Operating a vehicle in Texas without the minimum amount of liability insurance coverage is illegal. Safety Responsibility 22 or SR-22 is a document that is prepared by an insurance company that confirms that a driver has auto insurance. It’s important to note that the SR-22 is evidence that a driver has an insurance policy rather than the actual policy.
An SR-22 is usually required when a driver is looking to bring back his or her driver’s license following a Driving Under the Influence conviction, driving without insurance, reckless driving, or any other driving violation that has prompted a suspension. This document may be requirement whether you are the actual owner of the vehicle (owner SR-22) or not (non-owner SR-22). The SR-22 is typically a requirement for five years after a DUI conviction or a different number of years depending on the type of suspension.
In the event that an insurance policyholder does not pay his or her premiums, the SR-22 will be automatically cancelled and trigger an SR-22 to be filed with the DMV. When the DMV receives the SR-22, the license of the policyholder is suspended until a new SR-22 is filed.
Fortunately, most insurance policies will increase to match the minimum requirements of the state in which the incident occurred. There are 12 states with no-fault insurance systems that require that the insurer pays for damages.
When determining premiums, insurance companies take a number of factors into consideration. The major factors that affect these rates include occupation, age, gender, marital status, location, miles driven, car type, credit score, and most importantly, driving record and accidents. A Driving While Intoxicated charge suggests a risky driving history, which leads to dramatically higher car insurance rates. Premiums will remain high for three years following the DWI conviction.
Contact Madrid Law for DWI Support
If you or a loved one has been charged with DWI in the Houston area, you will need legal representation to guide you through the complex consequences that may come with your charge. Contact Houston DWI Lawyer Mario Madrid or call 713-877-9400 to start the defense process.
