If you have a DUI, multiple traffic violations, a lapse in coverage, or a history of accidents, you may have been told that getting auto insurance in Florida is difficult or expensive. You are not alone. Thousands of Florida drivers are classified as high risk every year, and many of them do not know what their options are. This guide explains exactly what high risk auto insurance means in Florida, what affects your rate, and how to find affordable coverage regardless of your driving history. 

In Florida, auto insurance companies use your driving record, claims history, and personal profile to assess how likely you are to file a claim. If your profile suggests elevated risk, insurers classify you as a high risk driver and adjust your premiums accordingly. The most common reasons for a high -risk classification include: 

• A DUI or DWI conviction on your record 

• Multiple at-fault accidents within the past three to five years 

• Several speeding tickets or moving violations 

• A lapse in auto insurance coverage of 30 days or more 

• A suspended or revoked driver’s license 

• Being a newly licensed driver with no insurance history 

• A poor credit score in states where credit is used for rating 

• A SR-22 filing requirement 

Regardless of your driving history, Florida law requires every registered vehicle to carry minimum auto insurance coverage. There are no exemptions for high risk drivers. The Florida DMV mandates: 

• $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) 

• $10,000 in Property Damage Liability (PDL) 

If your license was suspended following a DUI or serious violation, Florida may also require you to file an SR-22 certificate of financial responsibility. This is not a separate insurance policy. It is a form your insurer files with the Florida DMV confirming you carry the required minimum coverage. SR-22 filing is typically required for three years. 

An SR-22 is a certificate filed by your insurance company directly with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. It verifies that you maintain continuous auto insurance coverage. If your policy lapses while an SR-22 is active, your insurer is required to notify the state, which can result in an immediate license suspension. SunKey Insurance works with carriers that accommodate SR-22 filings and can help you maintain compliance throughout the required period. 

High risk auto insurance in Florida costs more than standard coverage, but the exact premium depends on several factors. A driver with a single at-fault accident will pay significantly less than a driver with a DUI and a coverage lapse. Factors that directly influence your high risk premium include: 

• The severity and recency of violations or accidents 

• Whether an SR-22 filing is required 

• The type of vehicle you drive 

• Your ZIP code in Florida (urban areas like Orlando tend to have higher rates) 

• Your annual mileage 

• The coverage limits and deductible you choose 

The good news is that high risk status is not permanent. Most violations and accidents fall off your insurance record after three to five years. Maintaining continuous coverage and a clean record during that period will steadily lower your premiums. 

High risk drivers in Florida still have access to a full range of auto insurance products. Working with an independent insurance agency like SunKey Insurance means your policy can be shopped across multiple carriers to find the best available rate for your specific situation.

Florida minimum coverage meets the legal requirement and is the most affordable option. However, it does not cover your own vehicle damage, and the $10,000 PIP limit can be exhausted quickly in a serious accident. For high risk drivers who have already experienced one costly incident, relying on minimum coverage leaves significant financial exposure.

Full coverage combines the required Florida minimums with collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, and often uninsured motorist protection. While premiums are higher, full coverage protects you from the financial consequences of another accident, which is particularly valuable for drivers who are already in a high risk category. 

Some high risk drivers do not qualify for standard insurance policies. In these cases, non-standard or specialty carriers offer coverage specifically designed for high risk profiles. SunKey Insurance works with carriers including Assurance America, Kemper, and National General, all of which offer non-standard auto insurance products in Florida. 

Being classified as a high risk driver does not mean you are stuck with high premiums forever. There are practical steps you can take to reduce your rate over time: 

• Maintain continuous coverage without any lapses, even between vehicles 

• Complete a state-approved defensive driving course, which some insurers credit toward a discount 

• Choose a higher deductible if you can afford it, which lowers your monthly premium 

• Drive fewer miles annually and ask about low-mileage discounts 

• Improve your credit score, which influences insurance rates in Florida 

• Avoid any additional violations or claims for at least three years 

• Work with an independent agent who can compare rates across multiple carriers annually 

SunKey Insurance Group has been serving Florida drivers for over 30 years from our Maitland office. As an independent insurance agency, we are not tied to a single carrier. We work with a broad network of insurers including Progressive, Kemper, Assurance America, National General, and The General, all of which offer products designed for drivers with less-than-perfect records. 

When you contact SunKey, we review your driving history and profile, then shop the market to find the most competitive rate available for your situation. We handle SR-22 filings, explain your coverage options clearly, and help you build a path toward lower premiums over time. 

If you are a high risk driver in Florida looking for auto insurance, contact SunKey Insurance Group today. Call 407-895-0555 or visit sunkeyinsurance.com to get a quote.