Does National General Insurance Offer FR22 Insurance in Florida?

Drivers who have been cited for serious traffic offenses are sometimes surprised to learn that the penalties extend far beyond court fees or temporary license suspensions. Once a license is reinstated, Florida’s Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) often demands proof of higher-risk financial responsibility. Many motorists search the term “FR22” because neighboring states use that form, yet they quickly discover that terminology in the Sunshine State is slightly different. This article explores whether National General Insurance issues an FR22 certificate in Florida, clarifies what the state really requires, and offers practical guidance for meeting every obligation without overpaying.

Although “FR22” is a familiar phrase on search engines, the acronym is technically tied to Virginia and a handful of Mid-Atlantic jurisdictions. Florida statute 324 and rule 15A-10 define two separate documents for high-risk drivers: the SR-22 and the FR-44. Both serve as certificates of financial responsibility, but they apply to different infractions and mandate different minimum liability limits. The SR-22 is required after numerous non-DUI violations such as reckless driving or driving without insurance. The FR-44, introduced in 2007, specifically targets DUI and DWI offenses and requires the policyholder to carry bodily injury limits of 100/300/50, double the standard 10/20/10 policy.

Because the FR-44 shares the first two letters with “FR22,” online shoppers frequently conflate the two. The confusion deepens when generalized insurance blogs treat FR-22 as a universal term. According to 2023 FLHSMV data, roughly 74,000 Florida drivers were under SR-22 or FR-44 monitoring, representing about 0.7% of the state’s 10.6 million licensed drivers. No Floridian is ever asked for an FR22 endorsement, and the state’s electronic reporting system (E-File) will reject any attempt to upload a non-existent form.

The practical takeaway is simple: anyone in Florida who thinks an “FR22 policy” is necessary almost certainly needs either an SR-22 or an FR-44. Recognizing this distinction prevents wasted phone calls and ensures the correct coverage is purchased with the appropriate filing fee.

Understanding the implications of having an SR-22 or FR-44 is crucial for drivers in Florida. For instance, obtaining an SR-22 can be a significant step toward regaining driving privileges after a suspension, but it often comes with higher insurance premiums due to the perceived risk by insurers. Similarly, the FR-44 can be a daunting requirement for those who have faced DUI charges, as it not only demands higher coverage limits but also requires the driver to maintain this insurance for a minimum of three years. Failure to comply can lead to further penalties, including additional suspensions and fines, creating a cycle that can be difficult to escape.

Moreover, the process of securing an SR-22 or FR-44 can vary significantly among insurance providers. Some companies specialize in high-risk insurance and may offer more competitive rates, while others may not provide coverage at all for drivers with these requirements. It's essential for individuals to shop around and compare quotes from multiple insurers, as this can lead to significant savings and ensure that the necessary coverage is both affordable and compliant with state regulations. Additionally, drivers should be aware of the potential for non-renewal of their policies once the SR-22 or FR-44 period is completed, as insurers may reassess their risk profile and choose to discontinue coverage based on their driving history.

National General Insurance, founded in 1939 as Motors Insurance Corporation, is one of the nation’s largest carriers specializing in personal auto and high-risk segments. The company is headquartered in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and operates under the financial umbrella of Allstate, which acquired the brand in 2021. AM Best affirmed National General’s “A+ (Superior)” rating in 2024, citing robust capitalization and disciplined underwriting.

Florida is a high-priority market for National General, accounting for approximately 7% of its direct written premium in 2023. The insurer maintains appointed agents in every metropolitan area from Pensacola to Key West and participates in the state’s real-time E-File system for SR-22 and FR-44 transmissions. This infrastructure allows rapid electronic filings—often within 24 hours—reducing the reinstatement wait many drivers experience with carriers that still rely on mailed forms. Additionally, National General's commitment to customer service is evident in its 24/7 claims reporting hotline, which empowers policyholders to report incidents at their convenience, ensuring that support is always just a phone call away.

A Legacy Dating Back to the 1930s

National General’s roots in insuring General Motors vehicles created an enduring familiarity with claims data, repair networks, and safety trends. Over time, the company expanded beyond factory-linked policies to embrace recreational vehicles, motor homes, motorcycles, and non-standard auto segments. Its institutional knowledge of high-risk classes makes it more willing than many large competitors to quote drivers with major violations. This specialization not only caters to a niche market but also enhances the overall safety of Florida’s roads, as the company actively promotes safe driving initiatives and educational programs aimed at reducing accidents among high-risk drivers.

Market Share and Financial Strength

According to S&P Global Market Intelligence, National General held about 1.9% of Florida’s personal auto market in 2023, putting it in the state’s top fifteen providers. Combined ratio improvements—from 103.6 in 2022 to 100.4 in 2023—illustrate renewed underwriting discipline even amid rising repair costs. The Allstate acquisition broadened reinsurance options, bolstering the company’s capacity to absorb the volatility inherent in high-severity claims that often emerge from DUI-related accidents. Furthermore, National General's strategic partnerships with local repair shops and service providers not only streamline the claims process but also ensure that policyholders receive quality service, reinforcing the company’s reputation as a reliable choice for Florida drivers navigating the complexities of auto insurance in a competitive market.

The straightforward answer is “no,” but that is not a strike against the carrier. Florida itself does not use the FR22 form, so no insurer—National General included—can file one. What National General can and does file are SR-22 and FR-44 certificates. Its internal underwriting guidelines describe the SR-22 as “Financial Responsibility Form Type A” and the FR-44 as “Financial Responsibility Form Type B.” For each submission, the company charges a one-time state filing fee, usually $25, and automatically couples that fee with the first month’s premium.

National General’s agent portal specifically flags Florida policies that require “Type B filings” (FR-44) so that underwriting can verify the mandated 100/300/50 liability limits before binding. The carrier rejects any attempt to downgrade those limits during the three-year monitoring window, and policy changes that reduce coverage automatically terminate the FR-44, triggering immediate notification to FLHSMV. The same rigorous oversight applies to SR-22 filings, though the minimum liability requirement there remains 10/20/10.

To confirm, a spokesperson from National General’s compliance team explained in February 2024: “We follow each jurisdiction’s statutory nomenclature. In Florida the terms are SR-22 and FR-44. Our systems do not recognize an FR22 designation because the state does not.” Policyholders who call 1-800-462-2123 (the dedicated financial responsibility hotline) hear the same clarification from licensed representatives. So while National General is fully capable of serving Florida’s high-risk drivers, it does so through the forms the state actually accepts.

Understanding the nuances of these forms is crucial for drivers in Florida, particularly those who have faced license suspensions due to traffic violations or other infractions. The SR-22 is often required for drivers who have been convicted of DUI or those who have had their licenses revoked for other serious offenses. This form acts as a certificate of financial responsibility, proving that the driver has the minimum required insurance coverage. On the other hand, the FR-44 is specifically mandated for those who have been convicted of DUI, and it imposes stricter liability limits, reflecting the increased risk associated with such offenses. This distinction underscores the importance of compliance and the need for drivers to maintain adequate coverage during the monitoring period.

Moreover, the implications of failing to maintain the required coverage can be significant. If a driver’s policy is canceled or if they fail to pay their premiums, the state is notified, which can lead to further penalties, including additional fines or even an extension of the suspension period. Therefore, drivers must remain vigilant about their insurance status and ensure they are in good standing with their provider. National General’s proactive approach to managing these filings helps ease the burden on policyholders, allowing them to focus on getting back on the road while remaining compliant with state regulations.

Some motorists decide not to proceed with National General because of price, coverage preferences, or a desire for in-person service. Those consumers still have several viable paths for satisfying Florida’s requirements. The most common alternative involves regional carriers that concentrate exclusively on high-risk drivers—names such as Direct General, United Automobile Insurance, and Dairyland. These providers often charge slightly higher premiums but may impose fewer underwriting hurdles, which appeals to drivers who have multiple violations in a short period.

Another option is the non-owner SR-22 or FR-44 policy, designed for motorists who do not currently own a vehicle. Progressive and GEICO routinely write these policies, and Florida law accepts non-owner filings so long as the liability limits meet or exceed statutory thresholds. For commuters who rely on public transit or ridesharing, this approach satisfies the state while avoiding the cost of full physical damage protection on a car that doesn’t exist.

Regional Carriers Specializing in High-Risk Policies

Regional specialists often maintain flexible down-payment structures, allowing drivers to initiate coverage with as little as 15% of the annual premium. They also set up installment plans that mirror the three-year FR-44 obligation, easing budget planning for households already strained by court costs and ignition-interlock fees.

Non-Owner FR-44/SR-22 Policies

The non-owner route can reduce premiums by 40-55% compared with a standard owner policy because there is no physical damage coverage. However, it is only permissible when the driver truly has no regular access to a personal vehicle under the same household. Falsely claiming non-owner status exposes a policyholder to claim denials and state fines.

Even though Florida doesn’t use the term FR22, the underlying cost dynamics for FR-44 and SR-22 policies are similar to those in states that do. The severity of the underlying offense is the strongest predictor of premium increases. A first-time DUI typically raises liability costs by 72% statewide, according to a 2023 analysis from the Insurance Information Institute, whereas reckless driving raises rates by roughly 48%.

Zip-code-level claim trends play a close second role. Miami-Dade, Broward, and Hillsborough counties experience higher accident frequencies and greater litigation rates, driving loss costs upward. Residents in rural areas such as Liberty or Lafayette counties often see premiums that are 25-30% lower for identical coverage limits.

Another overlooked factor is credit-based insurance scoring. Although California prohibits the practice, Florida allows insurers to incorporate credit history into pricing models. An FR-44 applicant with poor credit may pay up to 20% more than a counterpart with strong credit, all else equal. Shopping during renewal periods and improving credit metrics can therefore yield meaningful savings even while the FR-44 or SR-22 remains in force.

Start shopping at least 30 days before license reinstatement. Carriers such as National General, Progressive, and Dairyland all submit filings electronically, but the turnaround after payment still ranges from a few hours to a day. Early shopping prevents last-minute premium shock and provides time to gather courthouse documents or proof of completed substance-abuse programs, both of which underwriting departments sometimes request.

Leverage multi-policy discounts even when the primary objective is an SR-22 or FR-44. Bundling renters, homeowners, or even a small life insurance rider can shave 3–12% off the high-risk auto policy. National General, for instance, currently offers a 7% multiproduct discount in Florida, verified through its eSignature platform.

Finally, maintain continuous insurance for the entire mandated period. A single lapse—even a day—requires the insurer to file Form SR-26 or FR-46 with FLHSMV, signaling termination. The driver’s license is then suspended automatically, and a brand-new filing period may start. Setting automatic payments and enrolling in email reminders minimizes the risk of unintentional lapses that could add thousands of dollars in additional premiums and fees.

Many motorists confront unfamiliar jargon when they begin researching high-risk insurance. The questions below address the most common points of confusion and supply concise, actionable answers.

• Is an FR22 ever required in Florida? No. The state recognizes SR-22 for non-DUI major violations and FR-44 for DUI-related reinstatements. Any reference to FR22 is a misnomer.
• Can National General file an FR-44 electronically? Yes. The company participates in Florida’s E-File program, so confirmation reaches FLHSMV within roughly 24 hours of payment.
• How long must the FR-44 remain on file? Florida law usually stipulates three consecutive years without a lapse.
• Does the FR-44 add points to a driving record? No. The FR-44 is an insurance filing only; the points stem from the underlying violation.
• Will canceling a policy early refund the filing fee? Generally not. Most insurers, including National General, treat the $25 filing fee as fully earned on the first day of coverage.

When unusual scenarios arise—such as moving out of state while the FR-44 is still active—the best course is to contact both the new state’s DMV and the current insurer. National General transfers filings electronically to compatible jurisdictions, but not every state honors Florida’s stricter liability limits, which can complicate the process.

The term “FR22” may appear in online advice columns, yet Florida’s legal system has never incorporated it. Understanding that distinction saves time, money, and frustration. National General Insurance, backed by Allstate’s financial resources, offers both SR-22 and FR-44 filings statewide, making it a viable option for many high-risk drivers. However, consumers should confirm that any quote meets the exact liability limits mandated by FLHSMV and compare at least three carriers to ensure competitive pricing.

Meeting Florida’s financial responsibility requirements is undeniably burdensome, but it is manageable with accurate information and careful planning. By clarifying terminology, outlining available carriers, and highlighting cost-saving strategies, this article removes much of the uncertainty that plagues drivers after a serious traffic violation. With a compliant policy in place and proactive habits behind the wheel, motorists can gradually restore both their driving privileges and their insurance premiums to normal levels.