Consequences Of Being A High Risk Driver
There are many rules and regulations surrounding driving due to the danger driving imposes on other people. Aside from the rules of the road put in place for protection from accidents, all drivers are required to have insurance. Insurance rates will vary depending on the person, their driving record, the types of vehicle insurance they are opting for, and the insurance company they choose to go through.
No one wants to be a high risk driver.
Being a high risk driver comes with many consequences. The most common result of being a high risk driver is a spike in the cost of insurance. Since a high risk driver is considered to be more likely to make an insurance claim, they pay more for their monthly deductibles. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the high risk status, insurance companies may completely deny coverage to a high risk driver. You might even have your license suspended, and finding insurance will be difficult once you get your driving privileges back.
What kind of activity makes a driver high risk?
There are several reasons why a person may be considered high risk.
- They have received a DUI.
- They have excessive points on their driving record due to many driving related incidents.
- They were caught street racing.
- They were charged with reckless driving.
- They were involved in an accident and did not have insurance at the time.
- They were found to be at fault in a serious accident.
- Teenagers are often considered high risk due to their lack of experience driving.
- Elderly people, especially over the age of seventy, are considered high risk. This is due to decrease in vision, mobility, and reflexes that can occur with old age.
What is SR-22 insurance and will I need it?
SR-22 is sometimes referred to as an insurance policy, but it isn't actually a policy. It is a certificate of insurance that certain types of high risk drivers must have that guarantees the driver will have at least the minimum insurance required in their state. It must be held in conjunction with an actual insurance policy for three years or longer. Typically, drivers who have had a DUI, have been caught driving without insurance, been in a serious accident (especially if it resulted in a fatality) or have had a suspended license will be required to have this guarantee of insurance. Even if you do not have a car, if you are required to have an SR-22 you will have to be insured. Not following the regulations required in your state could result in large fines or revocation of your license.
