SR22 for Motorcycles
When you think of SR22 insurance most of the time the driver has a car or truck which needs the filing but what if you own a motorcycle. There is SR22 insurance for non-owner so why shouldn't there be a policy for motorcycles. These days more and more drivers and switching to motorcycles or even scooters to save on gas money so it is becoming more common to need to file an SR-22 with a motorcycle. The best part about adding an SR22 to a motorcycle insurance policy is the cost is much lower as long as it is a cruiser style and not a crotch rocket.
Another consideration when adding an SR22 certificate to your insurance is the fact insurance companies don't know if you have a policy with another company. Assuming you have another vehicle in addition to the motorcycle you can file your SR22 on the motorcycle with one company and keep your auto insurance with another. The main benefit of this is that the other company will likely never find out about the SR22 filing as long as you keep the two separate. One caveat to this is that you legally cannot lie about your driving record so if the insurance company asks about your record you will need to inform them about the violation which caused the SR22 filing.
The fact that you save money on gas and insurance by having a motorcycle is all the more reason to enjoy the ride. Be safe and watch the other drivers around you as they pose a bigger risk to your health than you do!
You don’t need an SR22 on all your vehicles
A very common question I get is it necessary to have an SR22 on each vehicle you drive. The answer is no and it is even acceptable on motorcycles or other pleasure vehicles. Why do I bring up the use of other vehicles? It can save you a bunch of money and time!
The state will require you to carry an SR22 for a number of different reasons but all they care about is that you have liability auto insurance for the length of time that is required. This is helpful when you own other vehicles since you can insure a motorcycle with one company and all your other vehicles with another company. If you have the SR22 filing on the motorcycle policy the other company you have your car insurance with will not know you filed the SR-22 form. You will still need to carry the form for 3 years or more but only on that vehicle and the other policies won't be affected by your need for an SR22.
As summer gets closer and gas prices continue to increase more and more people will buy motorcycles or mopeds to get around town. Use this opportunity if you need to file an SR22 to insure that motorcycle with a separate insurance company so it doesn't affect your current policies. Believe it or not but buying a motorcycle after a DUI is probably cheaper over the next 3 years than insuring your car with an SR22 form attached.
For more information check out the article "Can You Have Auto Insurance With One Company and SR22 Insurance With Another" at www.aboutsr22insurance.com.
SR22 Insurance Required For Texting While Driving
It has been proven that texting while driving is one of the most unforgiving distractions you can create while operating a vehicle. Text messaging is banned in 30 states for any driver of a motor vehicle and I'm sure that more states will follow soon. While it is hard to put down your phone while driving it is unforgivable to injure or kill someone just because you were distracted by your phone. California and New York are part of many states that have actually banned use of hand-held devices while driving for all drivers. This will continue to be a pressing issue as more and more people use smart phones to communicate in their cars.
Depending on which state you reside the laws are different and the penalties are diverse for texting while driving. A few states like Iowa are looking at laws which will require you to file an SR22 form with the state if you are convicted of texting while driving. An SR22 is simply a way to show the state you are continuously insured to drive a vehicle but there are other costs associated with this type of insurance.
How long will an SR22 affect my insurance rates?
For most auto insurance companies the requirement of an SR22 by the state shows that the driver is likely a higher risk due to driving habits. While not all SR22 filings are required due to driving history most are filed for DUI and other reckless driving behaviors. The SR22 is usually required for a period of 3 years which means your auto insurance is likely to increase substantially over this time.
What is the penalty for texting while driving?
The states that ban texting while driving usually enforce a points penalty on your driving record but some will require you to file a financial responsibility filing otherwise known as an SR-22 insurance form. Check with your state motor vehicle department to confirm how this traffic violation is penalized. If you need to get auto insurance quotes in your state use our free service to compare rates of five different companies online.
Bottom line is everyone has been distracted by their phone while driving but it is up to you to decide if that message is truly more important than someone else's life! Drive safely.
Why February has one of the highest SR-22 filing rates
The fact that most SR22 filings are the result of driving under the influence it is no surprise that filings increase the few months after holidays. During December into the new year people are attending parties and some are driving home after having too many drinks. In certain cases these drivers are able to reinstate their license in as little as 30 days which is why we see a spike in SR22 insurance filings.
In order to reinstate your license in most states you will need to file form SR-22. This form provides proof of insurance with the state and updates the state with any change to that policy including cancellation. For more information about SR22 insurance visit our site www.aboutsr22insurance.com.
There are many reasons why drivers will need to file an SR22 including failure to pay child support, too many tickets, involvement in traffic accident. Check with an insurance agent to see how this will affect your insurance rates going forward. February makes a great month for comparing SR22 auto insurance so you can save money. If you have an existing SR22 policy but think you are paying too much it makes sense to shop around for more affordable insurance.
Why drivers hesitate to switch auto insurance during the policy period.
January is the best time to compare auto insurance and most people use this month to get their budget in line. If your auto insurance policy renews in January it is an easy decision if the you find a cheaper or better policy right. Why is it hard for most drivers to switch auto insurance during their policy period? When I tell someone that they can save $20-$50 per month if they switch their insurance they will still wait until the policy expiration date. People it is easy to switch your insurance mid term and it will often save you money immediately.
A few things to consider when switching auto insurance in the middle of the policy period:
- Insurance is paid in advance so you will often get a refund for any premium already paid
- If you have home insurance with the same company and you switch you will lose the home/auto discount - move your home policy as well
- Most auto insurance companies will require a larger first month payment to start the policy so expect it
Use the first month of 2011 to save some money and possibly find a better insurance agent or company to work with. It doesn't cost anything to get SR22 insurance quotes so why not look.
New Year Mistakes
New Year's Eve is a time for celebration and also a time for thinking about what you are going to do differently in 2011. Unfortunately many people who celebrate the new year by drinking also choose to drive home which can result in life changing or life ending mistakes. If you have made this mistake but were a fortunate one who only received a ticket for DUI instead of harming others or yourself take this time to make your resolution never to drink and drive again.
Too many people each year die at that hands of a drunk driver and each person can do there part in helping to save innocent lives. Celebrate the New Year and life by doing the right thing.
We offer a service to help drivers who need to find cheap SR-22 insurance often after a DUI conviction. We also want to make sure we do our part by educating drivers on the dangers beyond a traffic ticket or fines.
Happy New Year! Be safe.
Common SR22 Insurance Questions
When drivers are required to file an SR22 with their state it is often a misunderstood form. Each state will require the SR22 form for different reasons and some states actually don't require it at all. Here are a few common questions that drivers ask when they are required to file the SR-22.
Why do I need an SR22?
Depending on your state laws you may be required to file an SR22 due to lack of paying child support, driving under the influence or accumulation of points. Check your state for specific reasons and reference you court documents for why they require it.
How much does an SR22 cost?
The cost to file an SR-22 form is usually $15-$30 depending on the insurance company. This cost does not include the cost of auto insurance or the increase in your premium due to the nature of the traffic violation.
Where can I get an SR22?
Most auto insurance companies will offer the filing but not every state requires it. If you are required to file an SR22 insurance form contact a trusted car insurance provider to get a quote.
For more answers to SR22 FAQ's visit http://aboutsr22insurance.com.