Have the Right Paperwork to Avoid SR-22 Risks

Driving safely is about more than being careful behind the wheel. It also means that you have to have the proper qualifications to operate a vehicle.

Every state has rigorous licensing, registration and insurance requirements. Failing to get the correct qualifications may cause your state to label you as a high-risk driver. A high-risk classification may require an SR-22 certificate for your auto insurance. Drivers don’t want to get SR-22 files, as these may negatively impact the driver’s insurance coverage.

Why States Require SR-22s for Lack of Qualifications

If you don’t have the right qualifications, it may signal that you cannot drive in a trustworthy manner. Less trustworthy drivers may pose higher operating risks. These risks may lead the state to require you to prove you have active auto insurance. A strong auto insurance policy might reduce risks that high-risk drivers pose on the road.

To prove that you have auto insurance, your state may require you to get an SR-22 certificate. These certificates come from your auto insurer, and verify that you have coverage. SR-22 certificates might remain on your driving record for a couple of years, depending on your state.

Avoiding SR-22s Is Always Best

If your state requires you to get an SR-22, this often signals to your auto insurer that you are a high-risk driver. As a result, it may discontinue your coverage or increase your policy prices.

States may impose SR-22 requirements for qualification violations like driving without insurance or failing to carry proper licensing. It is imperative that all drivers maintain their driving qualifications at all times.

  • Have an active, un-expired driver’s license with you at all times. Update or renew your license on time. Make adjustments to your license information or classifications any time you experience a change in driving circumstances. Do not drive with a suspended or expired license.
  • Carry up-to-date registration and plates on your vehicle. Each state requires registration renewal through different processes. Familiarize yourself with your states laws, and do not miss a renewal deadline.
  • Always carry effective auto insurance. Driving without the proper insurance can frequently lead to SR-22 requirements. Most states require auto insurance coverage for most drivers. Make sure your policy meets all state requirements.

Before you hit the road, have the right qualifications to drive. It may help the authorities determine you are a safe driver.

Call Amigo Insurance Agency, Inc at 877-999-2644 today for help getting a fast, free Chicago auto insurance policy quote.

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Avoiding Reckless Driving Charges and SR-22 Requirements

Reckless driving demonstrates risk to the authorities and insurance companies. Reckless driving may harm drivers, their vehicles, personal property and others on the road.

A state may require reckless drivers to get a SR-22 certificate. A SR-22 certificate is not an insurance policy. It is a certificate that verifies for the state that a driver has an active auto insurance policy.

SR-22s remain on a driving record and auto insurance policies for a couple of years. Drivers have to maintain active auto insurance for the entire SR-22 period.

If an insurance policy lapses, the SR-22 becomes void. If drivers continue to receive reckless driving charges, the SR-22 period may start over. Drivers may even face harsher driving penalties.

Drivers should do everything they can to avoid a reckless driving charge. Take a look at some of the ways to reduce this risk, and also cut the chances of getting an SR-22.

1. Brush Up On Unfamiliar Laws

Many of us cannot fully understand the myriad of state driving laws. We may not understand certain signs, right of way laws or speed requirements. Accidentally breaking one of these laws may lead to a reckless driving charge.

All drivers should periodically refresh their basic knowledge of state driving laws. Reviewing the state driving handbook or passing a defensive driving course may help them learn to be safer on the road.

2. Put Down the Mobile Devices

Multiple states penalize distracted drivers for reckless driving. A common distraction is mobile device use. Texting while driving may lead to accidents, speeding and potentially deadly harm to others. Never use mobile devices while driving.

Another common cause of distracted driving is impaired driving. Never drive while intoxicated or under the influence of illegal or prescription drugs.

3. Have Vision and Hearing Tests

Many states require vision or hearing tests for drivers to obtain a license. If drivers don’t pass these tests, they could pose driving risks. Proper vision and hearing help make sure a driver can react and avoid potential hazards. Drivers should never hit the road without wearing glasses, contacts or hearing devices required of them.

Finally, drivers should take the time to check their insurance coverage. If they don’t carry auto coverage that meet’s their state’s requirements, they could face driving charges. This may include the requirement to get an SR-22. Never hit the road without a policy that can adequately cover vehicular risks.

Need SR-22 coverage? Call Amigo Insurance Agency, Inc. at 877-999-2644. We can help you get an accurate Chicago car insurance quote right now.

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Why You Might Need Non-Standard Auto Insurance

When looking for auto insurance, your insurer may classify you as a non-standard policyholder. What is this term? What makes you a non-standard driver?

Non-standard auto insurance applies to certain drivers who are riskier to insure. Different companies classify different drivers as non-standard. Some companies may not insure them at all.

If you find out that you’re a non-standard driver, talk to one of our auto insurance agents. They can help you determine why you fall into this category, and determine the best way to insure you. With the right attention, you can hit the road knowing that you have the right coverage.

What is Non-Standard Insurance?

There is no concrete definition for non-standard auto coverage. Most companies classify non-standard policyholders as those who are the riskiest to insure.

Because these drivers come with higher risks, companies account for those risks when insuring them. Companies likely cannot insure non-standard drivers at the standard market rates for insurance. Non-standard drivers may pay more for their coverage because of their unique risks.

Different auto insurers consider drivers non-standard for a variety of reasons. A driver might become non-standard because of their driving record, age, vehicle or other factors.

Choose an insurance company that will insure you for any non-standard risks. There are many fairly common reasons that a driver might qualify as non-standard. Your insurance agent can help you choose the correct policy for your needs.

Coverage for New Drivers

When someone begins to drive for the first time, they don’t have the experience of a seasoned driver. For that reason, new drivers are often considered non-standard policyholders.

New drivers usually pose a relatively high cost risk to their insurers. Insurers may recommend that new drivers buy higher levels of insurance coverage in the beginning. This helps to better cover the insured’s cost risks. These factors might make new drivers have to pay higher costs for coverage.

The good news is that new drivers can often reduce their coverage limits over time. Furthermore, as drivers gain more experience, their risk level usually drops. As risks drop, you might be able to reduce your coverage levels, and therefore pay less for coverage.

High-Risk Drivers

Experience driving makes drivers safer and more attentive to their on-road risks. However, some drivers continue to make mistakes. If you continually commit driving infractions, you may tarnish your driving record. Frequent accidents, tickets or other violations will often stay on your driving record for a few years.

Insurance companies have access to most of their policyholders’ driving records. If insurers see your driving record gain citations, they might classify you as a high-risk driver. High-risk drivers often qualify as non-standard drivers. Therefore, you might pay more for insurance the higher risk you pose to insurers.

SR-22 Insurance

Your state may require you to get an SR-22 certificate for a variety of driving infractions. These include DUI/DWI charges, multiple tickets, or frequent accidents. Therefore, SR-22 insurance usually falls under both non-standard and high-risk insurance coverage.

SR-22s are not insurance policies themselves. They are certificates that classify you as a high-risk driver. They verify for your state’s authorities that you carry adequate auto insurance. You may have to carry the SR-22 for a couple of years. You must carry continuous auto insurance coverage while you have the citation.

SR-22s may cause your auto insurance rates to rise. You may even have to change policies because your existing policy may not cover SR-22 risks. Therefore, you might expect to pay more for coverage with an SR-22 policy.

After an SR-22 comes off your record, you might see a chance to reclassify yourself as a standard driver. This could help lower your insurance rates.

Non-Standard Vehicle Coverage

Sometimes, the car you drive can classify you as a non-standard driver.

An old car that you take to car shows often has a lot of value attached to it. The same goes for an extremely expensive, custom-made vehicle like a Lamborghini. Antique, valuable or specialty cars often need unique coverage levels. This is perhaps because of their age, design or operational risks.

Furthermore, high-risk vehicles don’t have to be the most valuable. For example, salvage-title cars are those that were previously damaged and considered a total loss. Though you might have repaired this vehicle, it still has major damage in its past. This makes its operation quite risky.

Whether new, old or repaired, you vehicle might contain risks that make it riskier to insure. For that reason, your auto insurance provider may need to issue a non-standard policy.

Affording Non-standard Coverage

Even if you have to pay more for a non-standard policy, there are ways you can control your costs.

Drivers might be able to save on coverage if they qualify for discounts from their insurer. Multiple insurers offer a variety of discounts like accident-free or safe-driver discounts.

Safe driving and attention to your car could help you become less risky in the eyes of your insurance. They might reduce your rates the longer you go without an infraction.

We’ve got you covered. Call Amigo Insurance Agency, Inc at 877-999-2644 to get a free quote on Chicago auto insurance.

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Cheap SR-22 Insurance in Chicago

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The SR-22 itself is NOT a form of insurance but a document that tells the State that you do carry insurance for a certain amount of time according to the violations you were cited with.

There are many misconceptions about SR-22s. Some of them are:

  • I do not need the SR-22 if I don’t own a car.
  • I don’t have a driver license number from the state, I don’t have to file SR-22.
  • I’ve never been licensed so the SR-22 doesn’t apply to me.

and my all time favorite

  • I can drive any car with an SR-22 insurance.

Truth of the matter is, you do need to file the SR-22 or financial responsibility with the state even though you do not own a car; if you do not have a driver license, whatever the reason is, you will be given a driver license number from the state of Illinois in order to comply with the SR-22; same applies if you have never been licensed; and, the SR-22 is not a drive all, cover all vehicles you drive. The SR-22 is not an insurance policy or provides any type of coverage. It is a mere formality of letting the state monitor your license so that they know you are complying with the financial responsibility filing they have mandated you to have.

The most common reasons for getting an SR-22 is for getting caught driving without insurance and having an accident without insurance. If you are caught driving without any liability insurance on your car, usually you will have to maintain insurance for at least one year. And, if you get into an accident without insurance, the SR-22 will be for at least three years.

Getting liability insurance with an SR-22 filing could be costly for many people. Here at Amigo Insurance, we work with you in order to provide you with the best rate possible and we also help you file your SR-22 electronically. This means, the state will be notified of your filing within 24 hours. If they have kept your license, this will help you get it released and in your possession in a short time.

If you need SR-22 filing give us a call at (877)999-2644 or get an instant quote at today!

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