If you’re considered a high-risk driver in Florida, you may need to file an SR-22 or FR-44. Common reasons you might be considered high-risk include:
- A DUI conviction.
- Being involved in multiple car accidents.
- Racking up too many traffic violations.
- Getting caught driving without insurance.
Learn what SR-22 and FR-44 forms are—and when and why you might need one or the other—to help ensure that you’re driving legally.
What Is SR-22 Insurance?
An SR-22 is a form that your car insurance company files with the state that proves you have purchased liability car insurance coverage that meets Florida’s minimum requirements. This form is sometimes called an “SR-22 bond” or a “certificate of financial responsibility.” The term “SR-22 insurance” is misleading because an SR-22 is not insurance. When folks refer to SR-22 insurance, it simply means the driver has a car insurance policy where the insurer has filed the SR-22 form for the driver. An SR-22 form in Florida is typically ordered by the state or a court. You’ll either get a notification from the department of motor vehicles or the judge will notify you. Common reasons you may be required to have SR-22 insurance in Florida include:
- Causing a car accident while driving without insurance.
- Causing too many car accidents.
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Failing to pay court-ordered child support.
- Having a hardship license, such as a temporary license that restricts your driving hours because of a license suspension or revocation.
- Reinstating your license after it has been suspended or revoked.
- Serious traffic offenses, such as reckless driving or repeat traffic violations.
What Are the SR-22 Requirements in Florida?
To meet SR-22 requirements in Florida, you will need to have liability car insurance limits of at least 10/20/10. Here’s what those numbers mean:
- $10,000 in bodily injury/death coverage for one person per accident.
- $20,000 in bodily injury/death to two or more people per accident.
- $10,000 in property damage coverage per incident.
What Is FR-44 Insurance?
An FR-44 form is similar to an SR-22 and proves that you have the minimum amount of liability car insurance requirements. But the FR-44 has stricter liability car insurance requirements. It is only used in Florida and Virginia. In Florida, an FR-44 is required if you are convicted of driving under the influence of drugs or other intoxicants. An FR-44 is sometimes referred to as “DUI insurance.”
What Are the FR-44 Requirements in Florida?
To meet FR-44 requirements in Florida, you will need to have liability car insurance limits of at least 100/300/50. Here’s what those numbers mean.
- $100,000 in bodily injury/death coverage for one person per accident.
- $300,000 in bodily injury/death for two or more people per accident.
- $50,000 in property damage coverage per incident.
What Is the Difference Between SR-22 and FR-44 in Florida?
The main difference between SR-22 and FR-44 in Florida is that an FR-44 requires much higher liability limits than an SR-22. An FR-44 is required for DUI convictions in Florida. Here’s the liability car car insurance requirements for both:
| Liability car insurance requirement | SR-22 | FR-44 |
|---|---|---|
|
Bodily injury/death coverage for one person per accident
|
$10,000
|
$100,000
|
|
Bodily injury/death to more than one person per accident
|
$20,000
|
$300,000
|
|
Property damage coverage per incident
|
$10,000
|
$50,000
|
What Is Non-Owner SR-22 Insurance in Florida?
Non-owner SR-22 insurance in Florida means that you meet SR-22 requirements without owning a car. You can do this by purchasing a non-owners car insurance policy. With a non-owner policy, you’ll have enough coverage to meet the state’s minimum liability requirements and will be able to show proof of car insurance in Florida. A non-owners car insurance policy is a good way to satisfy SR-22 insurance requirements if you don’t own a car.
How Much Does SR-22 Insurance Cost in Florida?
It typically costs $15 to $25 to file an SR-22 in Florida, depending on your insurance company. Having an SR-22 generally increases your car insurance rates. The increase will be related to whatever violation brought on the need for an SR-22. Some violations will cause your insurance costs to climb much higher than other types of violations. The average FR-44 insurance cost is $4,717 a year in Florida for a driver with a DUI conviction, according to our analysis. Here are the average costs of FR-44 insurance in Florida by company for a driver with a DUI conviction. You will pay a small fee for the FR-44 itself. However, the DUI itself will cause your insurance premium costs to soar.
Average Cost of FR-44 Insurance in Florida With a DUI
| Company | Average cost per year with a DUI and FR-44 |
|---|---|
|
Security National
|
$3,557
|
|
$3,935
|
|
|
$4,284
|
|
|
$4,304
|
|
|
$4,586
|
|
|
Direct General
|
$4,741
|
|
$4,805
|
|
|
$5,068
|
|
|
AIG
|
$5,137
|
|
United Automobile Insurance Co.
|
$6,753
|
Source: Quadrant Information Services. Rates are based on a 30-year-old driver with a DUI conviction and requirement to file an FR-44 who is insuring a new Toyota RAV4. Rates include $100,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person, $300,000 per accident and $100,000 in property damage liability (known as 100/300/100), uninsured motorist coverage and any other coverage required in Florida. The rate also includes collision and comprehensive insurance with a $500 deductible.
How Long Is SR-22 Insurance Required in Florida?
SR-22 insurance is generally required for three years in Florida. You will need to maintain continuous coverage during this period. If you have a lapse in your coverage, your insurance company is required to report it to the DMV. If you do not comply with the terms of an SR-22, your driver’s license could be suspended. You may get a notification from the DMV that the time requirement for having an SR-22 has been fulfilled, but it may not automatically drop from your insurance. You can contact your insurance company and ask them to remove the SR-22 from your policy. Don’t remove your SR-22 early or it could result in a penalty or license suspension. If you don’t receive a notice from the DMV, contact them to verify you can remove the SR-22.
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How Long Do I Have to Carry FR-44 Insurance in Florida?
FR-44 insurance is generally required for three years in Florida. You will need to maintain continuous coverage during this period. If you have a lapse in coverage, your insurer is required to notify the department of motor vehicles. If you do not comply with the terms of your FR-44, your driver’s license could be suspended. You may get a notification from the DMV that the time requirement for an FR-44 has been fulfilled. It may not automatically drop from your insurance. You can contact your insurer and ask them to remove the FR-44 from your policy. Make sure you don’t remove your FR-44 early or it could result in a penalty or license suspension. You can contact the DMV to verify you can remove the FR-44.
