Most likely your insurance rates will dramatically increase if you are convicted of a DUI. Your regular insurance carrier will likely charge a higher rate than an insurance company that specializes in DUI insurance like Breathe Easy Insurance.

Though many people believe that an SR-22 is an actual insurance policy, it is not. “SR” is an acronym for Safety Responsibility. An SR-22 is a certificate that proves that you carry enough insurance coverage to satisfy a California state requirement based on a driving violation or judgment levied against you. This legal certificate is filed and certified electronically by your insurance carrier. The certificate verifies that the insurance carrier will report to the California DMV if your coverage lapses for any reason. The SR-22 is an attachment, also known as a “rider” in the insurance industry. This rider is attached to or associated with a specific standard insurance policy, but extends the policy to verify financial responsibility and continued coverage to ensure the driver remains in compliance with the judgment.

If you have been stopped for DUI, your license will be suspended. However, you may still regain driving privileges with the installation of an ignition interlock device. An Ignition Interlock Device is a device connected to your ignition to measure your blood alcohol level. You will be required to install an IID on your second conviction of a DUI. The court may require you to install an IID for a first time DUI conviction in the pilot counties of: Alameda County, Los Angeles County, Sacramento County and Tulare County. Also, every court has discretion, but is not required, to order an IID for a first time DUI conviction. That is why hiring an attorney can be very critical in your defense.

Any of the conditions below may result in a judgment for the SR-22 requirement:

• Conviction for driving Under the Influence (DUI)
• Excessive number of tickets
• Prior to reinstatement of a suspended driver’s license
• Driver’s license suspension for driving an uninsured vehicle
• Failure to show proof of insurance during a traffic stop
• Judgments that remain unsatisfied
• Child support payment default
• Presenting falsified insurance documents
• Reckless operation of a motor vehicle, “drag-racing,” engaging in a speed contest
• Manslaughter, involuntary or voluntary

There may be additional reasons for an SR-22 requirement to be imposed. You can check the California DMV website or visit your local DMV office for a complete listing.

The minimum coverage requirements for a California SR-22 are designated as follows: $15,000 – Death and bodily injury coverage for one individual $30,000 – Death and bodily injury coverage for two or more individuals $5,000 – Damage to property The insurance industry expresses these limits as “15/30/5.” These limits are the bare minimum required by law for a California SR-22 insurance policy, however, many people will opt to obtain coverage beyond these limits. For instance, the $5,000 limit for property damage is quite low. Consider if you are found to be at fault in an accident with a $100,000 vehicle! Only $5,000 would cover your obligations to the owner of the vehicle, and you would personally be responsible for the remaining balance. Additionally, if you get into an accident that damages non-vehicular property and you are deemed to be at fault, you are responsible for compensating the property owner for the damage. For example, if you damage a park bench, lamppost or some other property owned by the municipality, rest assured that the city will demand repayment for the property. If you have had the foresight to expand property damage coverage limits on your insurance policy, your policy will cover the costs up to the policy’s limits. Discuss your options for coverage limits when you set up or change your policy with your insurance carrier.