After a DUI or other major traffic violation, a person may have their license suspended by the court. When an individual’s license is suspended, most states will require you to file an SR-22. This SR-22 is a document that verifies with the state that you are meeting the minimum liability insurance requirements.
Adding an SR-22 to your auto policy might cause your premiums to rise significantly. This is not necessarily due to the SR-22 itself, but rather the fact that the driver is considered high-risk. But there are ways to save on your rates even with the SR-22. Here are a few tips.
You Still Qualify for Discounts
Even if you have an SR-22, you will often still qualify for numerous discounts. These might include multi-car, advanced quote, payment frequency, transfer, homeowners, defensive driving, or an anti-theft discount.
Consider Increasing Your Policy Deductible
Portions of your auto policy may contain deductibles, which are costs that you must pay for vehicle damage before your insurance policy will cover the remainder of your claim. If you increase your deductible, then your premium will be lower, but you will have to pay more out of pocket if you are involved in an accident.
Purchase Less Insurance
You should always speak with a licensed insurance agent for advice on what coverage best fits your situation. While it is not always advisable for you to drop portions of your coverage, it is possible to do so when saving money is a priority. For example, you might be carrying comprehensive and collision coverage on an older vehicle that is worth little money, or on a vehicle that is paid off so no longer requires full coverage. Therefore, the cost of the additional coverage might outweigh any potential benefit you might receive.
Still, you must carry all coverage required of you by Iowa law and your SR-22 penalty, which is:
- $20,000 in bodily injury liability per person
- $40,000 in bodily injury liability per accident
- $15,000 in property damage liability
There may be additional requirements, so be sure to check the conditions of your SR-22 to learn more.
Work With Your Agent to Compare Quotes on Policies
One of the best things you can do with your insurance agent’s help is to compare the policies of different companies once an SR-22 is needed. If you are working with an independent insurance agent, then they will be able to offer you multiple policy quotes from multiple carriers. They will help you in choosing the most affordable, quality insurance policy for you.
Having your agent compare quotes on your policy is a great benefit when you need an SR-22. Remember, you must keep your auto insurance in effect to maintain and satisfy the SR-22 requirements. You will be much better off if you speak with an agent at The Insurance Specialists Inc that will help you get quality and affordable coverage.
Also Read: What Happens if You Drive Without SR22 Insurance?
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