SR-22 Insurance in Florida: Costs, Requirements & How to Get Covered
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SR 22 insurance in Florida is not an actual insurance policy. Instead, it is a special certificate that proves financial responsibility for high-risk drivers in the state.
You may need a Florida SR-22 insurance certificate if you have been convicted of serious traffic violations such as reckless driving or a party to multiple at-fault accidents, or if your Florida driver's license has been suspended or revoked. This guide to SR-22 insurance in Florida will cover the filing fees, SR-22 filing requirements, driving privileges, the potential impact on your insurance premiums, and ways to find more affordable auto insurance coverage.
What Is SR-22 Insurance and Why Is It Required in Florida?
What is SR-22 insurance? SR-22 insurance in Florida is a certificate that shows you have the minimum required car insurance and that you can meet the Sunshine State's minimum liability insurance requirements after a serious violation. Though it's often called insurance, SR-22 is technically not an insurance policy.
Obtaining a SR-22 certificate in Florida requires having a minimum of:
$10,000 in bodily injury liability insurance per person or $20,000 per accident
$10,000 in property damage liability coverage
$10,000 of personal injury protection (PIP)
SR-22 is required by courts in Florida to ensure that anyone who is in a traffic accident has the state's minimum required liability insurance and basic financial responsibility. In a nutshell, this certificate shows that you currently comply with the Florida Financial Responsibility Law requirements.
Who Needs SR-22 Insurance in Florida?
SR-22 insurance in Florida is specifically for high-risk drivers. There are several reasons that you might be ordered to obtain an SR-22 certificate in Florida, most of which revolve around your driving records.
For instance, you may be required to get SR-22 insurance if:
You have a court-ordered driver's license suspension or license revocation.
You have been ticketed for multiple serious traffic violations.
You received a conviction for driving under the influence (DUI), as Florida DUI laws are notoriously strict.
You were in an accident where you were driving without an auto insurance policy or proof of insurance.
You have failed to pay court-mandated child support.
The local courts will let you know if you are required to move forward with an SR-22 insurance filing.
How To File for SR-22 Insurance in Florida
To file for SR-22, you should first contact your auto insurance provider. Your insurance company can file the SR-22 form with the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) on your behalf. They will likely charge a small filing fee of up to $25 to cover the filing process. You can also choose to take out a new auto insurance policy with a company that offers SR-22 insurance if your current insurance provider does not.
Note that you may be required to file for SR-22 insurance in Florida even if you do not (or no longer) own a car. This type is referred to as non-owner's SR-22 insurance.
In addition to your required insurance, you may also want to look into Florida uninsured motorist coverage. This can cover you and others in your household if you are injured by another driver who does not have any liability insurance or who does not have enough to cover all of your medical bills.
How Much Does SR-22 Insurance Cost in Florida?
The costs of SR-22 Florida insurance will vary based on the offense, but you will likely pay more than $3,000 per year for SR-22 for a DUI, for instance. On average, you will pay at least $125 per month for SR-22 insurance in addition to your ongoing traditional auto insurance premiums.
How Long Do You Need to Maintain SR-22 Insurance?
You will need to maintain your SR-22 insurance in Florida for three straight years. Failure to do so can result in additional fines and penalties. At the end of the three-year period, you will need to contact your insurance provider and ask them to remove the SR-22 insurance from your policy, as the removal does not happen automatically.
How SR-22 Affects Your Car Insurance Rates
Not surprisingly, SR-22 insurance will likely increase the price that you currently pay for car insurance in Florida. Depending on the reason for needing the certificate, it can reduce your overall auto insurance options and potentially lead to policy cancellation along with higher insurance premiums and additional fees.
However, if the SR-22 insurance requirement relates to inability or failure to pay child support, it probably will not affect your current car insurance rates.
Get the Best SR-22 Insurance Rates in Florida Today
Whether you have a Florida suspended license or were in an accident while driving without car insurance in Florida, you will want to find the best SR-22 insurance rates in Florida. EverQuote offers a free custom comparison tool that allows you to examine options for both SR-22 insurance and regular auto insurance so you can find the most affordable and flexible insurance options for your current and future driving needs.
Check out EverQuote today to search for the best SR-22 insurance rates in Florida and get your driving record back on track.