Proof of Insurance Following an OVI Conviction

After successfully navigating the court process with the assistance of your Steubenville OH OVI lawyer following an OVI charge, and fulfilling your suspension period, your driver’s license from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles will require proof of insurance. This is where the Certificate of Financial Responsibility, commonly referred to as an SR-22, comes into play. It serves as evidence that you meet Ohio’s minimum liability coverage requirements.

Obtaining the SR-22 involves a fee from your insurance company to cover preparation and filing costs. Keep this documentation in your vehicle at all times, along with your regular insurance card, as law enforcement may request to see it if you’re pulled over.

It’s important to note that the SR-22 only covers you and not your family members or others. If you obtained an OVI in Ohio but reside in another state or plan to move out-of-state after restoring your license, you still need to obtain an SR-22 if required. Make sure your insurance company specifically writes the certificate for Ohio.

In many cases, insurance companies can file these certificates electronically, expediting the process and obtaining BMV approval within 72 hours. Rest easy knowing that by fulfilling this requirement, you can regain your driver’s license smoothly.

What if you don’t own a car? Do you still need an SR-22? 

If you don’t own a car, you might be wondering if you still need an SR-22. Well, the answer is yes. It doesn’t matter if you don’t have a car of your own; if you want to reinstate your driver’s license, you’ll need to get an SR-22. Even if you plan on driving someone else’s car, having a license means you’re intending to drive, and proof of insurance is a legal requirement. Don’t worry though, if you don’t own a vehicle, there are SR-22 options available specifically for non-vehicle owners. You can get this from your family’s auto insurer, and if they don’t offer it, there are insurance agents who can provide you with quotes. One thing to keep in mind is that not owning a car may result in lower costs since you won’t be driving extensively.

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

But what happens if you don’t get the SR-22? Well, the consequences can be severe. Your license will be suspended, and you won’t be able to reinstate it without purchasing or maintaining the policy. Insurance companies are obligated to inform the BMV about any lapsed or canceled SR-22 policies.

To avoid these issues and comply with the law, it’s crucial to purchase and maintain a policy and certificate. Failure to do so or repeatedly letting them expire or cancel can lead to a longer license suspension.

Another important point to remember is that if you fail to maintain coverage for more than a few days, the required SR-22 period may reset. For example, if you were mandated to have it for three years and forget to renew between years two and three, the first two years may be invalidated, and you’ll have to start over. This means you’ll have to pay for five years of SR-22 certification instead of just three.

Having a Certificate of Financial Responsibility is extremely important when it’s required. Your ability to travel freely depends on your commitment to obtaining and maintaining it. While it may add to the expense of an OVI conviction, it’s a worthwhile investment to regain your freedom.

If you need assistance with an OVI charge, don’t hesitate to reach out to Youngstown Criminal Law Group. They are experienced Steubenville OH criminal lawyers specializing in OVI cases.