You were arrested and convicted of a DUI/DWI in Missouri and now must file proof of insurance with the Driver License Bureau.  You are wondering what you need to do because you will need proof of insurance for two years.

SR-22 Insurance

What is SR-22?  SR-22 stands for “safety responsibility.”  It is a documented proof that you have automobile insurance. The SR-22 is not the insurance policy; it’s just evidence that you have a policy.  The SR-22 is prepared by an insurance company.  The insurance company then files the SR-22 with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

SR-22 is usually mandated when a driver is attempting to reinstate their driver’s license after a conviction for DUI, driving without insurance, reckless driving, or some driving violation that has suspended the license. Whether you own a vehicle or not, SR-22 may be required.  It is required for several years.  For example, a DUI conviction will require SR-22 for five years.  If you as the policy holder do not pay your premiums, the SR-22 is cancelled and an SR-26 is filed with the DMV.  Once the DMV receives it, your license will be suspended until you file a new SR-22.

Minimum Insurance Requirements

The state of Missouri sets out a minimum requirement for insurance.  The minimum requirement calls for the following: The maximum amount per person paid for bodily injury is $25,000.  The total amount paid by the policy for all bodily injury for all persons injured in an accident will be $50,000.  Assuming there were several people injured, those that file first would receive payments.  Once that total payment of $50,000 is reached, the remaining claimants must pursue the policyholder for any damages over these amounts. And $10,000 is allotted for the total amount that can be spent on property damage.  Please note that higher insurance coverage can be purchased.  The above information just sets out the minimum coverage you must have.

 Premiums

The insurance company you choose will consider several factors to determine your insurance rates.  Those factors include: Age (under 25 pays more while 50-65 pay less); location where you live (such as high crime areas); occupation (jobs with lots of driving will raise rates); miles driven (More miles, more you pay); credit score (bad credit scores pay more); Driving Record and accident history (Accidents, DUI’s, and moving violations trigger higher rates); Gender and Marital Status (women pay less than men, and married persons will get a lower rate); and Type of vehicle (the more expensive and powerful the car the higher the rate because the costlier car costs more to repair and the powerful “muscle” cars attract more reckless drivers.)

As you can see, the factors considered are not always fair but that’s the way the insurance industry works.  Be sure to talk to several insurance companies to guarantee yourself the best deal.