A state can require individuals to file an SR-22 if they don’t follow the rules of the road. Various types of violations can force them into SR-22 filings, including driving without insurance, reckless driving, and drunk driving.
When you have an SR-22 policy, you need to carry it for a certain number of years. There’s a catch, though. If you incur driving infractions while your SR-22 is in place, the penalty period may restart. Your goal, therefore, should be to avoid committing further violations by becoming a better driver.
Here are a few suggestions you can follow to help you achieve this goal:
Inspect and Perform Maintenance on Your Vehicle Regularly
Car owners who are negligent in inspecting and maintaining their vehicles are usually high-risk drivers. After all, there’s always the likelihood that an undiagnosed issue could cause a problem while driving. So, check your car before hitting the road and keep up with maintenance.
Obey the Rules of the Road
While you have an SR-22 in place, focus on improving your driving habits. An effective way would be to follow the road rules, such as continually keeping an eye out for pedestrians, obeying traffic signals, and staying with the speed limit.
Enroll in a Driving Course
Another way to improve your driving is to hone your technical skills. Enrolling in defensive driving lessons, for instance, helps enhance your abilities on the road. On top of that, it helps instill safe driving habits by raising your awareness of safe driving practices and common road hazards.
Taking a driving course may also save you on coverage. Car insurance firms sometimes provide drivers with discounts if they pass a defensive driving class.
Stay Focused while on the Road
The last thing you want to happen is a police officer catching you using your mobile phone while on the road. Instead of multitasking, place your smartphone on silent mode and put it inside the glove compartment.
Adhere to the Legal Requirements of Your SR-22
Following the SR-22 legal requirements to the letter is important, as you may face harsher penalties when you commit a new driving offense. A couple of rules you need to follow are:
- Make sure your policy adheres to the insurance requirements of your state. Many states require drivers to satisfy the minimum levels of liability insurance. Make the necessary changes to your coverage levels to sufficiently protect your risks.
- Keep your policy active. Lapses could result in severe penalties, such as higher premiums or a restart of the penalty period of your SR-22. So, remember to pay your premiums on schedule. If you purchase a new car or relocate, update your insurance coverage as soon as possible to reflect the changes.
When it comes to affordable SR-22 insurance in Chicago, trust Oxford Auto Insurance. We specialize in providing SR-22 coverage at fantastic rates. With more than seven decades of experience, you can rely on us to help you get the best coverage.
Get in touch with us today to speak with one of our licensed insurance agents.