Florida DUI Insurance

Written By: Craig Barbee, CEO of Barbee Jackson Insurance. Craig has been insuring Florida residents for the past 20 years in both commercial lines and personal lines. He and his team know the requirements for FR-44 for both owned and non-owner DUI Insurance and will help you navigate this regulator environment.

DUI - Now What?

We understand people make mistakes and hopefully this error in judgement didn’t result in anyone getting injured. It’s time to take responsibility and deal with the fines, restrictions and new insurance requirements. That’s where Barbee Jackson Insurance comes in to help you through the insurance regulatory environment so you can avoid more fines for not having the proper insurance. Call us to get started today (850) 389-2001 (Spanish speaking associates are available)

Florida - One of only two states with a Stricter DUI Filing

Back in February 2008 the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) switched from the SR-22 to the new stricter filing of FR-44 for DUI offenses. Though the SR-22 is still used in Florida it is strictly used for non-DUI offenses such as driving without insurance, reckless driving and license reinstatement.The requirements are much less strict with required limits for $10,000 per person bodily injury / $20,000 per accident and $10,000 property damage.

FR-44 requires ten times the bodily injury limit. In Florida DUI/DWI insurance requirement limits are $100,000 per person bodily injury / $300,000 per accident and $50,000 property damage. The limit must be maintained for a period of 3 years according to Section 316.193 of Florida Statutes.

How much does DUI Insurance Cost?

The cost for FR-44 for a person owning a vehicle is much higher than a standard personal auto policy. First off the limits are higher than most people keep on their insurance and the DUI ticket that accompanies the offense is classified as a major violation.

On average (Miami-Dade runs 15-25% higher) you can expect to pay $150-$300 per month for liability only. If you need comprehensive and collision (aka full coverage) spending on the vehicle this cost can push above $400 per month for the next three years.

Other Factors that will Drive the Price Higher

First offense or repeat offender
Other accidents and violations
Insurance credit score
Age

Non-Owned FR-44 Insurance

What if you don’t own a vehicle and don’t have regular access to a vehicle. If that is the case then you can qualify for a non-owned FR-44. The qualifications are as followed:

No vehicle registered in your name
No routine access to a vehicle
No one in your household owns a vehicle

Florida requires that you disclose all members of your household on the application for a FR-44. Failure to do so can result in additional fines and further suspension of your license.

Exclusions

Only covers named person - policy owner and driver
No extension to household vehicles
Does not cover rental cars and work vehicles
Not usable as a workaround to get teen drivers a cheaper rate

The policy cost for a non-owned FR-44 is much lower than a Owned FR-44 policy. You can expect to pay around $60 per month for three years or when you obtain a vehicle.

Questions and Answers

I was embarrassed to call you…do you get that a lot?

Yes, we get that a lot. Don’t be embarrassed, we are simply here to get you through the process. You will be judged enough by the multiple nonprofits that you will encounter during this process.

How fast can I get proof of FR-44?

Same day, after you purchase the policy we will issue your ID Cards and FR-44 for your records. The insurance company then will inform the State of Florida of the status of your FR-44 so you can resume your driving privileges.

What if my policy lapses for nonpayment?

Insurance companies are required to report any lapse in coverage immediately to the DMV. The DMV will then revoke your license and you will have to pay additional fines. Our agency will work hard with you to make sure that you are on top of your payments.

DUI/DWI Insurance is costly - Don’t let your insurance be the same

Call (850) 389-2001 (Spanish speaking associates available)