After a serious driving violation, you may face new insurance requirements. To keep your driver’s license or get it back, you may need SR22 Insurance Florida.
Some states require high-risk drivers to file an SR22 document when buying insurance: learn more about the requirements here.
SR22 Insurance Florida
What is SR22 insurance Florida? Some states, like Florida, require drivers who have been convicted of certain violations to buy SR22 insurance to get their license reinstated. These violations are usually given for driving under the influence, driving without insurance, or driving without a license.
An SR22 is proof of your coverage. The insurer sends this proof to the DMV to show that you have met the requirement. The length of time you must carry SR22 insurance and SR22 requirements can vary depending on your situation.
Types of SR22 Insurance in Florida
There are three main types of SR22 insurance in Florida. Let’s break down each type in more detail to see which type you will require.
SR22 for An Auto-Owners Policy
An SR22 license is an endorsement that is attached to your insurance policy. This certifies that you are currently carrying at least 10/20/10 insurance.
The first 10 stand for $10,000 in bodily damage to one person injured in an accident. The 20 stands for $20,000. This is the maximum coverage amount for all persons injured in the accident. The last 10 stands for your property damage. In this case, it is $10,000 worth of property damage that will be covered from the accident you caused.
SR22 Insurance For a Non-Owner
SR22 Insurance Florida non-owner is simply insurance for people who don’t own a vehicle put drive someone else’s vehicle. This insurance provides liability coverage in case you are involved in an accident.
However, it does not cover any damage to the car you are borrowing and it won’t pay for your injuries due to a crash. If you borrow a car from someone that you live with, either a roommate or family member, then this isn’t the policy you need. You need instead to be listed on their car owner’s insurance.
SR22 Insurance for a Motorcycle
SR22 Insurance for a motorcycle is the same thing but for your bike. It is the first step to getting your license back and getting your bike back on the road.
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How Much Does SR22 Insurance Cost?
SR22 Florida insurance can be expensive because you were deemed to be a high-risk driver so be prepared to pay. If the violation required you to obtain SR22 insurance in the first place is serious your insurance rates will be quite high. If this is the case, your insurance can increase by 30% to 80% on average. Premium costs vary from person to person and can also depend on several factors including, age, sex, how much driving you do, and the state of your driving record.
Shop around with various insurance companies to get a good deal. The rates from various companies can differ by thousands of dollars a year. Ask each company if they have a special rate for SR22 Florida insurance.
Generally, insurance companies will charge a one-time filing fee of around $25. This will ensure your paperwork is filled with the state of Florida.
How Long Do You Have to Carry SR22 Insurance?
The good news is you won’t have to carry SR22 insurance forever. The requirement usually lasts between one to five years. The length can vary according to your offense. The most common length of time SR22 insurance has to be carried is for three years.
Also, when the clock starts on the period may vary as well. It can begin from the date of your offense, the date of the suspension, or the date you purchased SR22 insurance. Be sure to ask to make sure you have the correct date.
Knowing this date is important because if you cancel your SR22 insurance before that time is up, the insurer will be forced to tell the state, and you will be in violation. More than likely, your license, and possibly your registration, will be suspended or revoked. Then the clock will start all over on your SR22 insurance.
Another piece of good news is that the raised rates will not haunt you forever. The violation will eventually fall off your driving record, and then your insurance rate will go back down to normal.
What’s the Difference Between SR22 and FR44 Insurance?
FR44 insurance is usually required if your violation is a DUI in Florida. SR22 insurance is usually for everything else – usually.
Currently, only two states require FR44 insurance filings, Florida and Virginia. Similar to the SR22, FR44 is a proof of insurance certificate but it requires the driver to have higher liability limits listed on the auto insurance policy. Getting a DUI violation in Florida can cost much more than many other states because of this insurance requirement. If you wind up being the defendant, in that case, you will require DUI defense attorneys.
What Happens When Your Time is Up?
When you are finally finished with the time you are required to carry SR22 insurance, your insurer will file another form (an SR-26) with the DMV. This notifies the state of Florida that you have finished your time on your probationary insurance. Now you can obtain a regular insurance policy.
This document will also be filed if you cancel your SR22 insurance for any reason during your probationary period. If this happens the state will revoke your driving privileges.
That’s a Wrap
That’s everything you need to know about SR22 insurance Florida. If you have to obtain SR22 insurance follow the tips above to get a good rate and make sure you pay on time to avoid cancellations of your policy.
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