Navigating FR44 Insurance in Florida: Your Complete Guide to Reinstating Your License
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States like Florida set minimum car insurance requirements to protect other drivers on the road and anyone else who might be affected in a car crash. The standard state requirements apply to the average driver, but drivers with DUI convictions are considered higher risk. As such, they must carry a special type of car insurance with higher limits, known as FR44 insurance.
Discover who exactly needs to carry FR44 insurance in Florida, what the coverage requirements are, how long they last, and how much this coverage may cost you. Plus, learn some tips for complying with the law and avoiding future legal troubles as a driver.
What Is FR44 Insurance and Who Needs It
In Florida, after a driver is convicted of driving under the influence, they are required to provide “proof of increased financial responsibility” through FR44 insurance. FR44 Florida car insurance requires higher minimum liability coverage than the standard coverage required for drivers without DUI convictions.
The higher liability coverage requirements reflect the idea that drivers who were recently convicted of a DUI are more likely to get into an accident. If these drivers cause an accident and only have standard liability coverage, it may not be sufficient to cover the damage they cause to others or their own property. High-risk car insurance, such as FR44 coverage for high-risk drivers, decreases the likelihood of such an incident occurring.
Owner vs. Non-Owner FR44 Policies
If you don't own a vehicle, but still plan to drive after a DUI conviction in Florida, you can purchase a non-owner FR44 policy to fulfill your legal insurance requirements. Non-owner policies are less expensive than owner policies since they do not also cover a vehicle.
Required Coverage Limits and Duration
If your driver’s license is suspended after your DUI conviction, the FR44 requirements kick in once that suspension is over. You must then maintain FR44 coverage for a full three years after your license suspension ends.
For the average driver, Florida sets these minimum car insurance requirements:
- $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP)
- $10,000 in property damage liability (PDL)
Florida drivers with DUI convictions must meet different requirements. For three years after the end of their license suspension, these drivers must carry FR44 insurance in Florida with at least:
- $100,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person
- $300,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per accident
- $50,000 in property damage liability coverage
Filing and Maintaining Compliance
If you need to submit an FR44 form, please contact your insurance company. Your insurer will file the FR44 certificate electronically with Florida’s Department of Motor Vehicles.
It’s possible that your auto insurance provider does not offer FR44 or SR-22 insurance in Florida. In that case, you’ll have to find an insurer who does and inform them of your FR44 requirement before purchasing an insurance policy that meets the minimum liability requirements.
Make sure you maintain this coverage for the full three years to avoid further license suspension or other legal consequences. Pay your car insurance premiums on time, and don’t cancel or adjust your policy until you’re sure you have continuous coverage that meets the requirements.
Cost Considerations and Premium Impact
Because FR44 insurance in Florida has much higher limits, it also comes with higher premiums than most other car insurance plans. You’re not necessarily stuck with these high insurance premiums, though.
Consider shopping around for car insurance after a DUI to find the most competitive rates. You can browse the internet for estimated costs, use an insurance broker, or request quotes directly from insurance providers you're considering. Keep in mind that purchasing additional types of car insurance beyond your FR44 liability coverage, such as collision or comprehensive coverage, will also result in higher costs.
Steps to Reinstating Your License
After you purchase FR44 that meets the coverage limits, your insurance provider will file the necessary forms with the Florida DMV. You will also need to complete these steps to reinstate your license:
- Take any necessary exams or courses, such as a DUI program, if required by the court.
- Pay the applicable administrative fee, revocation reinstatement fee, and other license fees.
- Maintain your FR44 form for three years following the date of your license reinstatement.
Tips for Reducing FR44 Costs Without Risking Compliance
Sometimes drivers are tempted not to pay for FR44 insurance even when it’s required by law, but that’s a mistake. There are better ways to save on your car insurance costs without risking compliance. Try these approaches:
- Bundle policies, like home and auto, to unlock discounts.
- Look for loyalty discounts that reward you for staying with the same insurance provider.
- Compare quotes from multiple insurance providers to find the best rates.
- Avoid lapses in coverage if you decide to switch insurance providers.
You may even be eligible for discounts for attending a Florida traffic school and completing a course.
Another option is choosing a higher deductible to lower your premium. Remember that a higher deductible means higher out-of-pocket costs if you are involved in an accident, so make sure you have sufficient savings to cover the deductible you select.
Compare FR44 Florida Insurance Options Today
The best way to afford it is to compare FR44 insurance quotes from multiple insurance providers and determine which one offers the best deal. Unfortunately, searching for car insurance quotes from numerous insurance providers can be time-consuming and frustrating. EverQuote changes that.
Through a quick and easy tool, you can compare customized car insurance quotes in a few minutes. Find the best rates on your FR44 car insurance coverage today on EverQuote.
FAQs
How long do I have to carry FR44 insurance in Florida?
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Premiums are sourced from over 30,000 zip codes across 200 insurance companies. We estimate premiums based on public filings for policies seeking 50/100 in liability with $500 deductibles for collision and comprehensive coverage. Estimated rates are based on a 35-year-old single female with a good credit score and no history of accidents or violations driving a 2023 Toyota RAV4 LE. We partner with Quadrant Information Services to source our data and assume no unique benefits or discounts are applied for these rates (unless otherwise stated). Your own rates may be different.