Understanding SR-22 insurance in Florida
An SR-22 is required to reinstate your license after it’s been suspended. In some cases, you might need an SR-22 even though you don’t own a car, or if you need to register a car while still under suspension. There are several forms of SR-22 filings available in Florida:
- Operator
- Owner
- Owner-operator
If you need to reinstate your license but don’t own a car, you will need to purchase non-owners car insurance to get the SR-22 filed.
How long do you need an SR-22 in Florida?
The average length of an SR-22 requirement is three years. If you need the SR-22 for a longer period of time, you’ll be informed by the DMV or the court.
If you fail to maintain an insurance policy throughout the duration of your SR-22 period, the insurance company will inform the Florida DMV of the lapse in coverage. A lapse will result in an extension of the SR-22 insurance duration.
Further serious moving violations during the SR-22 period may also result in an extension of the SR-22 requirement.
Reasons for requiring SR-22 insurance in Florida
An SR-22 is required in Florida for several reasons. They include:
- DUI
- Driving without insurance
- Being involved in an at-fault accident while uninsured
- Too many points on your license
- Reckless driving
You will be informed by the DMV or the court handling your conviction of any SR-22 insurance requirements.
How much is SR-22 insurance in Florida?
The cost of insurance with an SR-22 will vary depending on the violation that resulted in the need for an SR-22. The insurance company will charge you a filing fee that is usually between $25 and $50. On top of that, your insurance rates will go up. Here are a few examples:
- The average cost of DUI first offense and SR-22 insurance in Florida is $3,997 per year
- The average cost of DUI second offense and SR-22 insurance in Florida is $5,684 per year
- The average cost of insurance with an SR-22 in Florida after a reckless driving conviction is $4,396 per year
- The average cost of driving without insurance and SR-22 in Florida is $3,527 per year
The main factors affecting SR-22 insurance cost in Florida are the violation itself and what else is on your driving record. The cost of multiple traffic violations and SR-22 insurance, or at-fault accidents on your record will skyrocket.
How much you pay for insurance with an SR-22 will also depend on:
- The type of car you drive
- Where you live
- How you use your car
- Your coverage limits
"As with any insurance policy, you need to assess the level of coverage you’re comfortable with relative to a cost you can afford," says Rick Kautzer, director of product management at Dairyland Insurance, a non-standard insurer.
Average cost of SR-22 insurance in Florida by violation
Below are average car insurance rates for three different violations that require an SR-22.
| Violation | Average annual premium |
|---|---|
| DUI first offense | $3,997 |
| DUI second offense | $5,684 |
| Reckless driving | $4,396 |
| Driving without insurance | $3,527 |
Average SR-22 insurance cost in Florida for different violations
See the tables below to compare rates from top companies for an SR-22 with various violations.
SR-22 insurance cost by company for DUI, first offense
Below are average car insurance rates by company for a first-offense DUI that requires an SR-22.
| Company | Avg. annual premium | Avg. monthly premium |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $2,356 | $196 |
| Geico | $3,109 | $259 |
| National General | $3,933 | $328 |
| Progressive | $3,978 | $331 |
| Travelers | $4,013 | $334 |
| Allstate | $4,189 | $349 |
| Farmers | $4,481 | $373 |
| Mercury | $4,550 | $379 |
| Nationwide | $5,358 | $446 |
SR-22 insurance cost by company for DUI, second offense
Below are average car insurance rates by company for a second offense DUI that requires an SR-22.
| Company | Avg. annual premium | Avg. monthly premium |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $2,356 | $196 |
| Geico | $5,078 | $423 |
| Farmers | $5,190 | $432 |
| Progressive | $5,461 | $455 |
| Allstate | $5,628 | $469 |
| Travelers | $5,894 | $491 |
| Mercury | $6,384 | $532 |
| Nationwide | $7,517 | $626 |
| National General | $7,868 | $656 |
SR-22 insurance cost by company for reckless driving
Below are average car insurance rates by company for reckless driving with an SR-22.
| Company | Avg. annual premium | Avg. monthly premium |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $2,356 | $196 |
| Geico | $2,997 | $250 |
| Travelers | $4,013 | $334 |
| Allstate | $4,189 | $349 |
| Mercury | $4,550 | $379 |
| Progressive | $4,925 | $410 |
| Nationwide | $5,358 | $446 |
| Farmers | $5,462 | $455 |
| National General | $5,862 | $488 |
SR-22 insurance cost by company for driving without insurance
Below are average car insurance rates by company for driving without insurance with an SR-22.
| Company | Avg. annual premium | Avg. monthly premium |
|---|---|---|
| Geico | $1,684 | $140 |
| State Farm | $2,356 | $196 |
| Nationwide | $2,581 | $215 |
| Allstate | $3,215 | $268 |
| Travelers | $3,399 | $283 |
| National General | $3,769 | $314 |
| Mercury | $4,454 | $371 |
| Progressive | $4,837 | $403 |
| Farmers | $5,470 | $456 |
Tips to lower SR-22 insurance costs in Florida
Because the need for an SR-22 follows a major violation, car insurance after an SR-22 is expensive. The good news is that many of the methods for getting cheaper car insurance still apply after an SR-22. They include:
- Raising your deductible
- Working to improve your driving record (and avoid any further tickets or accidents)
- Discounts, including for bundling your auto and home insurance
- Usage-based programs that monitor your driving habits in return for a discount
- Shopping around
Shopping around is the quickest and easiest way to get cheaper Florida car insurance, even with an SR-22.
Auto insurance FAQs
What happens if I fail to maintain SR-22 insurance in Florida?
If your insurance lapses, the insurance company will report it to the DMV. Your license will be suspended or even revoked permanently.
Can I switch insurance providers while I have an SR-22 filing?
Yes. Switching insurance providers with an SR-22 filing is permitted. Just make sure there is no lapse in coverage and that the new insurance company files the SR-22 form.
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