If you have certain traffic infractions, your state's department of motor vehicles, or a judge in traffic court or criminal court, can order you to carry more insurance than the state normally requires. If you are required to carry more than the normal state-required minimum insurance amount, the courts will order you to obtain a higher insurance policy, called SR22 insurance. Here are three of the most common reasons why someone may be required to carry SR22 insurance. 

Someone Who Has a DUI

It is extremely common for someone to be required to obtain SR22 insurance if they have been convicted of driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated. In many states, obtaining this type of insurance policy is required to get your driver's license back after it has been revoked for this type of conviction. Different states have different laws regarding how long this type of insurance has to be carried after a DUI, but most states require this policy to be carried for at least two years and some states may require it for up to five years. 

Someone Who Was Driving Without Insurance

Another common reason why someone may be required to carry SR22 insurance is that they were driving without insurance. Once again, traffic laws vary from state to state. Some states may require this insurance if someone lapses on their insurance multiple times within a specified period of time, while other states may require it only if an accident occurs while insurance was previously lapsed. 

Someone Deemed an Unsafe or Negligent Driver

The final reason why someone may be ordered to obtain SR22 insurance is that they were deemed to be an unsafe or negligent driver. The department of motor vehicles may automatically issue a requirement to a driver if they obtain a certain amount of points on their driving record, or a judge can order it if the driver has shown a blatant disregard for traffic rules. 

If you are required to carry SR22 insurance, you may be required to obtain this type of insurance policy as a condition for vehicle registration and as a condition for driving. If you fail to obtain the required amount of insurance, or if an SR22 insurance policy lapses, you may have your registration and/or driver's license revoked. Reach out to an insurance company today to learn more about obtaining SR22 insurance if you are required by the DMV or courts to carry this type of insurance policy.