Jacksonville is the largest city by area in the continental US. Most people commute by driving with an average commute of 24 minutes.
What are you going to do now that your license is suspended and you need SR-22 insurance to get it back?
Find the answers to your questions about the SR-22 in Florida here. You’ll learn how to get your SR-22 and meet the state insurance requirements.
What Is SR-22 Insurance?
An SR-22 isn’t actually insurance. It’s a certificate of financial responsibility that certifies you have car insurance that meets the minimum liability requirements in Florida. “SR” stands for safety responsibility. Florida requires an insurance policy with at least:
- $10,000 bodily injury coverage for 1 person in an accident
- $20,000 bodily injury coverage for 2 or more people in an accident
- $10,000 property damage coverage per accident
Florida is currently a no-fault state, so personal injury protection (PIP) is also a requirement for drivers who have a vehicle registered in their name. You need a minimum of $10,000 in personal injury protection.
Filing an SR-22 can be part of the process of getting your license reinstated after a suspension. If you’re required to have an SR-22 and you don’t keep it current, you’ll lose your driver’s license.
Who Needs SR-22 Insurance in Florida?
The state of Florida requires high-risk drivers to file an SR-22. Some of the violations that will cause the state to ask for an SR-22 are:
- Driving without insurance or without a license
- Causing an accident without having the state-required minimum insurance
- Driving recklessly or other serious moving violations
- Failing to comply with a court judgment that resulted from an accident
- Excessive tickets
Failing to pay child support is another factor that can trigger the requirement for an SR-22.
In most states, driving under the influence (DUI) means you need to file an SR-22. In Florida, however, drivers guilty of DUI have to file an FR-44 instead.
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) will notify you if you need to file an SR-22. You need to be sure that the form is filed with the state within 30 days of receiving the notification.
What Are the Types of SR-22 Insurance?
Florida has three basic types of SR-22 certificates. The one you choose depends on whether or not you own the vehicle you’ll be driving. The types are:
- Owner’s Certificate
- Owner-Operator Certificate
- Non-Owner’s Certificate
If you’ll only be driving vehicles that are registered in your name, you should get an owner’s certificate. An owner-operator certificate is for people who drive vehicles they own as well as vehicles that other people own. This certificate is the most comprehensive.
If you don’t own a vehicle, you need a non-owner’s certificate. This situation is a little more complicated because a Florida SR-22 is proof of auto insurance coverage. If you don’t own a vehicle, you probably don’t have car insurance.
However, you can get a non-owner’s insurance policy. Non-owner’s car insurance is usually cheaper than regular coverage. It doesn’t cover physical damage to your vehicle.
How Do I Get and File an SR-22 in Florida?
You get an SR-22 in Florida from your insurance company. If you currently have insurance, you can contact your insurance company to request the SR-22. The insurance company will issue the certificate and file it electronically with the state on your behalf.
The state processes most SR-22 filings within 24 to 48 hours.
Some insurance companies won’t sell you an insurance policy if you need an SR-22. If you have problems getting an SR-22 from your current insurance company or you’re having difficulty finding insurance, you can use an SR-22 insurance specialist.
These insurance agencies have experience with drivers classified as high-risk. They can help you fulfill the requirements for Florida SR-22 insurance.
How Much Does SR-22 Insurance Cost?
Your insurance company will usually charge you a small fee for filing an SR-22. The fee typically ranges from $15 to $25.
The real cost of SR-22 insurance is the higher premium you’ll have to pay because of the violations that made it necessary for you to get an SR-22. The amount your premium will increase depends on many factors. Your insurance company considers things like:
- Your driving record
- How much you drive
- Your age, sex, and marital status
- The age and model of your car
Florida drivers with an SR-22 see their rates increase by an average of 53%. The amount you have to pay will vary depending on your insurance company. Working with an experienced SR-22 insurance agent can help you find the best rate.
How Long Will I Need to Have SR-22 Insurance?
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles will tell you how long you need to have SR-22 insurance. The requirement is usually two to three years. It depends on your specific situation.
You have to verify that your insurance company files the SR-22 each time your policy renews during the period of your SR-22 requirement. If you don’t renew your policy or you stop paying the premiums, your insurer will notify FLHSMV. The state will suspend your license until you have insurance again and file a new SR-22.
FLHSMV doesn’t notify you when you don’t need an SR-22 anymore, so it’s important to contact them to verify your exact requirement.
Is SR-22 Insurance the Same as FR-44 Insurance?
FR-44 insurance is similar to SR-22 insurance, but they’re not the same. In Florida, if you’re found guilty of a DUI, you have to file an FR-44 instead of an SR-22.
An FR-44 certifies that you have at least the minimum liability coverage that Florida requires. However, the coverage limits are higher for an FR-44 than for an SR-22. An FR-44 requires you to have:
- $100,000 bodily injury liability coverage for a single person in an accident
- $300,000 bodily injury liability coverage for two or more people in an accident
- $50,000 property damage liability coverage per accident
If you own a vehicle, you’ll also need $10,000 of personal injury protection.
The terms of an FR-44 are stricter than for an SR-22 because Florida considers DUI and DWI more serious offenses.
How Do I Find the Best Insurance with an SR-22?
Trying to get an SR-22 in Florida can be stressful. Not all insurers will sell SR-22 policies, and the policies you find will probably be more expensive than your previous insurance.
BadDrivingRecord.com specializes in SR-22 insurance. In Jacksonville or anywhere else in Florida, we can help you find the best coverage at the lowest possible rates.
Contact us today for a free quote. We’re ready to work with you to find the coverage that fits your needs.
