FR-44 Requirements in Florida
If you’ve been convicted of certain serious driving offenses in Florida, such as driving under the influence (DUI), you may find that simply having standard car insurance is no longer enough to keep you legally on the road. Instead, Florida law imposes stricter financial responsibility requirements in the form of an FR-44 filing. This specialized certificate requires drivers to carry higher levels of liability coverage.
Understanding the nuances of FR-44 requirements in Florida is critical if you want to stay compliant and avoid further penalties. You can get a quote today from SR-22 Adviser if you are in the market for affordable FR-44 coverage.
Introduction to FR-44 in Florida
If you have a drunk driving conviction on your record (or other serious offenses), you already know that getting insurance after a DUI is no small feat. An FR-44 is a certificate provided by your carrier and confirming your purchase of the required insurance. These certificates are necessary after a conviction on certain charges, including DUI.
Satisfying this requirement is fairly straightforward. Your insurer must submit an FR-44 form to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Once received, the state will have proof that you are carrying adequate coverage.
FR-44 certificates are similar to SR-22 insurance requirements. While both generally serve the same purpose, FR-44 certificates have significantly higher policy limits.
Decoding FR-44 Insurance Requirements
Most drivers will never need an FR-44, and only judges in Florida and Virginia require its use. Typically, an FR-44 is required following a conviction for certain criminal offenses, the most common of which is DUI.
Minimum Coverage Standards for FR-44 Policies
One of the major differences when it comes to FR-44 requirements in Florida is the minimum mandatory coverage limits. The state’s minimum required levels of coverage for most drivers is:
- $10,000 Personal Injury Protection
- $10,000 Property Damage Liability
However, motorists who are considered serious high risk drivers have drastically higher requirements, including:
- $100,000 for bodily injury per person
- $300,000 per accident for bodily injury liability
- $50,000 for property damage liability per accident
In addition to higher costs, there are additional fees that come with this process as well.
Duration of FR-44 Mandate After a DUI
Ultimately, a Florida court will issue an order requiring you to carry FR-44 coverage. The amount of time you will need to have this certificate in place can vary. In general, these requirements stay in place for three years.
However, you could be forced to have an FR-44 for longer if you have had multiple convictions for DUI or commit another offense before the current certificate expires. When the time runs out, your insurance company can submit a form to the state formally canceling your FR-44.
Navigating the FR-44 Filing Process
If you are required by law to have an FR-44, it is not up to you to submit it to the state. Instead, you will need to contact your insurance company and inform them of this requirement. The carrier will take care of the FR-44 filing on your behalf. If you do not currently have car insurance, it is a good idea to tell your prospective carrier that you will need FR-44-compliant coverage.
Some insurers will not insure drivers who are considered to be very high risk. You may need to do some shopping around to find affordable FR-44 solutions.
Financial Implications of FR-44 Coverage
There is a financial cost that comes with maintaining your FR-44. For starters, this insurance costs substantially more than what most people pay each month. The law considers anyone convicted of DUI to be a high-risk driver. The result of requiring higher policy limits is a dramatic increase in your monthly premiums. There are also other costs and fees that can add up.
Overcoming Challenges With FR-44 Insurance
FR-44 policies are expensive, and not everyone can afford the increased premiums. The most important thing you can do to overcome these challenges is to avoid any further issues with the law. Another conviction for a moving violation can be costly. Getting the best results also means shopping around. Without carefully considering all of your options, you might not find the right policy at the best price.
In addition to getting the right price, you may find it difficult to secure liability insurance at all. Not every carrier will be willing to provide a policy for a high-risk driver. In fact, you could have your policy canceled following a DUI conviction in some cases. This makes it more important than ever to look for the right insurance company for your situation.
Acquiring FR-44 Insurance Without Owning a Vehicle
You might still need insurance even if you don’t own a car. The answer to that problem is a non-owner FR-44 insurance policy. These policies offer you liability coverage when you operate someone else’s car. This is important if you borrow a friend’s vehicle and are involved in a collision while driving it.
Legal Considerations and Consequences
If you intend to keep your driver’s license active after a DUI arrest and conviction, you will need to maintain your FR-44 insurance policy for the entire required period. Failure to do so can have consequences. You could find your driving privileges suspended if you do not maintain your insurance coverage. Additional costs come with reinstating a license after a suspension, and a gap in coverage could lead to higher premiums.
Dealing With Legal Obligations Post-DUI
Getting convicted of DUI can be costly. From fines to fees, a significant financial cost comes with these charges. The best way to deal with your legal obligations in the aftermath of a DUI conviction is to avoid any future legal issues. This starts with avoiding driving under the influence at all costs.
Staying out of trouble is only the first step. There are other obligations that come with a DUI conviction as well. You will need to pay all of your fines and restitution, comply with any requirements related to probation or parole, and avoid driving until your license is reinstated.
Need FR-44 Insurance in Florida? Get a Reliable and Affordable Quote Today to Ensure Compliance and Regain Your Driving Privileges
If you have questions about FR-44 requirements in Florida or need coverage you can afford, SR-22 Adviser is here to help. We can help you compare car insurance rates that meet FR-44 requirements to find you the policy you need at the price that fits your budget. Contact us as soon as possible to get a quick quote for your FR-44 policy.