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Creating an auto insurance bond is something you may be required to do to keep your license and vehicle registration intact. But how do I create a bond for auto insurance?

Regardless of why you need to create a bond, it’s not difficult to do. In most cases, it can be accomplished through a simple phone call, the transfer of some paperwork, and a small fee paid upfront.

Although the bond is relatively easy to get, cheap auto insurance won’t be as easy to find. Since you will be considered a high-risk driver, you can expect to pay for your auto insurance.

Enter your ZIP code above to compare auto insurance bond rates from second chance auto insurance companies in your area and find cheap auto insurance bond quotes.

Who creates a surety bond for auto insurance?

Bonds are used in conjunction with, or as a replacement for, standard auto insurance. But the exact SR-22 definition of these bonds, also known as SR-22 bonds, varies from state to state.

While you’ll find some general information about them in this article, it’s recommended you contact your state motor vehicle or insurance department in order to verify how to create an bond for your auto in your state.

So, if you’re wondering how do I create a bond for auto insurance in California, check with the CA DMV.

What is an auto insurance bond?

According to Drivinglaws.org, the driver who needs the SR-22 bond does not create it. This type of bond is simply an instrument demonstrating to a court that you have the financial resources to maintain your auto insurance.

Motor vehicle bond insurance is also a secondary statement of sorts that proves your auto insurance is still in force.

Therefore, you can’t create it. Your auto insurance company or a third-party surety company must create it for you. Which entity creates it depends on your circumstances.

In most cases, your insurance company creates the bond and then electronically files the paperwork with your state.

Depending on the reason you’re getting the bond, you may or may not have to pay the insurance company fee.

If circumstances dictate you use a surety company, that company will create the bond and then relay the paperwork to your insurance company, who will, in turn, file it with the state.

In either case, you simply need to provide the appropriate information and pay any fees upfront that might be necessary.

Who needs a surety bond for auto insurance?

Creating a bond for auto insurance is required by a court usually after one or more serious driving-related incidents.

For example, if you’re arrested for DUI/DWI a court might order a bond because you are a much higher risk to other drivers on the road.

Let’s take a look at a table showing what consequences you’re looking at for a first time DUI offense. Note that these DUI tables are general penalties. Some states have increased penalties for this offense.

As you can see, even with a first-time offense, the penalties are severe. Now let’s see what happens with a second DUI offense.

The penalties take quite a leap, but not as much as with a third DUI offense. Let’s take a look at one last table.

As you can see, with a third offense, you’re probably going to be paying upwards of $10,000 in addition to other penalties. At this point, you’ll most certainly need a bond.

According to Responsibility.org, impaired drivers are more likely to have an accident, are more likely to be involved in a fatal crash, and are more likely to continue to drive impaired.

The DUI bond would provide a guarantee of extra liability coverage in addition to what your current auto policy already provides. The same can be said for excessive speeding tickets and other violations.

How long does a speeding ticket affect your auto insurance? It depends on a number of factors.

You may also be required to get an SR-22 bond if you’ve been caught driving without insurance.

This sort of surety bond insurance guarantees to the court you have the financial resources to pay your insurance, and that your insurance is still in force.

In this type of scenario, it is almost always impossible to have your driving privileges restored without producing a bond.

In terms of voluntary bonding, some states allow drivers to self-insure as long as they have the financial resources. The bond is proof of those resources.

If you have to have a bond, your auto insurance rates will increase significantly. However, you may be able to find cheap SR-22 auto insurance in your area.

How much is an auto insurance bond?

The cost of having a bond created varies by state but is usually very inexpensive. The real cost is your auto insurance itself. Since high-risk drivers are more likely to be involved in an accident, you can expect to pay much higher auto insurance rates.

How long  is an auto insurance bond in place?

With the exception of the voluntary SR-22 procured for self-insurance purposes, auto insurance bonds are usually temporary.

While states have different auto insurance laws, in this area it’s generally accepted that three to five years is the life of a bond requirement as long as the driver is not found guilty of any additional offenses.

A court may alter this time frame if necessary, depending on the severity of the circumstances that caused it to be implemented to begin with.

If you move to another state, be advised that you’re still required by law to fulfill the terms of the bond in the state where it was issued.

For example, if you must file an SR-22 or bond in the state of Texas, and you decide to move to Oklahoma, you must still carry that Texas bond until its time period expires.

This can get complicated if your move to the new state requires you to get a new insurance company. But insurance companies know how to work around these issues to make sure you’re in compliance with the law.

What if I violate the terms of my auto insurance bond?

State courts take auto insurance issues very seriously. Therefore, if you violate the terms of your bond you are essentially violating the terms of the court.

This could result in a suspension or revocation of your driver’s license, suspension of your vehicle registration, and even jail time in some cases.

At the very least, you’ll most certainly lose the money that you put up for the bond.

A court that orders you to secure an auto insurance bond is one that is suspicious of your integrity and character anyway.

The judge is likely to be far less lenient if he’s giving you a second chance through an SR-22 bond and you turn around and blow that second chance.

If you’re ordered to get an auto insurance bond, do everything in your power to make sure you fulfill its terms and obey the law in the future.

Can I create a surety bond instead of buying auto insurance?

Another reason you might want a surety bond is that you don’t want to purchase auto insurance.

Although most states require some sort of minimum auto insurance coverage, some states allow you to skip the insurance and just have a surety bond.

What’s the difference between auto insurance and a surety bond?

Auto insurance takes the liability from an accident off of the driver and places it on the insurer. This means that your auto insurance company is responsible for paying any damages from an accident, up to your policy limits.

A surety bond shows that you are capable of paying out of pocket for damages caused in an accident. Since this requires large amounts of money to be set aside, most people don’t take this option.

Although it is generally cheaper initially to set up a surety bond, having to pay out of pocket for vehicle repairs or replacement can get pricey.

How are bonds for auto insurance priced?

Typically, bonds that are used instead of auto insurance are priced based on your credit history. People with good credit tend to pay much less for a surety bind than people with poor credit.

There are many different reasons to look for a bond for auto insurance. Whether you need a bond in addition to auto insurance because you are a high-risk driver or you just don’t want to carry auto insurance, there are many options out there.

Ready to look for auto insurance bond quotes? Now that you know how to create a bond for auto insurance, enter your ZIP code now into our helpful tool below to compare affordable auto insurance bond rates in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions: How do I create a bond for auto insurance?

Are you ready to buy auto insurance? Hopefully, we’ve answered all of your questions like how do I create a bond for auto insurance in CA, but if we haven’t, keep reading to learn more.

#1 – Can I have a surety bond instead of auto insurance?

Yes, but it is important to keep in mind that not all states allow surety bonds.

#2 – What is a bond for insurance and how does an insurance bond work?

This is where the investment is paid in the form of a single payment and the bond covers the surety company against financial loss, whereas an insurance policy covers the insured.

#3 – What is the definition of SR-22?

This is a certificate that proves that you carry proper auto insurance coverage. An SR-22 becomes necessary after one or more serious offenses.

#4 – Can I get a self-insurance bond for auto insurance?

Yes, you just pay a one-time bond or deposit to your state’s DMV. This one-time payment is usually equal to or higher than the liability insurance requirement of your state.

Auto Insurance FAQ / Auto Insurance Tips

10.10.2020 / auto insurance laws / auto insurance tips / car insurance bond / SR-22