In Minnesota, an SR-22 is a form that proves a driver meets the state's minimum auto insurance requirements, typically required after serious traffic offenses such as DUI, driving without insurance, or repeat traffic violations. It is not an insurance policy itself but a certification filed by the driver's insurance company with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. The form confirms compliance with minimum liability coverage of $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 per accident, and $10,000 for property damage. Drivers must maintain this filing for three years to keep their driving privileges, and any lapse or cancellation can lead to license suspension. For those affected, understanding the process and requirements is essential to avoid further complications. Continuing to explore this topic will provide more detailed insights into the filing process, associated costs, and the impact on insurance rates.
Key Takeaways
- SR-22 Definition: An SR-22 is a document, not an insurance policy, proving a driver meets Minnesota's minimum auto insurance requirements.
- Eligibility: Required for drivers with serious traffic offenses, such as DUI, driving without insurance, or repeat traffic violations.
- Insurance Requirements: Minimum coverage includes $30,000 bodily injury per person, $60,000 per accident, $10,000 property damage, and additional coverage like PIP and underinsured motorist coverage.
- Filing and Maintenance: Filed with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety by the driver's insurance company, and must be maintained for three years to keep driving privileges.
- Impact on Rates and Privileges: Increases insurance rates due to high-risk driver status, and any lapse or cancellation of the SR-22 can result in license suspension.
What Is SR22 Insurance?
An SR-22 is not an insurance policy itself, but a document that serves as proof of financial responsibility, verifying that a driver meets the minimum auto liability insurance requirements set by the state of Minnesota.
This document, often referred to as a certificate of financial responsibility, is filed with the state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) by the driver's insurance company. It guarantees that the driver has the necessary liability insurance coverage to operate a vehicle legally.
The SR-22 is typically required for drivers who have committed serious traffic offenses, such as driving under the influence, driving without insurance, or accumulating multiple traffic violations.
It is not the insurance policy itself but rather a supplementary form that confirms the driver's compliance with Minnesota's insurance laws.
Eligibility and Requirements
To determine eligibility for an SR-22 in Minnesota, it is crucial to understand the specific circumstances that necessitate this certification.
Minnesota does not require an SR-22 form per se, but instead mandates a certificate of insurance for drivers with serious violations on their records. This includes drivers who have been involved in an accident without insurance, have had a judgment against them from an unpaid accident, or have faced a license suspension due to DUI or DWI convictions, or multiple traffic tickets.
Drivers who need to file this certificate must guarantee they carry the state's minimum required auto insurance, which includes $30,000 for bodily injury to one person, $60,000 for injuries to two or more persons, and $10,000 for property damage.
Additionally, they must maintain personal injury protection (PIP) and underinsured motorist coverage. The certificate must be filed by the insurance company and kept on file for at least one year to reinstate driving privileges.
Filing the Certification
Filing the certification for an SR-22 equivalent in Minnesota involves a structured process to guarantee compliance with the state's insurance requirements.
Since Minnesota does not require an SR-22 form, drivers instead need to file an insurance certification with the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS). This certification must be submitted by the driver's insurance company as proof that the driver has the minimum required insurance coverage.
To file this certification, drivers should contact their insurance company to complete the necessary form. The form can be obtained from the DVS website or through the insurance provider.
Once filled out, the insurance company will submit the certification to the Commissioner of Public Safety. This process can often be completed electronically or via fax, and there is typically no additional cost for filing the certification itself, although insurance rates may increase due to the underlying violation.
Impact on Insurance Rates
When a driver in Minnesota is required to file an insurance certification due to a serious driving violation, such as a DWI or reckless driving, it can greatly impact their insurance rates. The SR-22 certification itself does not increase rates, but the underlying violations that necessitate it do.
For instance, drivers with a DWI in Minnesota can expect to pay considerably higher premiums, with average annual costs for minimum coverage rising to $1,213 and $2,490 for full coverage.
The increased rates are due to the perception of the driver as high-risk, leading to fewer insurance options and potentially higher premiums. Companies like Western National, State Farm, and American Family offer some of the most affordable rates for SR-22 insurance in Minnesota, but even these are notably higher than rates for drivers with clean records.
Maintaining continuous coverage is essential to avoid further complications, including policy cancellation or the reinstatement of the SR-22 requirement.
Maintaining Driving Privileges**
Maintaining driving privileges in Minnesota after being required to file an SR-22 involves several critical steps and ongoing responsibilities.
Drivers must guarantee they have the minimum required auto insurance coverage, which includes $30,000 for bodily injury liability per person, $60,000 for bodily injury liability per accident, and $10,000 for property damage liability per accident, as well as uninsured motorist coverage.
The SR-22 form must be filed with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, typically by the insurance company, and must be kept in force for three years following the violation.
Any lapse or cancellation of the SR-22 policy will result in the insurer notifying the state, leading to the suspension of driving privileges.
Non-owner SR-22 insurance is also available for those who do not own a vehicle but need to maintain their driving privileges.
Failure to comply with these requirements can lead to serious consequences, including license suspension.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Drive Out of State With a Minnesota SR-22 Certification?
If you have an active SR22 requirement from another state and move to Minnesota, you must maintain your SR22 filing in the original state to avoid license suspension. Minnesota honors out-of-state SR22 requirements, even though it does not have its own SR22 program. You need to obtain an insurance policy in Minnesota and file a cross-state SR22 certificate in the state that originally required it.
How Does an SR-22 Affect My Insurance if I Move to Another State?
As you cross state lines, your SR-22 obligation follows, a constant shadow on your driving record. You must maintain the SR-22 in your original state, even if the new state does not require it, by securing a new insurance policy and filing a cross-state SR-22 certificate to avoid license suspension.
Are There Any Additional Fees for Installing an Ignition Interlock Device?
Installing an ignition interlock device involves several fees, including a one-time installation cost of $70-$150, monthly lease fees of $60-$90, and periodic calibration costs of $20-$30, with potential additional fees for maintenance and upkeep.
Can I Use a Non-Owner SR-22 Policy for Rental Cars?
A non-owner SR-22 policy can be used for rental cars, as it provides liability coverage for any vehicle you drive, including rentals, without the vehicle being titled in your name or under your regular access.
What Happens if I Fail to Provide a Breath Sample for the Ignition Interlock Device?
Failing to provide a breath sample for the ignition interlock device triggers a violation, leading to a lockout period, alarm sounds, and flashing lights until the engine is stopped and a valid sample is provided. The violation is recorded and reported to the monitoring authority.
Conclusion
SR22 Insurance in Minnesota
What Is SR22 Insurance?
SR22 insurance is not an insurance policy itself, but a form that verifies a driver meets the minimum car insurance requirements mandated by the state of Minnesota. This form is typically required after serious traffic offenses such as DUI, driving without insurance, or repeat traffic offenses. It guarantees the driver has the necessary liability coverage, including $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $10,000 for property damage per accident.
Eligibility and Requirements
Drivers in Minnesota are required to file an SR22 form under certain conditions, such as after a DUI conviction, driving without insurance, or committing serious traffic offenses. This requirement usually lasts for three years. During this period, the driver must maintain the minimum liability insurance coverage as specified by the state.
Filing the Certification
To file an SR22 in Minnesota, the driver must contact their insurance provider to request the SR22 filing. The insurer will prepare and submit the necessary paperwork to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. A one-time filing fee, typically ranging from $15 to $25, is also required in addition to the insurance premium.
Impact on Insurance Rates
Filing an SR22 in Minnesota can notably impact insurance rates. Drivers may face higher premiums, as SR22 insurance is often associated with high-risk driving. The average rates for SR22 insurance in Minnesota are approximately $217.58 per month, which is considerably higher than standard insurance rates. The primary factor contributing to these rate hikes is a poor driving record, particularly a DUI conviction.
Maintaining Driving Privileges
Maintaining an active SR22 filing is essential to keep driving privileges intact. Any lapse or cancellation of the SR22 policy can result in the suspension of driving privileges. Drivers must maintain continuous coverage for the mandated three-year period to avoid such consequences. Failure to comply can lead to legal penalties and loss of driving privileges.
Conclusion
SR22 insurance in Minnesota is a necessary measure for drivers who have committed serious traffic offenses, guaranteeing they meet the state's minimum insurance requirements. As the financial burden of such insurance can be substantial, can one really afford to risk losing their driving privileges? The strict adherence to these requirements underscores the importance of responsible driving practices.