If you have recently had a DUI in Florida and are wondering how it could affect your insurance this article is for you.  Your insurance rates after a DUI will more than likely increase as insurance companies now view you as high risk.  The rates are also increased because if you are convicted of a DUI in Florida you will be required to carry the FR44 filing.  The State of Florida requires individuals that have been convicted of a DUI to carry 100/300/50 for bodily injury and property damage coverage.  Normal Florida drivers are only required to carry PIP and property damage coverage at $10,000.  The FR44 filing is a form that is attached to an FR44 policy that certifies to the State that you have this required coverage.  When you purchase an FR44 policy the insurance company electronically files the form to the State of Florida.  Typically the FR44 is required for three years from the date of original suspension or conviction.  If you let your FR44 policy cancel before the three years is up your drivers license will be suspended.  Most of the major Florida insurance companies like State Farm, Travelers and Hartford do not offer FR44 insurance.  The State of Florida did this to protect the public in the event you injure someone in an accident.  If you do not own a vehicle you can also purchase a “non-owners” FR44 policy.  Named non-owner policies provide coverage for bodily injury and property damage while your operating another persons vehicle.  They are typically less expensive because they do not cover the vehicle itself, just your liability of bodily injury and property damage to others.  Named non-owner policies also do not usually include PIP or medical payments coverage if you are injured in an accident.  It is also important to remember that named non-owners policies do not provide any coverage for any vehicle you own or regularly operate.  If you are driving a vehicle on a regular basis you should have the FR44 on that vehicle.

Some important things to remember about DUI/FR44 insurance…

• You must purchase liability limits of 100/300/50 and you must also tell your agent that you need the FR44 filing.
• Per Florida State law FR44 policies are required to be paid in full.
• You are required to carry FR44 insurance for three years from the date of original suspension and/or conviction (make sure you ask the DMV your exact time frame).
• You will also have to pay your renewals in full.
• FR44 policies are non-cancelable and is some cases you cannot make changes to them.  You can however cancel an FR44 policy if you have another FR44 in place.
• If you purchase a new vehicle during your policy term, in most cases your FR44 policy will have to be completely re-written.  This means that you will have to pay the new policy in full and wait for a refund on the old policy.

Florida DUI/FR44 insurance tips..

• Make sure you shop around and do some research.  Insurance companies have different rates for every individual and location.
• Purchase or use a vehicle that you will not have a loan on.  Comprehensive and collision coverage can be expensive if you have had a DUI and if you do not have a loan on the vehicle this coverage is optional.  The State of Florida does not require you to have comprehensive and collision coverage on an FR44 policy; however, if you have a loan on the vehicle it is typically required by the lien holder.
• Talk to an insurance agent that has experienced with FR44 insurance and can explain everything to you.
• Purchase your FR44 insurance at least three days in advance to give the FR44 filing time to process and avoid any delays at the DMV.
• Ask the DMV how long your FR44 is required to avoid paying extra for your insurance longer than you need to.
• Make sure that you do not have a lapse in FR44 coverage as the State of Florida will suspend your drivers license quickly.

Please feel free to give our office a call if you have any questions.  Our staff is knowledgeable and specially trained to handle FR44 polices and can answer any questions you have.