An SR22 isn’t a type of insurance; it is a form that is filed in by an insurance company to the state DHSMV stating that auto liability insurance is in effect for a particular individual. The SR22 filing provides a guarantee to the state that an insurance company has issued a high risk driver with the minimum amount of liability insurance needed in order to drive a motor vehicle in a particular state.

Typically it is required when insurance is provided to an individual who was in an accident or was convicted of a traffic offense such as a DUI and was unable to show financial responsibility or if a judge has ordered an SR22 for other reasons (in some states).

Florida SR-22 auto insurance is usually required for a period of 3 years after a DUI - drunk driving – alcohol related driving conviction and can be very expensive if you go with the wrong provider. Some insurance companies will not even do an SR22 insurance filing.

Insurance companies check motor vehicle records every 3 years or whenever a new insurance policy is applied for. Even if a driver does not need to obtain SR22 insurance, if an insurance company finds out a driver has a DUI conviction then they will be classed as a higher risk and insurance rates may increase as a result.