Reckless driving is a serious traffic offense that can lead to hefty fines, license suspension, and even jail time in some cases. If you’ve been charged with reckless driving in California, you may be wondering whether you’ll need SR-22 insurance to get back on the road.
The short answer? Yes, in many cases, you will need SR-22 insurance after a reckless driving conviction. But let’s break it down further—what reckless driving means, when SR-22 is required, and how to navigate the process.
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Do You Need SR-22 Insurance After a Reckless Driving Conviction?
If you’re convicted of reckless driving, the California DMV may classify you as a high-risk driver, which often leads to a license suspension. To get your license reinstated, you’ll likely need to file an SR-22 certificate—a form that proves you have the state’s required minimum auto insurance coverage.
Here’s when you’ll typically need SR-22 insurance after reckless driving:
If your reckless driving resulted in an accident or injury
If your license was suspended or revoked as part of your sentence
If the court orders it as part of your reinstatement conditions
If your reckless driving charge is severe (such as reckless driving combined with DUI or excessive speeding), an SR-22 is almost always required. You can get affordable state-required coverage from MIS Insurance Services.
However, if your reckless driving charge was minor and didn’t involve major damage, you might not need an SR-22. It’s always best to check with the California DMV or your attorney to confirm your specific requirements.
How Much Does SR-22 Insurance Cost for Reckless Driving?
A reckless driving conviction will likely increase your insurance rates significantly. On average, you can expect:
- Higher monthly premiums: An increase of $50–$150 per month
- Annual insurance costs: Can rise to $1,500–$3,000 or more
- SR-22 filing fee: A one-time cost of $25–$50
Your exact costs will depend on factors like your driving history, location, and insurance provider. Since reckless driving is a serious offense, it may classify you as a high-risk driver, making insurance more expensive.
How Long Do You Need SR-22 Insurance for Reckless Driving?
In California, most drivers must maintain SR-22 insurance for at least three years after a reckless driving conviction. However, this period can be extended if:
Your policy lapses or is canceled
You get another serious traffic violation
You fail to renew your insurance before the deadline
To avoid starting the SR-22 period over, make sure to keep your policy active and drive safely during this time.
Can You Avoid SR-22 Insurance After Reckless Driving?
If you haven’t been convicted yet, you may be able to reduce your charges and avoid SR-22 insurance. Here’s how:
Hire a lawyer – An experienced attorney may be able to get your reckless driving charge reduced to a lesser offense, like careless driving.
Negotiate a plea deal – In some cases, prosecutors may agree to a plea deal that doesn’t require SR-22 insurance.
Complete a defensive driving course – Some judges may lower your penalties if you complete an approved driving safety course.
If you’ve already been convicted and the court requires SR-22 insurance, there’s no way around it—but you can lower your costs by shopping around and maintaining a clean driving record.
Pay Attention to These Things when Getting SR-22 Insurance Online
Are you in a hurry for SR-22 insurance? One thing you don’t want to do is rush into making a decision. Yes, you want to ensure that you can get back behind the wheel. But, when you’re doing this process online, you still have to be a little cautious. After all, you need to ensure you get the right coverage and that you’re obtaining the best deal. So, here are a few things you need to pay attention to when you’re getting SR-22 insurance online.
The Quote Price
Something that you never want to do is pay for an SR-22 insurance quote. There’s no need to do this when there are trustworthy websites available for free. Therefore, when you’ve found a provider, ensure that they advertise free quotes. Then, you can enter all of the details they require with peace of mind.
The Filing Process
If you’re looking for urgent cover, you need to read about how efficient the provider is. In other words, how long does it take to file your request with the DMV? There are some that promise to do this immediately, which ensures you can get back behind the wheel quickly. Every provider is slightly different with this, so it’s best to read about their process first. This saves you from waiting around and getting impatient.
The Duration
Everybody has different requirements when it comes to the length of time they need SR-22 insurance. Some people can have a short coverage requirement, while others need it for several years. Always know this detail and make sure that you can get continuous coverage with the provider.
Final Thoughts
Reckless driving is a serious offense that can lead to higher insurance rates, license suspension, and SR-22 requirements. If you’ve been convicted, you’ll likely need SR-22 insurance for at least three years to get your license reinstated.