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If you’ve been asked to file an SR-22, you might be worried about the impact on your car insurance costs. An SR-22 isn’t a type of insurance but rather a certificate that proves you meet your state’s minimum car insurance requirements.

It’s often required after serious driving violations, such as a DUI, reckless driving or driving without insurance. Unfortunately, having an SR-22 on your record typically leads to higher premiums, making finding the most affordable options essential.

The cost of SR-22 insurance can vary significantly depending on your location, driving history, and insurance provider. To help you save money, we’ve researched the cheapest SR-22 insurance options in every state.

In Florida, Geico offers the most affordable SR-22 insurance policies at $1,699 per year and State Farm at $2,544 per year.

Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly policy or just trying to navigate this complex process, this guide has the information you need to get back on the road without breaking the bank.

What is an SR-22?

An SR-22 certificate of financial responsibility proves you have the minimum liability insurance coverage your state requires. If you’re considered a high-risk driver because of traffic violations, a DUI/DWI conviction, or other reasons, your state or a court might require you to get an SR-22. This is a certificate your insurance company files on your behalf with your state Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV).

An SR-22 isn’t a type of insurance, but it’s often required after serious offenses. Having an SR-22 can make your insurance more expensive, and not all insurers will cover you because you’re considered a high-risk driver.

Key Takeaways

  • SR-22 car insurance in Florida costs $3,288, on average.
  • Geico offers the cheapest SR-22 insurance policies in Florida at $1,699 per year.
  • SR-22 insurance isn’t a separate policy, but a form your insurance company files to with the state DMV to prove you have the required minimum coverage.

Do I need to buy SR-22 insurance in Florida?

As mentioned before, an SR-22 isn’t an insurance policy. It’s a form your insurance company files with your state’s DMV to show that you have the required minimum coverage, even with certain driving offenses on your record. The filing fee is usually low, but insurance with an SR-22 can be expensive.

Here are few offenses that might require an SR-22:

  • DUI, DWI or other serious moving violations
  • Reckless driving
  • Accidents resulting in suspension or revocation
  • Accumulation of too many driving violation points
  • Driving without insurance

If you are convicted of any of these violations, you might need an SR-22. After buying an insurance plan that meets your state’s requirements, ask your insurance company to send the SR-22 form to the DMV.

You usually have to keep the SR-22 for at least three years. If you don’t, your license could be suspended.

Average SR-22 car insurance cost in Florida

The average cost of SR-22 car insurance in Florida is $3,288. This is $2,273 higher than in New Hampshire, which has the cheapest SR-22 insurance.

However, it’s also $753 less expensive than in Michigan, the most expensive state for SR-22 insurance.

The cost of SR-22 insurance depends on several factors, such as why you need the SR-22, your driving history, and where you live.

Cheapest SR-22 insurance companies in Florida

Insurance rates typically increase if you have an SR-22, but not all insurance companies charge the same rates for SR-22 holders. The companies listed below offer some of the lowest rates in Florida.

CompanyAverage annual premiumAverage monthly premium
Geico$1,699 $142
State Farm$2,544 $212
Travelers$2,573 $214
Nationwide$2,625 $219
Mercury Insurance$3,649 $304
Progressive$3,924 $327
Allstate$3,998 $333
National General Insurance$4,128 $344
Farmers$4,534 $378

Cheap SR-22 insurance in Florida by city

As discussed above, where you live greatly affects how much SR-22 insurance costs. Below are the cheapest SR-22 insurance rates in 10 cities across Florida.

CityAverage annual premium
Bellair-Meadowbrook Terrace$1,308
Jacksonville$1,386
Orlando$1,503
Fellsmere$1,507
Avon Park$1,513
Deland$1,624
Palm City$1,625
Hialeah$1,717
Miami$1,717
Port St. Lucie$1,751
St. Petersburg$1,906
Fort Lauderdale$1,982
Tampa$1,983
Clearwater$2,006
Aventura$2,248

SR-22 insurance requirements in Florida

The Florida DMV mandates all drivers in Florida to have the following minimum car insurance coverage:

  • $10,000 for injury or death per person
  • $20,000 for injury or death per accident
  • $10,000 for property damage per accident

These are only the minimum requirements. Experts suggest getting more coverage than the mandated coverage levels. While it might increase your premium, the extra coverage can be very helpful if you’re in a costly at-fault accident.

How much does SR-22 in Florida cost with a DUI?

Some insurance companies are much more forgiving than others if you have a DUI. Some charge a few hundred dollars more, while others charge thousands more per year.

Note: In the table below, “filing only” represents the cost of a policy including the fee to file the SR-22 – without considering the reason why someone needed an SR-22.

CompanySR-22 with 1 DUISR-22 Filing only
State Farm$2,751 $2,544
Geico$3,068 $1,699
Travelers$3,974 $2,573
National General Insurance$4,314 $4,128
Allstate$4,408 $3,998
Progressive$4,720 $3,924
Farmers$4,881 $4,534
Nationwide$5,412 $2,625
Mercury Insurance$5,594 $3,649

How to get the cheapest SR-22 insurance in Florida

If you have an SR-22 in Florida, you might think you are doomed to pay inflated insurance rates. But just because you need an SR-22 doesn’t mean you’ll end up paying the highest rates.

First, shopping around is always a good idea. There can be an enormous difference in the rates you will get from different insurance companies. Some companies might even specialize in high-risk drivers and be able to offer you better SR-22 rates.

Another way to get the cheapest insurance with an SR-22 is to improve your driving record. Sure, that might be easier said than done, but it can be worth putting in the time if you want a better rate. You can get a quick win by taking a defensive driving course. Ask your insurer if they offer any of these courses and if they can help you qualify for a discount.

You can also ask about safe driving programs. These usage-based programs track your driving habits and may reward you with lower premiums for safe driving.

There are a few ways someone required to get SR-22 insurance can find the most affordable policy while still meeting all the legal requirements.

Sebastian Hov, CEO of 18 Insurance, an insurance agency based in Sacramento, Florida, recommends the following:

  • Shopping around: Different insurance companies offer varying rates for SR-22 insurance. It’s crucial to compare quotes from multiple providers to find the best option.
  • Pay upfront: If possible, paying your premium in full rather than in monthly installments can sometimes result in lower overall costs.

Opt for non-owner insurance: If you don’t own a vehicle but want to maintain SR-22 coverage, non-owner car insurance can be a cost-effective option as it is typically 5% to 15% cheaper than a standard policy. Keep reading for more information on non-owner insurance options.

Non-owner SR-22 insurance in Florida

Another term that’s sometimes used when talking about SR-22 is “non-owner SR-22 insurance.” This usually refers to liability insurance for people who don’t own a car but need to reinstate their license after it is suspended or revoked. This is often a requirement after a DUI, DWI, or several moving violations.

Non-owner insurance provides secondary coverage when driving cars you don’t own, such as a vehicle you borrow or rent.

If you find yourself regularly driving a borrowed or rented vehicle, you should probably apply for a non-owner insurance policy. These policies have certain benefits, like costing less than traditional insurance.

Read more about how non-owners car insurance works in Florida

Who needs SR-22 insurance?

Remember, an SR-22 is not a separate insurance policy. It’s a certificate that proves to your state’s DMV that you have the required minimum insurance coverage.

For example, if you have a DUI, the state will require you to show that you have enough insurance to meet financial responsible.

Remember, not all driving offenses need an SR-22. You’ll be notified if you do. If you’re unsure, check with your local DMV office or a lawyer who specializes in traffic law.

How long do you need SR-22 insurance in Florida?

You usually need to keep an SR-22 for three years.

During this time, you must have continuous insurance coverage with no lapses. If your policy gets canceled or lapses, your insurer has to inform the state, which could lead to penalties or a suspended license.

The bottom line on SR-22 in Florida

Florida’s average SR-22 insurance rate is $3,288, compared to the overall average car insurance cost in Florida, which is $3,008. That means Florida’s SR-22 rate is $280 more per year.

But remember that there are a lot of factors that can affect insurance premiums.

expert

What our expert says

Q: How can you save on SR-22 insurance?

expert-image
Sebastian HovCEO, 18 Insurance.
“Shop around: Different insurance companies offer varying rates for SR-22 insurance. It’s crucial to compare quotes from multiple providers to find the best option.”

Resources and Methodology

Sources:

Methodology

Insure.com gathered rates from Quadrant Information Services for all states, including Washington, D.C. The rates are based on a sample driving profile of a 40-year-old male and female who drives a Honda Accord LX and opts for a full-coverage policy with coverage limits of 100/300/100 and a $500 comprehensive and collision deductible across most ZIP codes. We analyzed 5,000,736 insurance quotes from 27 companies.

Compare SR-22 insurance rates with other states

Alabama$1,702/Year
Alaska$1,419/Year
Arizona$1,916/Year
Arkansas$1,618/Year
California$2,238/Year
Colorado$2,177/Year
Connecticut$1,654/Year
Georgia$1,795/Year
Hawaii$1,523/Year
Idaho$1,115/Year
Illinois$1,380/Year
Indiana$1,418/Year
Iowa$1,363/Year
Kansas$1,581/Year
Louisiana$3,390/Year
Maine$1,141/Year
Maryland$2,020/Year
Massachusetts$1,900/Year
Michigan$4,041/Year
Mississippi$1,502/Year
Missouri$2,504/Year
Montana$1,966/Year
Nebraska$2,001/Year
Nevada$2,632/Year
New Hampshire$1,015/Year
New Jersey$2,370/Year
North Dakota$1,315/Year
Ohio$1,240/Year
Oregon$1,653/Year
Rhode Island$1,887/Year
South Carolina$1,998/Year
South Dakota$1,681/Year
Tennessee$1,458/Year
Texas$2,113/Year
Utah$1,816/Year
Vermont$1,140/Year
Virginia$1,343/Year
Washington$1,473/Year
Washington, D.C.$2,065/Year
West Virginia$1,520/Year
Wisconsin$1,738/Year
Wyoming$1,808/Year
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Bob Haegele
Contributing Researcher

 
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Bob Haegele is a personal finance writer. He covers car insurance, health insurance and life insurance. While working in the corporate world he started a personal finance blog. He later left his corporate job and began freelance writing full-time. Since then, he has made it his mission to help people master their money. His work has been featured in Business Insider, Forbes Advisor, Bankrate, FinanceBuzz and others.

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