If you need to get cheap SR-22 insurance in VA, learning more about this type of insurance and how to access it will be helpful. This comprehensive guide will make it easier for you to understand what SR-22 insurance is, why having it can be important, who needs it, and how to buy it. By putting all of the SR-22 insurance details that you need in one place, we hope to make it simpler for you to find insurance that suits your needs and budget. SR-22 insurance is mandatory for some Virginia drivers, so it’s something that many people look for.
What Is Cheap SR-22 Insurance in Virginia
Cheap SR-22 insurance in Virginia isn’t really insurance, but it’s often referred to that way. It’s actually a certificate that proves a driver has sufficient car insurance coverage in the Cavalier State. To get this certificate, a driver must have a minimum amount of insurance coverage, based on state guidelines. The requirement is $25,000 of bodily injury liability per individual, along with $50,000 of bodily injury liability, per accident. A driver must also carry $20,000 of property damage liability, per accident.
When a driver has enough coverage, they can ask their insurance company to file an SR-22 form for them. If the insurance firm does so, the driver will receive an SR-22 certificate that proves they have enough insurance to fit their high-risk category.
Why Some Drivers Need SR-22 Insurance
Some Virginia drivers must get SR-22 certificates due to non-alcohol-related driving violations that put them in the high-risk category. There are many driving offenses that may lead to the need for a certificate. Without the form, a driver may lose their driving privileges. An SR-22 designation may increase annual insurance premiums by up to $1,300. Here are some examples of driving infractions that may put a driver in this category:
- Driving recklessly
- Having multiple traffic violations
- Driving with no insurance
- Being the at-fault party in a vehicular accident that causes an injury or fatality
FR-44 Insurance Is Also Available In Virginia
In Virginia, very serious driving infractions, such as alcohol-related offenses, may lead to the need for FR-44 insurance, which is actually an FR-44 form that is typically filed on a driver’s behalf by an insurance firm. Often, those who need to file FR-44 forms have suspended licenses that they want to reinstate. Virginia is a state where SR-22 and FR-44 certificates are available, and both forms prove that drivers have adequate levels of insurance coverage. FR-44 forms may also be mandatory for driving infractions, such as:
- DWI (driving while intoxicated)
- DUI (driving under the influence)
The FR-44 form requires higher levels of liability coverage than the SR-22. It typically boosts the cost of insurance premiums by up to $800 per year. The minimum amount of bodily injury liability coverage per person is $60,000, while the minimum level of bodily injury coverage per accident is $120,000.
Those who require FR-44 certificates also need to carry $40,000 worth of property damage liability insurance per accident, plus $20,000 of uninsured motorist property damage coverage. Another stipulation is $30,000 of uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage per person, and $60,000 of the same coverage, per accident. Without this coverage and an FR-44 certificate, a driver can lose their driving privileges, so acquiring these documents and insurance coverage is essential.
How To File an SR-22 or FR-44 Form
If you need to get an SR-22 or FR-44 form, you should know that following a few steps will be the best way to access the certificate. Once you have it, you’ll be able to prove that you have sufficient insurance coverage, which should give you greater peace of mind on the road. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Make Sure You Have Adequate Insurance Coverage
Before you move forward, you should ensure that you have enough coverage to qualify for an SR-44 or FR-44 certificate. We mentioned the coverage guidelines for each type of form earlier in this article. If you do have enough coverage, you can proceed. If you don’t, you’ll need to buy a more comprehensive policy or add coverage features to an existing policy.
2. Choose an Insurance Company
Next, choose an insurance provider. Usually, the cost of filing this type of form is not high, ranging between $15 and $35. However, some insurance firms don’t offer this service. Shop around to find a company that does provide SR-44 and FR-44 certificate filing services for its valued clientele.
3. Pay for the Form Filing
At this stage, you should pay the insurance company for the form. Once you have paid in full, the firm should proceed with processing your request. Prices for this service vary, so compare a few quotes to get a competitive rate.
4. Get the SR-44 or FR-44 Certificate
After receiving payment, the insurance firm will file your form. Sometimes, drivers help insurance company representatives by filling in personal details on the forms prior to filing. In other cases, the insurance firms take care of the applications. These forms are usually filed electronically, as this is a quick and efficient way to process the certificates.
SR-22 Rates From Different Providers
A range of well-known insurance companies provides SR-22 coverage in Virginia. The average cost of SR-22 insurance, based on rates for a male aged 30 for one year, is as follows, per Value Penguin:
- Virginia Farm Bureau: $494.00
- USAA: $722.00
- State Farm: $953.00
- Progressive: $1,047.00
- Erie: $1,154.00
- Geico: $1,322,00
- Allstate: $1,460.00
- Travelers: $1,648.00
- Nationwide: $1,701.00
Now that you know some important facts about cheap SR-22 insurance in Virginia, you’ll know how to access this type of document. While there is a downside to needing SR-22 or FR-44 certificates, getting the mandatory form will make your life easier. You’ll be protected from unforeseen expenses related to legal problems linked with your driving record.
While the amount of time that you’ll need to keep a certificate valid will vary, it’s worth the expense if you want to be a legal driver on Virginia’s roads. You may be required to maintain this certification for as little as three years, but some people have to keep their forms valid for much longer.
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