Lewisville, TX | DWI Insurance Consequences | SR-22 Requirement for DUI
Texas drivers who have be en convicted of certain traffic violations or had their driver’s licenses suspended or revoked can be required to obtain a Financial Responsibility Insurance Certificate (SR-22). The SR-22 is a form issued by an insurance company that certifies a driver has the legally required minimum liability insurance.
One the most common reasons people need to obtain an SR-22 is because they were previously convicted of driving while intoxicated (DWI). Because a motorist who is seeking an SR-22 may be viewed as “high-risk,” some insurance companies may refuse to issue the certificate and decline coverage for the driver.
If you were convicted of DWI and are being required to file an SR-22, you could benefit from the help of an experienced Denton County attorney. Richard C. McConathy and Brian A. Bolton fight SR-22 filing requirements and help clients get approved for occupational licenses or have their driver’s licenses reinstated.
Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy represents people in and around the greater Lewisville area, including such areas as Flower Mound, Grapevine, and Little Elm. Call 940-222-8004 right now to take advantage of a free, confidential consultation that will let our firm review your case to see how we can help.
In addition to people convicted of DWI, individuals may also be required to obtain an SR-22 for the following reasons:
When a motorist receives an SR-22, the insurance company notifies the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) that the driver has the minimum liability coverage. Similarly, the insurance provider will also immediately notify DPS if there is a cancelation, termination, or lapse of that SR-22 policy.
An SR-22 is separate from a traditional insurance card, and a driver must carry his or her SR-22 at all times. There are three types of SR-22 insurance certificates:
Any driver who is required to obtain an SR-22 must maintain that coverage for two years from the date of the conviction. The SR-22 needs to satisfy the following minimum liability coverage requirements:
It is important for drivers to understand that there are also very strict renewal requirements when it comes to SR-22 insurance. Whereas people can often renew traditional insurance policies on the day they expire or even later, insurance providers are required to notify DPS if drivers fail to renew an SR-22 policy within 15 days of the expiration date. This notification can trigger another suspension of driving privileges.
Motorists who are required to have an SR-22 can face significant penalties if they drive without a valid Financial Responsibility Insurance Certificate. Some of the possible charges a driver can face may include:
Have you been required to obtain an SR-22 as a condition of receiving an occupational license or getting you driver’s license reinstated? Richard C. McConathy and Brian A. Bolton help clients all over North Texas with these kinds of issues in DWI cases.
Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy assists Lewisville residents and several other communities in Denton County, including Westlake, Denton, and The Colony. Our firm can provide a thorough evaluation of your case when you call 940-222-8004 to schedule a free legal consultation.