The ability to drive your car is vital for most Floridians. It’s how you get to and from work, pick up the kids from school, and buy things you need for daily living. A run-in with the law, though, may threaten your ability to keep your driver’s license. Knowing and following the rules is key to being allowed to continue driving. To help you navigate this period, discover what you need to know about SR-22 auto insurance. 

What Is SR-22 Insurance?

The SR-22 in SR-22 insurance refers to a certification of financial responsibility that department of motor vehicles (DMV) or a court may require to be filed with them. Courts impose this restriction upon drivers considered higher risk than the average person. This is most often required if you’re caught driving without insurance or have too many traffic offenses.

What does the process look like? When you purchase an SR-22 insurance policy, the insurer sends verification to the DMV that you have the minimum required insurance in your situation. This insurance is liability coverage designed to financially compensate others if there is an accident, not necessarily yourself. If your coverage lapses, the insurer is required to notify the DMV. 

Some Florida drivers may be required to file different but related forms instead. FR-44, for instance, has higher minimum insurance coverage limits for more serious offenses including a DUI/DWI. 

How Do You Get SR-22 Insurance?

Technically, SR-22 insurance isn’t a separate type of auto insurance. It’s a service that the carrier is willing to provide to you by filing the court paperwork needed. Not all carriers offer this service, so you first need to locate insurers who do. There is an additional fee for filing the SR-22 certificate, as well. Then, you must diligently pay your premiums to maintain coverage for as long as the court mandates it. 

How Does SR-22 Insurance Affect the Family?

As mentioned above, not all insurers want to deal with SR-22 certificates or high-risk drivers. So the pool of available carriers and policies will be smaller than it is for the average Florida driver. Unfortunately, this means that you should expect to pay more in premiums or deductibles. And anyone who shares insurance with you may also see the same increased rates.

Many households uncouple the high-risk driver’s insurance from the rest of the household or family. This allows that person to shop for SR-22 insurance without worrying about how it affects the family’s rates. The others, then, can shop for lower rates to offset the higher rates of the SR-22 driver. 

In addition, while Florida drivers must always maintain the minimum insurance required, it’s even more important that the SR-22 driver does not accidentally let their coverage lapse. This is a provision to permit them to show that they are responsible enough to be allowed to keep driving. A lapse in coverage and the repeal of the SR-22 certification will harm your case. 

Once the required period to carry SR-22 insurance has ended, you will need to shop around for insurance again. At this point, your options will be open again, and you may decide to bundle policies with the household, change insurers, or even keep the one you turned to. 

Where Can You Learn More?

Car and truck insurance is always an important part of protecting yourself both physically and financially. But it’s even more important when you’re considered a high-risk driver.

The best place to begin is to meet with Family Insurance Centers to learn more about SR-22 insurance offered in your circumstances and location. We’ll help you assess all your choices, find the best options, and keep your ability to drive. Call today to learn more.