Cheapest SR-22 Car Insurance In Florida For 2024

SR-22 insurance serves as proof of financial responsibility mandated by the state for drivers following severe violations like DUIs or reckless driving. In Florida, securing an SR-22 requires an additional fee alongside your regular car insurance premiums. Drawing from my extensive experience in the insurance field, I’ve observed these supplementary costs ranging from little to supplemental.

Moreover, I’ve encountered instances where insurance companies refuse to extend policies to individuals in need of SR-22s. Navigating through various companies’ eligibility criteria and pricing structures can be time-consuming and complex. I’ve undertaken thorough research and made it easy for you.

In this article, I’ve streamlined a list of the top insurance providers in Florida that offer SR-22 coverage along with their average pricing. While the precise expenses may fluctuate based on individual circumstances, this compilation aims to guide you towards suitable options. Keep reading to gain comprehensive insights into SR-22 insurance in Florida.

Cheapest SR-22 Insurance Companies In Florida

The top three cheapest SR-22  insurance companies in Florida with liability only are as follows:

• State Farm: $576 Annually
• Geico: $929 Annually
• Farmers: $945 Annually

Cheapest SR-22 Insurance Policies With A DUI (Liability Only)

Cheapest SR-22 Insurance With Full Coverage

For those requiring more than liability-only coverage, here are the three cheapest SR-22 insurance policies in Florida for full coverage:

• State Farm: 1,190 Annually
• Farmers: 1,973 Annually
• Progressive: 2,267 Annually

Cheapest SR-22 Insurance Policies With A DUI (Full Coverage)

What is SR-22 Insurance?

SR-22 insurance, also known as a Certificate of Financial Responsibility, is a form of documentation required by state authorities for individuals deemed high-risk drivers due to serious traffic violations. Essentially, it serves as proof that the driver carries the necessary liability insurance to cover any potential accidents or damages they might cause while operating a vehicle.

Common violations that may lead to the need for SR-22 insurance include DUI/DWI convictions, reckless driving offenses, driving without insurance, or multiple traffic violations within a short period.

Obtaining SR-22 insurance typically involves contacting an insurance provider licensed in the driver’s state and requesting the filing of an SR-22 form on their behalf. The insurance company then notifies the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent authority that the driver is now covered by the required liability insurance.

What is SR-22a Insurance

SR-22a insurance, also referred to as a Certificate of Financial Responsibility (CFR) or a non-owner SR-22 insurance, is a specific type of insurance policy designed for individuals who do not own a vehicle but still require proof of financial responsibility. Similar to traditional SR-22 insurance, SR-22a serves as documentation to demonstrate to state authorities that the individual carries the necessary liability insurance coverage.

Cheapest Non-Owner SR-22 Insurance Companies In Florida

If you have to file for an SR-22 but you don’t own a car, a non-owners policy is a good option for you. Here are the cheapest non-owner SR-22 policies in Florida.

• Geico – $638 Annually
• Travelers- $1,037 Annually
• State Farm- $1,038 Annually

Average Cost Of SR-22 Insurance In Florida

How SR-22 Affects Car Insurance Rates

Typically, drivers can anticipate an average annual increase of around $993 in their car insurance premiums when an SR-22 is required. This rise in premiums is often attributed to previous driving incidents that led to the need for the SR-22, rather than directly to the SR-22 itself. For instance, if a driver was convicted of a DUI offense and subsequently mandated to obtain an SR-22, the elevated policy rates are primarily linked to the DUI conviction.

Moreover, there’s an additional filing fee associated with obtaining an SR-22, typically ranging from $15 to $25. This fee is separate from the premium increase and is incurred upon filing the SR-22 with the relevant state authorities. Once the requirement for the SR-22 is fulfilled and it’s no longer necessary, removing it from the policy can help mitigate the premium hike.

How To File An SR-22

You might get a request from a court, state government, or the DMV asking you to file for an SR-22. When you receive this official notice, the first thing you should do is reach out to your insurance company. If you don’t already have car insurance, you’ll need to get a policy before you can file for an SR-22.

Your insurance company will require specific information from you to complete the SR-22 filing. This may include details about your driving history, the reason for needing an SR-22, and any other relevant personal information. There may be a filing fee associated with submitting an SR-22, which you’ll need to pay to your insurance company or directly to the state DMV.

Your insurance company will complete the SR-22 form on your behalf and submit it to the appropriate state authorities, such as the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency. Once the SR-22 form is filed, verify with your insurance company and the state authorities that the process is complete. Keep a copy of the SR-22 form for your records, as you may need to provide it as proof of insurance in the future.

How Long Do I Need To Have SR-22 Insurance?

The duration for which you need an SR-22 can differ from one state to another. In Florida, the minimum period for filing is three years, but it might be extended to up to five years based on the cause for needing the SR-22. Additionally, it’s important to note that you must maintain the SR-22 even if you move out of the state that mandated it.

Other Effects Of SR-22 Insurance

Apart from influencing your car insurance rates, SR-22s can impact your ability to drive legally. If you don’t get an SR-22 within the specified timeframe or maintain it for the required duration, the state may suspend your driver’s license or car registration. This could lead to financial penalties and reinstatement fees as well.

Additionally, not all insurance companies are willing to provide coverage for drivers requiring SR-22s, which can limit your choices when seeking insurance.

SR-22 Insurance State Requirements

It’s not surprising that every state has its own rules for SR-22s. Some states, like the ones listed below, don’t need SR-22s at all:

• Delaware
• North Carolina
• New Mexico
• Kentucky
• New York
• Oklahoma

Certain states demand drivers to demonstrate that they carry insurance coverage exceeding the minimum legal requirements. Florida and Virginia are among these states. Besides the SR-22 for specific violations, Florida and Virginia might request an FR-22 for DUIs or DWIs.

Arkansas and Indiana use different forms. For instance, instead of providing evidence of ongoing coverage, Arkansas mandates an SR-21 after accidents meeting a certain threshold to prove insurance was active at the time of the loss, while Indiana requires an SR-50 after a DUI to confirm the insured dates.

How Much Does Credit Score Affect SR-22 Insurance Costs

Your credit score plays a role in determining your auto insurance cost. Generally, if your credit score is lower, insurance companies see you as more risky. Similarly, needing an SR-22 also labels you as high risk.

So, if you require an SR-22 and have poor credit, your insurance rates are likely to be higher. On average, drivers with low credit pay 72% more for insurance than those with good credit scores. SR-22s can increase insurance rates by around 18% or more. However, the actual increase varies depending on the insurance company.

Alternatives To SR-22

If your state mandates an SR-22, there’s no avoiding it. However, some states either don’t need an SR-22 or may ask for alternative forms like SR-21, SR-50, or FR-22. To figure out what’s necessary for you, reaching out to a local independent agent could be your best bet.

How To Get Cheaper Car Insurance In Florida After A DUI

Getting cheaper car insurance in Florida after a DUI can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. Here are some steps you can take to potentially lower your insurance premiums:

• Shop Around: Don’t settle for the first insurance quote you receive. Compare rates from multiple insurance companies to find the best deal.
• Take a Defensive Driving Course: Some insurance companies offer discounts to drivers who complete a defensive driving course. This can demonstrate to insurers that you’re committed to improving your driving skills and reducing the risk of future accidents.
• Drive Less: If possible, try to reduce your annual mileage. Insurance companies often offer lower rates to drivers who drive fewer miles because they’re less likely to be involved in accidents.
• Maintain a Clean Driving Record: While you may already have a DUI on your record, avoiding additional traffic violations can help prevent your insurance rates from increasing even further.