Plenty of people are on the lookout for SR22 insurance at any one time, because it’s a legal requirement in most states for drivers who have been convicted of an offense.
As you’d expect, you will usually pay more for insurance once you are in this position. However, that doesn’t mean you have no control over the increased costs that are coming your way.
Here are some tips on pinpointing the most affordable insurance options for those who have driving convictions on their record, and still need to get behind the wheel on a regular basis.
Comparing packages and finding competitive quotes
The first step on your journey to cheap SR22 insurance is to use an online comparison tool to retrieve quotes from as many different providers as possible.
You could go to providers individually if you prefer, but this is a time consuming process and won’t always give you access to the kinds of discounts that are achievable through third party platforms.
Be sure to include as much information as possible, and be accurate with the data you provide when getting quotes for SR22 insurance. This will prevent you from overpaying unnecessarily, or from not disclosing something which could impact the validity of the cover you purchase.
Also be aware that not every insurer will accept customers who have an SR22 designation to deal with. So if you don’t see quotes from a particular provider, this is probably the reason behind it.
Take a course to improve your driving skills
Even when comparing insurance quotes, you still have to accept the fact that certain convictions being on your record will result in costlier premiums, as well as the other administrative annoyances of filing for SR22 cover.
However, you do have the ability to reduce the price you pay if you choose to participate in a driver improvement course.
There are online services available in many states which provide instruction and resources for people who have committed driving offenses so that they can enhance their understanding of what it takes to be a good, responsible motorist.
Different rules, regulations and requirements are in place from region to region regarding the kinds of driver improvement courses you can take, as well as the extent to which this will influence insurance costs. Do your research and work out whether this will be a beneficial move where you live.
Switch to a safer car
Another aspect which will result in more expensive car insurance is if the vehicle you drive is deemed to be in a risky category from a provider’s perspective.
You’ll be able to find cheaper cover if you sell your current car and switch to something that has a better reputation with insurers.
The most obvious example of this is making the leap from a powerful, sporty model to one which is more associated with family use, and which has a smaller engine to boot. If you are driving a car that is chosen by the safer drivers on the road, then this will be reflected in your subsequent insurance costs.
Behave impeccably on the roads
There are limitations on how long you need to apply for SR22 insurance for, and after a certain point your previous convictions can no longer be counted against you by providers.
This is an incentive to drive safely and keep a clean sheet once you do get back behind the wheel. So if you dream of cheap car insurance, don’t tempt fate and aim to drive responsibly at all times to get your budget back on track.