its customers. Like many other insurance companies, USAA offers SR-22 services to help customers with serious traffic violations reinstate their licenses and get insurance coverage.
What is an SR-22?
An SR-22 (Safety Responsibility 22) is a special form that an insurance company must file with a state’s DMV if they insure a customer with a serious traffic violation. The main purpose of this document is to demonstrate to the state that the customer has insurance that meets the minimum liability requirements. It’s important to remember that an SR-22 isn’t a separate type of insurance policy, but just a form associated with your policy. Unfortunately, filing an SR-22 will increase your premiums, although the exact amount you pay will depend on your carrier and a range of other factors.
If you require an SR-22, the court that’s handling your case will issue an order. Your state may contact you to let you know, or you might hear about it from a judge. SR-22s are required for a wide range of serious traffic violations, although the exact rules may vary by state. In most cases, violations that cause license suspension require an SR-22 in order for the individual to restore their driving privileges. These are some of the violations that usually require an SR-22:
- Hit-and-run accidents
- Driving without insurance
- Driving with a suspended license
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Reckless driving
- Traffic violations as a minor
- Refusal to pay child support
- Repeated serious traffic violations
- Multiple at-fault accidents
- Multiple traffic violations in a short span of time
If you don’t own a car but need to drive a rental or someone else’s car from time to time, you’ll still need to file an SR-22 form. The main difference is that you’ll need a non-owner’s insurance policy. This will cover you no matter what car you’re driving. In most states, drivers are required to undergo a period of approximately three years before they can remove the SR-22 from their policy. The exact period mandated can vary based on the seriousness of an offense and the laws in your state and may be extended for violations.
SR-22 Coverage with USAA
If you’re a current military service member or a veteran, USAA might be a good choice for your SR-22 needs. Although they don’t guarantee coverage for all customers, they can help most customers file their SR-22s and restore their driving privileges. If you’re already a USAA customer, feel free to contact your agent and ask them to file an SR-22 for you. Once the process is complete, they will send you a quote for the increase in your premiums. If you’re not yet a USAA customer, you can get a quote through their website.
How To File an SR-22
Filing an SR-22 is a fairly simple process. The first step is to contact your USAA agent and ask them to file the form on your behalf. It’s also important to ensure that your current policy meets the minimum mandatory requirements in your state. If you’re not sure, your agent can help you make that determination and assist you with an upgrade if necessary. When you speak with your agent, they will ask you for the following information:
- Your social security number
- Your date of birth
- Your state of residence
- Your driver’s license number
- The suspension date for your license
- The relief date (when the SR-22 will expire, per the court)
- Information on your conviction
- Reason for the SR-22
It’s important to know that USAA will charge you a small fee for filing the SR-22. This will vary based on the filing costs in your state but is usually $15-$25. If you have any questions about the status of your SR-22 form, you can contact your state DMV or your agent.
If you live in Virginia or Florida, you may be required to submit a different form called an FR-44. These forms are similar to SR-22s but have higher coverage requirements. In Florida, FR-44 drivers must be covered for up to $100,000 per person for physical injuries, $300,000 per accident for injuries, and $50,000 for property damage. In Virginia, drivers filed under FR-44 are required to have coverage equal to twice the mandatory minimum in the state.
How Much Does SR-22 Coverage Cost?
Your insurance costs with an SR-22 will vary based on a wide variety of factors. These can include your age, the seriousness of your traffic violation, the car you drive, your location, and your credit history. While it’s difficult to estimate exactly how much you’ll pay, drivers who have filed an SR-22 often pay much more than they did before their license was suspended, since they are considered high-risk. It’s important to speak with a USAA representative to get a better idea of your premiums.
That’s a quick overview of SR-22 coverage with USAA. Hopefully, this will help you restore your license and get back on the road as soon as possible. If you want to get an accurate quote for your future costs, you can get one online at USAA’s website. This will allow you to check current rates for your vehicle in your location.
At FIXD, our mission is to make car ownership as simple, easy, and affordable as possible. Our research team utilizes the latest automotive data and insights to create tools and resources that help drivers get peace of mind and save money over the life of their car.
