Ohio SR22 bond: Getting your drivers license back after being caught without insurance

Getting your drivers license reinstated in Ohio can be frustrating at times. The information that's out there can be confusing. Some recent laws have changed regarding how the Ohio BMV handles driver suspensions. But one thing that has not changed is the process involved in getting your license reinstated. You will need to buy some type of auto insurance with an SR22 filing attached to it. This article will tell you what you need to know, and the simple steps you need to help you get there.




     While there are many types of suspensions that can cause you to lose your drivers license, part 1 of this article will focus on the four that are insurance related. Part 2 of this article will help you find the right coverage you need, and how to find it for the lowest price.




Part 1: Four Types of insurance related suspensions




1. Noncompliance suspension

• A noncompliance suspension occurs when you get pulled over at a traffic stop or get in an accident, and you failed to show proof of auto liability insurance at the scene.

• You will be given a certain amount of time to show that you did have insurance at the time of the accident, or when you were pulled over. It is usually around 30 days. However if you did not have insurance at that time on that day, your license will be suspended.

           




2. Random letter selection program.

• Every week the Ohio BMV randomly selects 5400 registered vehicles and requires them to show proof that they had at least state minimum auto liability insurance coverage on that vehicle on the date it was randomly selected.

• The owner of the vehicle then has roughly 30 days to show the Ohio BMV that they had liability insurance coverage on that vehicle on that specific date. If not a suspension occurs.

            Reinstatement requirements:

• You will have to pay a reinstatement fee and carry an SR22 for three years.

            *** Reference: Ohio revised code 4501:1–2


3. Judgement suspension

•     A judgment suspension occurs as a result of being sued from an accident in which you're fault, and either didn't have insurance or didn't have enough insurance to cover all the damages. In many of those cases the judge will sometimes send a suspension order to the Ohio BMV.

     Reinstatement requirements:

• The court will give you details as far as what you need to do to get this suspension lifted. It usually involves paying damages in full, or reaching some sort of payment agreement with the plaintiff that's suing you..

• You will also be required to carry an SR22 filing. There is no set time set as far as how long you need to carry the SR22. That is up to the judge

              *** reference: Ohio revised code 4509.37


4. Security suspension


 A security suspension occurs when an uninsured driver causes a crash that results in either bodily injury and/or $400 or more in property damage.


             Reinstatement requirements:


You will have to do one of the following:

• Serve up to a two-year suspension.

•  Pay damages in full.

•  Reach a payment agreement. (Warning! If you agree to a payment agreement be aware that you only get one chance at this! If you fail to make a payment that you've agreed to, the BMV will once again suspend your license and will not pull the suspension until after you've paid the entire amount in full.)

• Some security suspensions will require an SR22 filing and some won't.  You will need to check with the Ohio BMV on that.

             *** reference: Ohio revised code 4509.11- 291.

Part 2: Getting the right type of auto insurance policy for your SR22, and finding the lowest rate.


    Before we begin, let's go over some basic points about what an SR22 filing is. There is a lot of false information out there regarding SR22's. You've probably heard the term "SR22 insurance" or the term "SR22 bond" before......


     But an SR22 filing is neither auto insurance or a bond. An SR22 simply attaches onto another insurance policy or a bond.


What does an SR22 filing do?

•      Think of an SR22 filing as a "tattletale" clause. When you attach an SR22 onto your auto insurance policy, the insurance company lets the state BMV know that you now carry at least state minimum liability auto insurance coverage.

    

• As long as you keep that coverage active, you will be fine. But if you ever lapse or cancel on the policy, an SR22 tattles on you so to speak.....  Meaning that the insurance company is required by law to notify the Ohio BMV that you no longer have this coverage. Once the Ohio BMV gets that they will suspend your license until you put another SR22 in force again.

Setting up the right type of policy for an SR22 filing


      People make this a lot more complicated than it needs to be. The process is really very simple:


If you own a vehicle or have a vehicle registered in your name, then you need to take out a regular auto insurance policy and attach the SR 22 onto it.


If you DO NOT own a vehicle then you will want to attach the SR22 onto a Financial Responsibility Bond.


Other options for people who do not own their own vehicle: in addition to a financial responsibility bond, Ohio also offers two types of policies that will work for those who don't own a vehicle: One is a named operator's policy (a.k.a. non-owners policy). The other one is a broad form name driver policy. These policies are normally a little more expensive than the financial responsibility bond because higher coverage is offered. But any of the three will work fine as far as the SR22 and getting your license back.


How can I find the lowest rate on the SR22 policy that I need?


      All you simply need to do is shop around with independent agents that specialize in high risk auto insurance.. There are many companies who specialize in auto insurance for drivers who need SR22. Agents who specialize in SR22's usually carry several of those companies that go easier on violations and state filings. This is far less time consuming than shopping one company at a time for yourself.




Get an SR22 Quote with Lyles Insurance here if you own a vehicle


Get an SR22 Quote with Lyles Insurance here if you Do Not own a vehicle



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