If you’re required to carry an SR-22 in California, maintaining continuous coverage is critical. An SR-22 isn’t just a piece of paperwork—it’s a legal requirement that proves you have valid car insurance. If your SR-22 lapses for any reason, the consequences can be serious, including license suspension, fines, and even an extended SR-22 requirement.
Let’s explore what happens when an SR-22 lapses, the risks involved, and what steps to take if you find yourself in this situation.
What Does It Mean for an SR-22 to Lapse?
An SR-22 lapse occurs when your auto insurance policy is canceled, expires, or isn’t renewed before the required period ends. Since the SR-22 is a certificate that proves you meet California’s minimum insurance requirements, any break in coverage is a violation of your SR-22 obligation.
Your insurance provider is legally required to notify the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) immediately if your policy lapses. This means the DMV will be aware of the issue right away, and consequences can follow quickly.
Immediate Consequences of an SR-22 Lapse
If your SR-22 lapses, you can expect the following penalties:
- Automatic License Suspension
The California DMV will likely suspend your driver’s license immediately if your SR-22 coverage is dropped. Since the SR-22 is proof of financial responsibility, losing coverage means you’re no longer meeting the legal requirements to drive.
To get your license reinstated, you’ll need to:
- Secure a new insurance policy that includes an SR-22. Know that it’s possible to get cost-effective insurance for high-risk drivers when you shop around for quotes.
- Pay reinstatement fees to the DMV.
- Possibly restart your SR-22 requirement from the beginning.
- Higher Insurance Premiums
Letting your SR-22 lapse can label you as an even higher-risk driver in the eyes of insurance companies. When you try to reinstate coverage, expect:
- Increased premiums due to a new lapse in coverage.
- Fewer insurance providers willing to offer you coverage.
- A larger upfront payment to secure a new policy.
- Potential Extension of Your SR-22 Requirement
In California, most SR-22 requirements last three years from the date of reinstatement. However, if your policy lapses, the DMV may reset the clock on your SR-22 requirement.
For example, if you had only one year left on your SR-22 and it lapsed, you might have to start over and carry an SR-22 for another full three years.
- Additional Fines and Fees
On top of reinstatement fees and higher insurance costs, you could also face court fines if your lapse leads to a violation (e.g., driving without valid insurance). These fines can add up quickly, making it even more expensive to recover from the lapse.
- Possible Vehicle Impoundment
If you’re caught driving without a valid SR-22, law enforcement may impound your vehicle. Recovering your car can cost hundreds of dollars in towing and storage fees, adding to the financial burden.
Actions to Take When an SR-22 Lapses
Something that you want to avoid at all costs is letting your SR-22 lapse. Without this certificate, you can’t get behind the wheel legally. In particular, your license will be suspended if you’re a high-risk driver. Therefore, if you’ve received notification that your SR-22 has lapsed, you need to act quickly. There are several steps you need to take to make sure that you’re abiding by the rules in California. Let’s take a look at what they are.
Speak to Your Insurer
Try to find out more information from your car insurance provider. They can help you reinstate your policy and this can involve filing an SR-22 to the DMV in California. Note that there might be fees you have to pay to reinstate your certificate. There might also be penalties if you’ve lapsed on your car insurance payments. Get all of the information before making a decision. You might find that you prefer to go with another insurance provider. The main thing is that they can help you with filing an SR-22.
Do Not Drive
Something you must never do when your SR-22 has lapsed is get behind the wheel. It doesn’t matter if you’re in the process of getting it sorted. Don’t drive again until you have confirmation. Without a certificate, your license will be suspended, which means that you’re not legally allowed to drive. So, choosing to ignore this can mean getting into big trouble. This can include expense fines and even jail time.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Your SR-22 Lapse!
A lapse in your SR-22 coverage can have serious consequences, from license suspension to skyrocketing insurance costs. The best way to avoid these issues is to stay on top of your payments, choose a reliable insurance provider, and take action immediately if a lapse occurs.
If your SR-22 has already lapsed, don’t panic—just act quickly. The sooner you secure new coverage and file an SR-22, the faster you can get back on the road legally.
By staying proactive, you can avoid unnecessary fines, prevent further penalties, and complete your SR-22 period smoothly.
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