Here at Staybull Insurance we like to help people get their driver license back and get back on the road. We have put together this guide to help individuals that have gotten a notice from the Florida DMV that requires them to purchase SR22 insurance. The Florida SR22 insurance process can be confusing and we aim to answer any questions you might have. Please feel free to give our office a call or use our live chat feature if you have any additional questions that might not be covered in this guide.
What is Florida SR22 Insurance?
First, we think it is best for you to understand what Florida SR22 insurance is. The state of Florida uses the SR22 filing to make sure that you maintain a minimum amount of insurance in the event of an accident. Automobile accidents can become very costly in Florida and often include medical expenses and property damage. Insurance is required on all vehicles registered in Florida and the state wants to make sure that you have the proper coverage to cover these expenses. The SR22 itself is just a filing that is attached to a regular auto insurance policy that proves that you have the required coverage. When you purchase an SR22 policy your insurance carrier will electronically file a copy of the SR22 certificate to the Florida DMV. If you let your insurance policy cancel at any time the insurance carrier is required to notify the DMV and your driving privileges can be suspended.
Who is required to have SR22 insurance in Florida?
Not all drivers are required to have SR22 insurance in the state of Florida. The Florida DMV will only require you to have SR22 insurance if they think you are a high risk driver. You might be considered to be a high risk driver if you were caught driving without insurance or if you have to many driving infractions on your record. Another reason you might be required to carry the SR22 is if you did not have sufficient insurance coverage at the time of an accident. Other states also require the SR22 if you get caught driving under the influence but Florida uses the FR44 for that.
How long are you required to have the SR22 insurance in Florida?
The Florida DMV will tell you exactly how long you are required to have SR22 insurance. The requirement is typically two to three years but varies depending on your particular situation. It is important to contact the DMV to find out your exact requirement as they do not notify you when it is no longer required.
What does Florida SR22 insurance cover?
Florida SR22 insurance will typically cover your liability of bodily injury or property damage up to a stated limit in the event of an accident. You add things like comprehensive and collision to provide coverage for damage to your vehicle. You might also want to add things like uninsured motorist coverage and medical payments coverage that will cover some expenses if you are injured by a uninsured or under-insured motorist.
Florida SR22 Insurance Requirements
The state of Florida requires you to have $10,000 in bodily injury liability coverage and $20,000 in bodily injury liability coverage for each accident if multiple people are injured. You are also required to have $10,000 in property damage liability coverage for damage to another persons vehicle or property. If you have a vehicle you are also required to have $10,000 in personal injury protection to cover your medical expenses.
Types of SR22 Insurance in Florida
Non-Owner SR22 Insurance – This type of coverage is meant for people that do not own, regularly operate, or have regular use of a vehicle. Non-Owner SR22 insurance does not provide personal injury protection for medical expenses if you are injured in an accident and whatever vehicle you are operating should also be insured by whoever owns it. This type of coverage is typically less expensive as it coverage much less than a regular SR22 policy. It is important to understand these coverage restrictions and you can read more about non-owner SR22 insurance here.
Owner SR22 Insurance – This type of coverage is for people that own or regularly operate a vehicle. It is essentially a regular auto policy with the SR22 filing attached. You can add all the same coverage options that are available on a regular auto insurance policy such as comprehensive, collision, uninsured motorist, medical payments, rental car coverage, and roadside assistance.
Reinstating your driver license with Florida SR22 Insurance
Finding your SR22 case number – When you call around for quotes you will be asked for your SR22 case number. You can find this number on the letter that the DMV sent you stating that you need SR22 insurance. You might see something that says “FR sanction number” and you will see a nine digit number. This will be your case number for the duration of the SR22 requirement. You will need this case number to purchase SR22 insurance and also if you ever switch to another insurance company so it is important to keep this number in a safe place. You can read more about finding your SR22 case number here.
Confirm that you are eligible for reinstatement – Contact the Florida DMV to make sure you are eligible for reinstatement and check for any additional requirements. You should ask how much it will cost including reinstatement fees and any unpaid traffic tickets. You might also be required to take a basic drive improvement class. If you are required to take a class the DMV can advise you where to take the class in your area.
Purchase the correct type of SR22 insurance – If you have completed the steps above and you are ready to get reinstated it is time to purchase insurance. If you do not own or regularly operate a vehicle you might need a non-owner policy. If you do have a vehicle you will need a regular SR22 insurance policy. Contact a licensed Florida insurance agent to help you purchase the right SR22 policy for your particular situation. If you purchase SR22 insurance at least five days in advance the DMV should already have a copy of your SR22 since the insurance carrier will file it to them electronically. If not that is OK too, you will just need to have your insurance agent fax a copy of the SR22 to the DMV you are going to.
Go to the DMV – If you have completed all the above steps it is time to get your driver license reinstated. If you purchased the SR22 in advance the DMV should already have proof of coverage. If not have your insurance agent fax a copy of the SR22 directly to the DMV for you. When you are getting reinstated make sure you ask DMV staff exactly when your SR22 is no longer required so you can have it removed at that time. The Florida DMV does not notify you or the insurance company when the SR22 is no longer required so it is important to have this date.
