Sr22 Insurance in Florida: Everything You Need to Know

Have you recently been informed that you need to get SR22 insurance in Florida? Do you have questions about what SR22 insurance is, how it works, and how it will affect your driving record and insurance rates? This comprehensive guide will answer all of your questions and provide you with everything you need to know about SR22 insurance in Florida.

What is SR22 Insurance?

SR22 insurance is a form of insurance that is required by the state of Florida for drivers who have been convicted of certain traffic violations, such as driving under the influence (DUI), driving with a suspended or revoked license, or causing an accident without insurance.

Essentially, an SR22 is a document that proves that you have the minimum amount of liability insurance coverage required by the state of Florida. It is filed by your insurance company with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV).

While SR22 insurance is often referred to as “SR22 certificate” or “SR22 bond,” it is important to note that it is not actually a certificate or a bond. It is simply a document that verifies that you have the required insurance coverage.

How Does SR22 Insurance Work?

If you are required to get SR22 insurance in Florida, you must first find an insurance company that offers SR22 insurance. Not all insurance companies offer this type of insurance, so you may need to shop around to find one that does.

Once you have found an insurance company that offers SR22 insurance, you will need to purchase a policy that meets the minimum liability coverage requirements set by the state of Florida. In general, you will need to have at least $10,000 in property damage liability coverage and $10,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person, with a total of $20,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per accident.

After you have purchased your insurance policy, your insurance company will file the SR22 document with the Florida DHSMV. This document will typically need to be filed for three years from the date of your conviction.

It is important to note that if you fail to maintain your SR22 insurance coverage, your insurance company will be required to notify the Florida DHSMV, which could result in the suspension of your driver’s license.

How Does SR22 Insurance Affect Your Insurance Rates?

If you are required to get SR22 insurance in Florida, you can expect your insurance rates to increase. Insurance companies view drivers who are required to get SR22 insurance as high-risk drivers, which means they are more likely to be involved in accidents and file claims.

However, the exact amount that your insurance rates will increase will vary depending on a number of factors, including your driving history, the type of conviction that led to your requirement for SR22 insurance, and the insurance company you choose.

It is always a good idea to shop around and get quotes from multiple insurance companies to ensure that you are getting the best possible rates.

FAQs About SR22 Insurance in Florida

Q: How long will I need to have SR22 insurance?

A: In general, you will need to maintain SR22 insurance coverage for three years from the date of your conviction. However, the exact length of time that you will need to have SR22 insurance will depend on your individual circumstances.

Q: How much will SR22 insurance cost?

A: The cost of SR22 insurance will vary depending on a number of factors, including your driving history, the type of conviction that led to your requirement for SR22 insurance, and the insurance company you choose. In general, you can expect to pay more for SR22 insurance than you would for a standard insurance policy.

Q: Can I get SR22 insurance if I don’t own a car?

A: Yes, you can still get SR22 insurance even if you don’t own a car. You can purchase a non-owner SR22 insurance policy that will provide you with liability coverage when you are driving someone else’s car.

Q: What happens if I let my SR22 insurance lapse?

A: If you fail to maintain your SR22 insurance coverage, your insurance company will be required to notify the Florida DHSMV. This could result in the suspension of your driver’s license, which means you will not be allowed to drive until you have reinstated your insurance coverage.

Q: How do I know if I need SR22 insurance?

A: If you have been convicted of certain traffic violations in Florida, such as DUI or driving without insurance, you will likely be required to get SR22 insurance. Your driver’s license will typically be suspended, and you will be required to show proof of SR22 insurance before your license can be reinstated.

Conclusion

If you have been required to get SR22 insurance in Florida, it is important to understand what it is, how it works, and how it will affect your driving record and insurance rates. By following the guidelines outlined in this guide and working with a reputable insurance provider, you can get the coverage you need to meet your legal requirements and get back on the road.