Is a SR22 insurance needed if the person is a high risk driver? If so, what is the purpose of having SR22 insurance here in Maryland?

Ashlyn

Baltimore, MD

A SR22 insurance is a form or a policy rider that is essential for high risk motorists so that they can reinstate their driver’s license if it has been suspended or revoked. In Maryland, it is required by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for a number of years, depending on the gravity of the violation. Once a car insurance carrier issues a SR22 insurance, it will guarantee the DMV that the driver carries at least the state-required auto liability insurance. The DMV will be informed if there would be a gap at the period of coverage for the SR22 insurance. If the policy is cancelled for any reason, further penalties will be applied and the driver’s license will again be suspended.

A number of things may cause someone to have their driver’s license suspended or revoked, thus having the need to get a SR22 insurance. This includes citations for driving under the influence (DUI), multiple minor moving infractions, multiple unpaid tickets, too many accidents in a short period of time, etc.

If a high risk driver is asked to get a SR22 insurance, he/she has to get minimum liability insurance for his/her automobile. If the person doesn’t own an automobile, he/she can buy non-owner liability insurance. Not all insurance companies offer SR22 insurance so the driver has to be at his/her best at shopping around if they need to find a SR22 insurance.

I’m looking at my sister’s auto insurance policy here in Columbia, Maryland and I need help in understanding it because I will buy my own auto insurance soon. How would I know how much liability coverage she has on her policy?

Tara

Columbia, MD

It would be easy to find out how much liability coverage your sister has on her auto insurance in Columbia, Maryland. This is typically shown as three numbers which are written like this – 25/50/25. This would mean that it would pay $25,000 for physical injury or medical costs per person, $50,000 for physical injury or medical costs per accident and $25,000 to cover for property damage for every accident she may have.

You must realize though that if you will be involved in a serious car accident, the minimum liability auto insurance coverage would likely not cover all the costs. It would be a good idea to purchase more so that you could be sure to have the appropriate coverage in case of a serious accident, which generally means major bills. It would also be a wise decision to buy more than the minimum especially if you own a home, have a huge savings account or have a real estate. The injured party can sue you if you were the one who caused the accident, and if they do, you can keep the courts from going after your personal financial business if you have enough liability insurance.