When a person convicted of a DUI in Colorado has their license revoked, the DMV can require them to obtain and maintain a special “proof of insurance” for up to three years after driving privileges are reinstated.
This insurance is often referred to as SR-22, but it really isn’t a special “kind” of insurance at all. Rather, an SR-22 is a mandated certification of insurance that verifies a person is maintaining their auto liability insurance without any lapses. If a lapse occurs, the insurance carrier is obligated to report it to the DMV.
How Much Liability Coverage Is Needed for SR-22?
All drivers in Colorado are required to carry minimum liability coverage amounts. This part of one’s insurance covers another person’s injuries or property damage in the event the policyholder is responsible for causing them.
The minimum liability coverage amounts Colorado drivers must have are as follows:
- $25,000 for bodily injury per person
- $50,000 for bodily injury for two or more people
- $15,000 for property damage
When someone is required to file an SR-22 with the DMV, they must prove they have purchased enough insurance to at least meet the criteria above. You may be required to file an SR-22 for any amount of time from nine months to three years upon reinstatement of your driving privileges.
How Do I Get an SR-22?
You must obtain an SR-22 from your insurance carrier, provided it offers SR-22s and isn’t going to cancel your policy because of this requirement. If your carrier doesn’t offer SR-22s or cancels your policy, you must be insured with a carrier that offers coverage and SR-22s.
Are SR-22 Certificates Expensive?
Generally speaking, SR-22s are not themselves expensive. That said, needing an SR-22 can warn your insurance provider that you are considered a risky driver, which can result in more expensive insurance premiums.
Avoid SR-22s by Avoiding DUI Conviction
The filing requirements for SR-22s can be loathsome, which is why people prefer to avoid it as much as possible. You can avoid SR-22 filing requirements by avoiding the loss of your driving privileges because of a DUI conviction. If you are facing charges that put you at risk, we at The Orr Law Firm can help.
Get started by contacting us online and requesting a free consultation.