One of the few states in the United States of America that doesn't mandate SR-22 form for drivers is Kentucky. While all drivers are instructed to own minimum liability coverage, purchasing an SR-22 certificate after being convicted for a driving violation is not mandatory.
An SR-22 certificate is a form required by many states from drivers who have committed a traffic infraction or serious crimes such as a DUI violation. The document serves as proof of insurance and must be filed with the state Department of Motor Vehicles to confirm that you own the minimum liability coverage required for drivers in the state.
While traffic violations only attract a ticket, serious infractions such as driving uninsured or under the influence is considered a serious offense.
SR-22 insurance is commonly referred to as the SR-22 requirement. Although it is not different from regular car insurance, SR-22 is often used to describe drivers who need SR-22 endorsement alongside car insurance coverage.
Although Kentucky law does not mandate drivers who have been charged with violations to apply for SR-22, there are consequences for these infractions, especially for driving under the influence or uninsured. Penalties can include jail time, hefty fines, and a suspended license. You sure want to avoid all of the penalties listed above.
The state of Kentucky does not make it compulsory to purchase SR-22 insurance after specific driving convictions. If you are relocating to another state where SR-22 insurance is required, you may have to apply for the certificate with an auto insurer licensed to operate in the new state.
There are specific scenarios where SR-22 insurance may be required before you can have your license reinstated by the DMV. Alternatively, you may be required to file for SR-22 if you commit small violations within a small timeframe. SR-22 is often required for the following reasons:
- Driving uninsured
- Reckless driving
- DUI or DWI violation
- Repeat offense in a small timeframe
- Accumulating speeding tickets
- Driving with a suspended license
- Causing collisions
- Court-mandated verdict
- Refusing to take a BAC or breathalyzer test
- Causing an accident with injured victims
- Failing to pay ticket fines
If you are relocating to or working in a new state where SR-22 insurance is required, it is crucial to purchase SR-22 insurance from a licensed auto insurance company that operates in your new state. The SR-22 certificate will be filed in your state rather than Kentucky.
One of the principal reasons why drivers need SR-22 insurance is a DUI conviction. Although Kentucky laws do not mandate filing for wa SR-22 policy when you have been charged with a DUI, you can still expect an increase in your insurance payments because of the conviction. Kentucky drivers pay $3266 on average for having a DUI on their record. This is an increase of about 84% compared to drivers without a DUI conviction.
Our research for the rates is based on a male adult with one vehicle on their policy. There is a respite for drivers who exhibit good behavior after being charged. Although a DUI conviction will raise your insurance by a premium, your rates will reduce as time passes if you maintain a good record.
Have you been formally convicted of a driving violation? This means you are now considered a high-risk driver in the state of Kentucky. As mentioned above, your insurance rates will inflate when you file for SR-22 insurance.
Even though Kentucky does not make purchasing the SR-22 insurance compulsory, if you have been charged with a driving infraction, you may be required by the court to file for one. Drivers with infringements such as driving under the influence, driving uninsured, or unpaid parking tickets generally have a tough time finding an auto insurance company to sell them SR-22 insurance.
We recommend that you start shopping for a licensed car insurer in the state to identify your best options. If you get rejected by auto insurers, you have the option to file for the policy via the Kentucky Automobile Insurance Plan. Note that this should be a last resort.
Since Kentucky SR-22 insurance is not compulsory, there are zero fees attached to the form. However, you have to settle specific fines and monetary penalties if you are found guilty of breaking a driving law. Drivers that are caught driving uninsured will have their registration nullified in Kentucky and charged a fee of $500 or $1000. In rare cases, jail time may be a possibility.
Kentucky takes DUI convictions seriously because of the risk they pose to other motorists, and drivers will have to jump through a lot of hoops before the license can be reinstated. If you are found guilty of a DUI conviction, you will pay a fine, and your license will be suspended while you go through the Alcohol or Substance Abuse course.
DUI convictions in Kentucky are on file for ten years. First-time offenders are ordered to complete a 90-day substance abuse program, and their driver's license will be rescinded for three to four months.
If you commit any other violations, your license may be suspended for up to five years, and you may be required to complete a one-year substance abuse treatment course. Other infractions such as refusing to take a breathalyzer test or a high blood alcohol content may attract severe penalties.
If your driver's license was suspended because of a DUI or another driving violation, the DMV would charge a second reinstatement fee of $40 before your license can be restored in Kentucky.
Every driver in Kentucky is expected to own minimum liability insurance coverage. Hence, you don’t need to own SR-22 insurance. However, if you are required to maintain SR-22 insurance before relocating to Kentucky, you must continue to file for the policy.
For specific information pertaining to another state in question, please refer to the respective that are more in-depth.
Am SR-22 policy with a DUI conviction on record costs about $2360 every year and $230 per month. This is the average rate based on research conducted by our team of insurance experts. Additionally, a processing fee is charged the first time you file for SR-22 insurance. Drivers with a good driving record will be charged less than drivers who have been convicted of violations, collisions, or driving uninsured in the past thirty days.
SR-22 insurance is used as a tracking system for drivers who are considered high-risk. It is a certificate that serves as proof that you have fulfilled the financial responsibility laws. The purpose of an SR-22 certificate is to inform any law enforcement officer or the court that you possess the minimum coverage requirements mandated by law in the state.
Although Kentucky does not mandate purchasing SR-22 insurance, drivers who have been specially requested to maintain the certificate must do so continuously for up to three years. The policy must be renewed every month before its due date, or your license will be suspended.
Yes. Geico offers SR-22 insurance coverage for its policyholders. Although the SR-22 insurance is considered high-risk, Geico is willing to fill the form on your behalf if required by the state to prove that you own minimum liability coverage. Geico charges a flat fee of $25 to process the form.
On average, having an SR-22 form on your policy will raise your rates by about 5% countrywide. However, drivers with a clean driving history who currently own insurance will be charged a lesser amount than a driver with SR-22 and DUI violation.
No, it is not. However, if you have a court verdict that instructs you to buy SR-22 insurance, it is pertinent to apply for the certificate unless you can not drive legally in the state. Your auto insurer can set up SR-22 coverage in no time. Call the home office and request for SR-22 insurance to be filed on your behalf.
It is essential to know that while SR-22 is called insurance, it does not serve as regular insurance. Instead, it serves as proof that you own regular insurance when you have been convicted of vehicle infractions. The SR-22 shows that you are financially responsible enough to drive in the state and own the minimum liability insurance coverage as mandated by law.
If you don't drive or own a vehicle, purchase a non-owner SR-22 insurance policy to comply with the state's financial responsibility laws.
Operator-owner’s SR-22 certificate covers any car you drive, even if you do not own it. Fill the form with your local DMV, and you will be declared legal to drive on the road without risking your driving record or license.