Non owner SR22 insurance in Florida

The SR-22 case is covered by the FLHSMV crash page. When the at-fault driver received a citation and the crash report lists injuries, state law expects full coverage as of the crash date. A driver without that coverage must purchase the minimum limits plus an SR-22 for three years beginning on the suspension date. The insurer must certify that filing with the department.

The second path is a DUI. For convictions after October 1, 2007, the FLHSMV DUI information says drivers must get an FR-44 for three years starting when their license is reinstated.

This is where the two forms differ. After an uninsured crash, FLHSMV lists SR-22 limits of $10,000 for each person and $20,000 for each crash, plus $10,000 for property damage. An FR-44 under Florida Statute 324.023 needs higher limits: per person $100,000, per crash $300,000, property $50,000. Another option under the statute is a cash certificate of deposit for at least $350,000.

According to the FLHSMV insurance page, the SR-22 filing provides proof of bodily injury and property damage liability coverage under the reinstatement rules. Vehicle registration is a separate issue. Personal injury protection of $10,000 and property damage liability of $10,000 are required; Florida Statute 324.022 sets the property damage figure at $10,000.

The term non-owner does not appear on the FLHSMV pages we read. Coverage under an operator's policy is set out in the statutes. Section 324.151 says it insures the named person against damages arising from the use of any motor vehicle that the person does not own. Under the definitions section, either an owner policy or an operator policy counts as a motor vehicle liability policy if used as proof.

Because the FR-44 rule covers every motor vehicle owner or operator, it also applies to a driver without a car. Ask your insurer if it offers an operator's policy that includes an FR-44 or SR-22 filing.

After a crash, the SR-22 lasts three years starting from the designated suspension date. FLHSMV also lists a $15 reinstatement fee when it applies. The FR-44 term lasts three years, counted from the reinstatement date. Under the statute, you are exempt once three years pass from reinstatement, as long as you have no new DUI or felony traffic conviction.

Lapsed insurance suspensions have separate fees. Under Florida Statute 324.0221, the first reinstatement costs $150, the second costs $250, and each later one within three years of the first costs $500. For two years after reinstating from that type of suspension, a person keeps proof of coverage. Neither the SR-22 nor the FR-44 filing carries a separate state fee on the pages cited here, so check with your insurer about its charges.

The department suspends a registration and driver license when an insurer reports that required coverage was canceled or ended. According to FLHSMV, a suspension for missing insurance may last up to three years, and the reinstatement fee may reach $500. It also states that no temporary or hardship license is offered for insurance-related suspensions.

Your policy must stay active for the entire filing period. If you need to change insurers, ask FLHSMV what it requires.