Proving Insurance After an OVI Conviction

After navigating the court process with your New Castle OVI lawyer following an OVI charge, you’ll face another step once your license suspension period ends. Before the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) reinstates your driver’s license, they will mandate that you provide proof of insurance. This requires you to contact your insurance provider and request a Certificate of Financial Responsibility. This certificate, commonly known as an SR-22, serves as official confirmation that you carry the minimum liability coverage mandated by law in Ohio. It is, in essence, your proof that you have purchased the necessary insurance.

Your insurance company will assess a fee for this certificate, which covers both the administrative cost of its preparation and the expense of filing it with the state. You are required to keep evidence of your SR-22 purchase in your vehicle at all times, alongside your standard insurance card. If you are pulled over for any traffic violation, the law enforcement officer will ask to see it. The SR-22 is a separate purchase made in addition to your regular insurance policy. It specifically covers you and does not extend to family members or anyone else who might drive your vehicle. A New Castle criminal lawyer can clarify these specifics for you.

If you received your OVI in Ohio but are a resident of another state, or if you relocate to another state after your license is reinstated, you are still obligated to maintain the SR-22 if it was required. You must ensure that your insurance company issues the SR-22 specifically for the state of Ohio.

In many instances, an insurance company will file this certificate electronically. This expedites the process, often resulting in BMV approval within approximately 72 hours.

What If I Don’t Own a Car? Do I Still Need an SR-22?

Yes. If you wish to have your driver’s license reinstated and are taking the necessary steps to do so, you will still be required to obtain an SR-22, regardless of whether you own a vehicle. Holding a driver’s license implies your intent to drive, even if you plan on using someone else’s car. To drive legally, you must have proof of insurance. If you don’t own a vehicle and plan to borrow or rent one, you must secure a specific type of SR-22 designed for non-vehicle owners. You might be able to get this from your family’s auto insurer. If not, you will need to contact an insurance agent to acquire one. It’s wise to call several agents to get quotes. You might find that a certificate costs less when you do not own a car and therefore do not anticipate driving frequently. Your New Castle DUI lawyer can provide guidance on this matter.

What Happens if I Don’t Get the SR-22?

Failing to purchase an SR-22 certificate will lead to another suspension of your driver’s license. The same consequence applies if you cancel your policy or allow it to lapse. Insurance companies are legally obligated to inform the BMV whenever an SR-22 policy has lapsed or been cancelled. A knowledgeable New Castle criminal lawyer can explain the serious repercussions of non-compliance.

Your license will likely remain suspended until you rectify the situation by complying with the law and purchasing the required policy and certificate. However, if you repeatedly let the policy expire or cancel it, you risk losing your license for a much more extended period.

There is also a significant risk that your required SR-22 period could be reset if you have a coverage gap of more than a few days. For example, if your requirement was for three years and you forgot to renew it between the second and third year, the initial two years of compliance will be voided, and you’ll have to start the entire period over. This would mean paying for five years of SR-22 certification instead of the original three. Consulting with a New Castle DUI lawyer can help you avoid these costly mistakes.

It is critically important to obtain and continuously maintain a Certificate of Financial Responsibility when it is required. Your freedom to travel legally depends on your diligence in getting and keeping it. In most cases, an SR-22 is required for three years, although this duration can vary based on the specific circumstances of your case. While it adds to the overall expense of an OVI conviction, the cost is well worth the freedom of being able to drive again.

Do you need help with an OVI charge? A New Castle criminal lawyer from our Youngstown Criminal Law Group can help you— call (330) 992-3036 for immediate assistance.