What an SR-22 is and why Florida requires it
An SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility that proves to Florida's Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles that you carry the minimum required auto insurance. You do not file it yourself — your insurance company files it directly with the state on your behalf. Florida requires an SR-22 when you have been convicted of certain driving violations, typically DUI or driving with a suspended license.
The SR-22 is not insurance itself. It is a form that confirms your insurance policy meets Florida's minimum coverage limits: $10,000 bodily injury per person, $20,000 bodily injury per accident, and $10,000 property damage. If your policy lapses or you cancel it while an SR-22 is active, your insurance company must notify the state, and your driving privileges can be suspended again.
Key Takeaways
- Your insurance company files the SR-22 with the state — you contact them and request it, but you do not submit it yourself.
- You must carry an active auto insurance policy that meets Florida's minimum coverage before your insurer can file the SR-22.
- The SR-22 requirement typically lasts three years from the date of your conviction, though the exact length depends on your offense.
- If your insurance lapses while an SR-22 is active, the insurer reports it to the state and your license suspension resumes.
- Some insurance companies specialize in high-risk drivers and may offer better rates than standard insurers.
Getting an auto insurance policy that will file an SR-22
Before you can have an SR-22 filed, you need an active auto insurance policy. Contact insurance companies directly — by phone or online — and tell them you need an SR-22 filed. Not all insurers write policies for drivers with recent violations, but many do. Standard national carriers like State Farm, Geico, and Progressive all handle SR-22 filings, as do regional and specialty insurers that focus on higher-risk drivers.
When you call or explore online, have your driver's license number and vehicle information ready. The insurer will quote you a rate, which is typically higher than standard rates because of your driving history. Once you agree to the policy and pay the first premium, you can ask the company to file the SR-22 when ready. Most insurers file it within one to three business days.
How to request the SR-22 filing from your insurance company
After your policy is active, contact your insurance agent or the company's customer service line and request an SR-22 filing. You can usually do this by phone, online through your account portal, or in person at a local agent's office. Tell them you need the form filed with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
The insurer will file the SR-22 electronically — you will not handle any paperwork yourself. Ask for confirmation that the filing has been submitted and request a copy for your records. Some companies send you a printed copy by mail; others make it available in your online account. Keep this confirmation in case you need to prove to the state that you filed.
How long you must maintain the SR-22
The length of time you must keep an SR-22 on file depends on your conviction. For a first DUI conviction, Florida typically requires three years. For a second DUI within five years, the requirement is usually five years. Driving with a suspended license carries a three-year requirement in most cases. Check your court documents or contact the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to confirm the exact end date for your situation.
Mark the expiration date on your calendar. When it approaches, contact your insurance company to confirm they will remove the SR-22 filing once the requirement ends. You do not need to do anything on your end — the insurer handles the removal — but confirming in advance prevents confusion.
What happens if your insurance lapses while an SR-22 is active
If you cancel your policy, miss a payment, or let your coverage lapse for any reason, your insurance company must report this to the state within a set timeframe. When the state receives notice that your SR-22 coverage has ended, your driver's license will be suspended again. This suspension can happen quickly, sometimes within days.
To avoid this, set up automatic payments for your insurance premium and mark renewal dates in your calendar. If you are switching insurers, have the new company's policy active before canceling the old one. If your license is suspended because of a lapsed SR-22, you will need to reinstate your insurance and have your new insurer file a new SR-22 before you can drive legally again.
The cost of an SR-22 and how to find lower rates
An SR-22 itself has no filing fee in Florida — the state does not charge you to file it. However, insurance rates for drivers with recent violations are significantly higher than standard rates. The exact increase depends on the insurer, the type of violation, and your overall driving record. Rates vary widely, so getting quotes from multiple companies is important.
Specialty insurers that focus on high-risk drivers sometimes offer better rates than standard carriers. Companies like SafeAuto, Bristol West, and National General may quote lower premiums. You can also ask about discounts for completing a defensive driving course, which some insurers offer and which may lower your rate. Compare at least three quotes before choosing a policy.
Removing the SR-22 after the requirement ends
When your SR-22 requirement period expires, you do not need to take action. Your insurance company will remove the filing automatically on the expiration date. However, you can contact your insurer a few weeks before the end date to confirm the removal is scheduled and to ask whether your rates will drop once the SR-22 is no longer required.
After the SR-22 is removed, you can shop for standard insurance rates, which should be lower than what you paid during the SR-22 period. Some insurers offer better rates to customers who have completed their SR-22 requirement without further violations. If you switch insurers after the requirement ends, inform the new company that you no longer need an SR-22 filed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while waiting for the SR-22 to be filed?
No. Your license remains suspended until the SR-22 is actually filed with the state. Once you purchase an insurance policy and request the filing, the insurer typically files it within one to three business days. You should not drive until you have confirmation from your insurer that the filing is complete.
What if I cannot afford the insurance rates for an SR-22?
Shop multiple insurers — rates vary significantly. Specialty high-risk insurers often quote lower than standard carriers. Ask about discounts for defensive driving courses or bundling policies. If you genuinely cannot afford any available rate, you may need to use alternative transportation until your requirement period ends or your financial situation improves.
Do I need an SR-22 if I only have a motorcycle or commercial license?
Yes, if your violation involved that vehicle type. An SR-22 is tied to the license class and the violation, not the vehicle itself. If you were convicted while driving a motorcycle, you need an SR-22 on your motorcycle endorsement. If the violation was in a commercial vehicle, the requirement applies to your commercial license.
What if I move out of Florida while an SR-22 is active?
Contact your insurance company and the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Some states recognize Florida's SR-22 requirement; others do not. You may need to file an SR-22 in your new state as well, or you may be able to maintain your Florida requirement while living elsewhere. The rules vary by state and situation.
Can I get the SR-22 requirement removed early?
No. The requirement is set by the court or the state based on your conviction, and only a judge can modify it. You cannot petition to have it removed early. Your only option is to complete the full requirement period without further violations.