Do you want to learn about SR22 insurance in Florida? Keep following to know what you need.
Maybe you are a driver in Florida who has been deemed at high risk due to some incidents, and you might have heard of SR22 insurance.
To know the requirements for this insurance might be confusing, but fear not!
This article will give you the necessary detail you need to understand SR22 insurance in Florida.
READ MORE: General Liability Insurance Florida: A Guide
What Is SR22 Insurance?
Table of Contents
Firstly, we need to clarify what SR22 insurance is. SR22 is not the kind of car insurance policy but rather a form that your insurance company files with the state to confirm that you have the required coverage.
This required high-risk drivers to prove financial responsibility after certain violations like DUI convictions, driving without insurance, or diverse traffic offenses.
Why Might I Need SR22 Insurance In Florida?
In Florida, you can be asked to get an SR22 if you have been convicted of certain offenses or violations.
This includes but is not limited to DUI or DWI convictions driving without insurance, reckless driving offenses, and multiple traffic violations within a short period.
Maybe you are mandated by the court or the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) to get an SR22, it is important to follow your driving privileges.
How Does SR22 Insurance Affect Your Premiums?
Having an SR22 filing usually leads to higher insurance premiums since you are considered a high risk to the insurance company.
Also, the exact increase depends on your driving record and the insurance company you picked. Moreover, it is essential to shop around and compare quotes to find the best rates available.
Who Needs An SR22?
Generally, you will discover that you need an SR22 during a hearing in court or by a letter from your state Department of Motor Vehicles.
There are some reasons that you need to file an SR22 including the following:
- When you drive without sufficient insurance
- Consistent traffic offenses
- A DUI (or DWI)
- Unable to pay child support
- When your license is suspended and you still have the hardship license.
However, the laws for this insurance vary by state and have diverse requirements for SR22 forms.
You can be asked to have an SR22 form on file even when you don’t have a car. An SR22 form from a non-owner car insurance policy can help you stay compliant even when you don’t own a car.
How To Obtain SR22 Insurance In Florida
To obtain SR22 insurance in Florida, you need to get in touch with an insurance company that is authorized to provide SR22 filings in the state.
Moreover, the insurer will file the necessary form with DHSMV on your behalf.
Ensure you continue to maintain the coverage for the specific period of the DHSMV to avoid any penalties or license suspension.
How Long Do You Need This Insurance?
The duration that you need to maintain this insurance varies in Florida which depends on the offense that led to the requirement.
In most cases, you can be required to carry SR22 insurance for three years. It is important to stay informed about the specific requirements of your case to ensure compliance.
READ MORE: SR-22 in Florida
Cost of SR22 Insurance In Florida
The costs associated with SR22 are beyond the fee for the actual certificate which is between $15-$25.
When your license has been suspended or revoked, it means you have diverse serious traffic violations on your driving record.
Moreover, car insurers will take the risk of insuring a driver who is likely to cause an accident or be involved in expensive insurance claims that the car insurance company can end up financially responsible for.
Therefore, you can qualify for coverage but it will be expensive. Not all car insurance companies provide SR22 filings in Florida, maybe because of the risk the driver represents.
As long as the traffic incidents that led to the need for insurance are on your record, you will need to maintain the car insurance.
In this country, you will always need to keep your SR22 certificate and a corresponding insurance policy in force for around three years.
This reflects the time it takes for the violations to get removed from your driving record.
Maybe you lapse in coverage at any time when the SR22 requirement, your insurance company that certifies you have the legal amount of coverage required is obligated to report you.
As this is the intent of the SR22 or FR44 requirement. Failure to be insured under this inductance certificate can lead to your driver’s license being revoked or suspended.
READ MORE: Best Cheap SR-22 and FR-44 Insurance in Florida
Conclusion
SR22 insurance in Florida is the necessary step for high-risk drivers to demonstrate financial responsibility and maintain their driving privileges. That can lead to high premiums, fulfilling this requirement is important to get back on the road legally. Always drive safely and responsibly to avoid any future issues that can require SR22 filing.
