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.

ViolationAverage 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.

CompanyAvg. annual premiumAvg. 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.

CompanyAvg. annual premiumAvg. 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.

CompanyAvg. annual premiumAvg. 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.

CompanyAvg. annual premiumAvg. 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.

Frequently asked questions: Florida SR-22 insurance

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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