If you have committed certain driving infractions in Florida, you may be required to file an SR-22 or FR-44 with the state. These forms are filed by your auto insurer on your behalf with the DMV to confirm that you have the minimum required amount of liability car insurance.
However, it’s important to note that auto insurers consider SR-22 and FR-44 carriers to be high-risk drivers. As a result, they often charge higher rates to individuals who require these forms. For example, in Florida, a driver with an FR-44 may pay an average of 41% more for car insurance compared to a driver with a clean record.
How much does an SR-22 cost in Florida?
The cost to file an SR-22 in Florida can be as low as $15. However, the real financial impact of an SR-22 comes from higher car insurance rates. These rates can be even higher if you are required to file an FR-44, which is often required for individuals with a DUI conviction.
To illustrate the potential impact on your car insurance rates, here’s a comparison of average monthly rates for different violations that require filing an SR-22 or FR-44 in Florida:
- Speeding: $363 (an increase of $59 compared to a clean record)
- At-fault accident: $462 (an increase of $158)
- DUI: $430 (an increase of $126)
Please note that these rates are based on non-binding estimates provided by Quadrant Information Services, and your rates may vary. Additionally, a DUI can stay on your insurance record for three to five years in Florida, potentially resulting in thousands of dollars in higher car insurance costs.
In other words, if you are convicted of a DUI in Florida and are required to file an FR-44, you could end up paying 41% more for auto insurance for the next several years.
Who has the cheapest SR-22 and FR-44 insurance in Florida?
For drivers in Florida who require SR-22 or FR-44 auto insurance, State Farm offers the most affordable car insurance rates. State Farm’s average rate for a full-coverage SR-22 policy after an at-fault accident is $212 per month. GEICO comes in second with an average monthly rate of $232.
Here are the average monthly rates for FR-44 car insurance from different companies:
- State Farm: $197
- GEICO: $292
- Travelers: $361
- Progressive: $392
- UAIC: $561
- Allstate: $775
Again, these rates are based on non-binding estimates provided by Quadrant Information Services, and your rates may vary.
Keep in mind that car insurance rates can be influenced by various factors besides a traffic infraction. Different car insurance companies weigh these risk factors differently, which is why it’s essential to compare quotes from multiple providers.
What is the difference between SR-22 and FR-44 in Florida?
The primary difference between an SR-22 and an FR-44 in Florida is that an FR-44 is required after a DUI conviction, while an SR-22 is tied to other driving offenses such as speeding tickets or at-fault accidents.
Another difference is the required car insurance coverage limits. Florida drivers filing an SR-22 must have at least the state-minimum amount of auto insurance coverage: $10,000 of personal injury protection and $10,000 of personal property damage. On the other hand, individuals required to file an FR-44 in Florida need higher coverage limits, such as 100/300/50 coverage, at a minimum.
Florida’s SR-22 car insurance requirements
The state of Florida may require you to file an SR-22 form for certain driving violations, including:
- Reckless driving
- Serious or repeat traffic offenses
- Causing an accident with no insurance
States like Florida typically require SR-22 forms to show that you have at least the minimum amount of car insurance coverage. Once you purchase a policy that meets the state’s requirements, your insurer will file an SR-22, also known as a certificate of financial responsibility, with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).
Florida’s minimum car insurance requirements for SR-22 are:
- $10,000 of personal injury protection (PIP)
- $10,000 of property damage liability (PDL)
You will need to have an SR-22 on file with the state for three years after your first conviction, as required by most states for high-risk drivers. However, the duration may vary depending on the specific requirements set by the FLHSMV.
If your car insurance lapses, expires, or gets canceled during this period, your insurer will notify the state, and you will have to restart the SR-22 filing process from the beginning.
Florida’s FR-44 car insurance requirements
If you are convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) in Florida, you will need to file an FR-44 form with the state DMV. In some states, drivers with DUIs must purchase more than the minimum amount of car insurance before an FR-44 can be filed. Florida is one such state, requiring a policy with 100/300/50 coverage limits to meet the FR-44 requirement.
This means the following coverage limits are necessary:
- $100,000 of bodily injury liability coverage per person
- $300,000 of bodily injury liability coverage per accident
- $50,000 of property damage liability coverage per accident
Similar to Florida’s SR-22 requirement, canceling, lapsing, or expiring auto insurance coverage during the FR-44 filing period will result in your insurance provider notifying the state. Florida usually requires drivers to have FR-44 insurance for three years following a DUI conviction.
Can I get SR-22 insurance in Florida without a car?
If you need to file an SR-22 but do not own a car, you can purchase a non-owner car insurance policy. Non-owner policies usually cost less than standard car insurance, but they also offer less coverage. It’s important to speak with your insurance agent to fully understand what an SR-22 covers and does not cover.
Methodology
The rates mentioned in this article are based on a comparison of top auto insurance companies in Florida. Specifically, these rates consider the profile of a 35-year-old male driver with a 2012 Honda Accord. The full-coverage policies include $500 deductibles for both comprehensive and collision coverages. Remember that personal factors can affect your rates, so your actual costs may differ.
Please note that while QuoteWizard.com LLC has made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, they cannot guarantee that it is entirely free of inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. All content and services provided on or through their site are offered “as is” and “as available” for use. It is important to acknowledge that your use of their site is solely at your own risk.
FAQs
Q: How much does an SR-22 cost in Florida?
A: The cost to file an SR-22 in Florida can be as low as $15. However, the main financial impact comes from higher car insurance rates, which can vary depending on the violation.
Q: Who has the cheapest SR-22 and FR-44 insurance in Florida?
A: State Farm offers the most affordable rates for SR-22 and FR-44 insurance in Florida, followed by GEICO. However, it’s important to compare quotes from different providers to find the best option for your specific circumstances.
Q: What is the difference between SR-22 and FR-44 in Florida?
A: An SR-22 is required for driving offenses other than DUI, while an FR-44 is required specifically for DUI convictions. Additionally, an FR-44 requires higher car insurance coverage limits compared to an SR-22.
Q: Can I get SR-22 insurance in Florida without a car?
A: Yes, you can purchase a non-owner car insurance policy if you need to file an SR-22 but do not own a car. These policies are typically more affordable than standard car insurance but offer less coverage.
Conclusion
If you find yourself in a situation requiring an SR-22 or FR-44 in Florida, it’s important to be aware of the potential financial impact. Both forms can result in higher car insurance rates, with an FR-44 typically carrying higher costs. To ensure you find the most affordable coverage, compare quotes from different car insurance providers and consider seeking advice from an insurance agent familiar with the requirements in Florida. Remember, maintaining a clean driving record is the most effective way to keep your insurance rates affordable.
