Do I Need SR22 Car Insurance in San Antonio for DWI Conviction?
Reader’s Question:
In a DWI conviction here in Texas, is an SR22 car insurance still needed even with the presence of an insurance policy?
Paul
San Antonio, TX
If a person gets convicted with a DWI in Texas, it is likely that his or her driver’s license would get suspended. A driver with a suspended license has to obtain an SR-22 as mandated by Texas’ state laws. According to the Department of Public Safety (DPS) of Texas, a driver with a suspended license has to obtain an SR-22 car insurance to ensure that his future is insured. The SR-22 car insurance is also a requirement when getting the suspended license reinstated. Other requirements for license reinstatement after a DWI conviction are:
1. Payment of the reinstatement fee prior to the issuance of the license
2. Proof of auto insurance (SR-22) from the insurance company
3. DWI Education Program proof of completion for repeat offenders (as required by the court)
When a driver’s license is suspended and proof of financial responsibility is needed, the SR-22 should be presented. Only the SR-22 can be acknowledged by the state, therefore a person’s personal insurance policy (other than the SR-22) will not stand as a proof of his or her financial responsibility. It is not possible to keep an SR-22 car insurance and a separate insurance policy at the same time. If the insurance company is open to filing SR-22, car insurance then it is fine to keep them. Otherwise, cancel the current insurance policy and find another insurance company that offers SR-22 car insurance.
