SR-22 in Florida is a document or financial responsibility certificate to show that you are meeting the state’s minimum auto liability insurance requirements. Some people mistakenly call it “SR-22 insurance”. But, SR-22 is not insurance.
Did you just receive a notice from the DMV asking you to provide an SR-22 certificate?
Perhaps, this has happened because you have committed some traffic violations considered risky in the last 6 months…
What is SR-22?
SR-22 is a document, a “Certificate of Financial Responsibility” provided by the insurance company that proves you are meeting in your auto insurance policy in the State of Florida, with the minimum liability coverage amount required for drivers.
In this way, the insurance company guarantees Florida’s DMV that you have a valid auto insurance policy. Also, the insurance company can show that you are financially responsible for any damages you may cause in the event of a future accident.
When SR-22 is required in Florida, it means the state considers the person is a high-risk driver.
SR-22 is not insurance, however, car insurance is tied to SR-22 and is affected by it.
Who requires SR-22 in Florida?
SR-22 is usually ordered by a state court, which will send you a notice. SR-22 is required in Florida for drivers who have committed some traffic violations, like:
– Driving with a suspended/revoked license
– Convictions for no auto insurance
– Serious and/or multiple traffic offenses
– An at-fault accident with no insurance
– Driving while license is suspended due to issues by child support
– Reckless driving.
What other document might I need in Florida?
In most states of the country, the SR-22 certificate is required for vehicle violations as described above (including alcohol or drugs). Additionally, Florida and Virginia require an FR-44 document for traffic violations related to:
– DUI (Driving Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol)
– DWI (Driving While Intoxicated).
Non-owner SR-22 insurance for Florida drivers
If you don’t own a car, you may still be required to file a non-owner SR-22 certificate for reinstating your driver’s privileges after a license suspension.
Non-owner insurance covers you for liability when you drive someone else’s vehicle like a rented or borrowed vehicle and get into an accident. It does not cover damages to the driver or to passengers that are in the car in an accident event. For that reason, you should make sure that the owner has car insurance before you drive it.
How does SR-22 influence my insurance policy?
Certainly, people who drive recklessly or under the influence of drugs, are considered a potential risk for those involved. Additionally, statistics indicate that drivers who commit DUI/DWI offenses are more likely to repeat similar behaviors. As a result, in these insurance policies, liability coverage requirements, and thus costs, are higher. The reasons are mainly two: the first, to offer greater compensation to people injured by DUI accidents, and the second, is to try to discourage drivers from driving while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs in the future.
What’s the difference between SR-22 and FR-44?
Only in Florida and Virginia, you could need both, SR-22 and FR-44. In these states, you will likely need an SR-22 certificate for traffic violations that do not involve drugs or alcohol. Also, you’d need to file an FR-44 form for alcohol or other substance-related DUI violations.
How do I get an SR-22 in Florida?
Two situations can occur.
– If you already have auto insurance. Contact your insurance company and request an SR-22 certificate. They will inform you of the requirements and the fee you must pay. The insurance agency will give you a copy of the SR-22 certificate for you to keep and will send the original document to the state or DMV.
– If you do not have auto insurance. First, you must buy an insurance policy. Then, the insurance agency will inform you about the steps and requirements to obtain the SR-22.
Final words
If you don’t find the answer to your questions related to SR-22 in Florida or any other issue related to your vehicle policy, please, contact us. For us, it will be a pleasure to help you with your insurance policy doubts.
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