A Financial Responsibility Insurance Certificate (SR-22) is a certificate issued by an insurance company that serves as proof to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) that an individual has purchased a policy for minimum liability insurance as required by law. Insurance agencies that issue SR-22s will automatically notify DPS if the insurance policy is cancelled, lapses, or otherwise terminates.
The minimum liability insurance required by Texas law for drivers to have in place includes the following:
· $30,000 for bodily injury to or death of one person in one accident
· $60,000 for bodily injury to or death of two persons in one accident
· $25,000 for damage to or destruction of property of others in one accident
What is SR-22 Insurance and When Do I Need It?
An SR-22 certificate comes into play when individuals have their licenses suspended or revoked as a result of a car crash, criminal conviction, or judgment. When this situation occurs, individuals must maintain a valid SR-22 certificate with DPS for two years from the date of the conviction or the date of the issuance of the judgment. Another situation in which DPS requires an SR-22 certificate is when individuals must place a security deposit with DPS as compliance for a crash or crash default suspension. An additional requirement to reinstating a license following a suspension, aside from proof of SR-22 insurance, is that individuals must pay all reinstatement fees to DPS.
DPS can suspend your license and vehicle registration if you are supposed to have a valid SR-22 certificate in place and you fail to do so, or if your insurance agency notifies DPS that your policy has been cancelled, lapsed, or terminated.
If you find yourself charged with any type of criminal offense, you need legal advice that only experienced Texas criminal defense attorneys can offer you. As the consequences of any criminal conviction may be severe, you should immediately contact a skilled defense lawyer for help if you have been accused of a criminal offense. Peek Law Group provides strong legal representation on a regular basis for individuals who are charged with various crimes. It is our priority is to represent your interests and protect your rights. Call us at (512) 359-3362 and schedule an appointment to speak with us today.