Every year, there are anywhere between 40,000 to over 50,000 DUI cases filed in Florida. While the actual guilty adjudications amount to just around 70% of the cases, you may be one of the majority who have actually been convicted of a DUI.
In that case, it may quite a stressful time for you, and you just want to get past it and go on with life. However, a DUI comes with several things you’ll need to deal with before you can.
In this article, we’ll discuss what FR44 insurance is and if you need it.
What Is FR44 Insurance?
FR44 insurance is a type of high-risk insurance that typically DUI offenders will need to carry. This is because they’ve been convicted of a crime where they might have (or have already) caused either bodily harm and/or damage to property.
FR44 insurance is similar to the SR-22. The SR-22 is required in most states by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) if you’ve been convicted of a DUI. However, it’s not insurance; instead, it’s a certification for you being financially responsible for whatever auto policy you have.
FR44 is not actual insurance either; it’s also a certification. Residents in Florida (and Virginia) will need to get FR44 by law if they’ve been convicted of a DUI. This is in place of the SR-22.
You can obtain the FR44 “insurance” from your insurance company. This is one of the only ways you can regain your driving privileges after getting a DUI.
What Does FR44 Insurance Indicate?
So if FR44 insurance isn’t actually insurance, then what does it do?
Well, after being convicted of a DUI, you’ll usually lose your license for a certain period of time. After that, you can reinstate your driver’s license.
However, to do that, you’ll need to have valid auto insurance. Because you’re such a high-risk driver, many companies will hesitate to insure you.
FR44 insurance is a certification that essentially reassures insurance companies that you can carry double Florida’s (or Virginia’s) minimum liability requirements for the next 3 years.
In Florida, you’ll need $100,000 bodily injury coverage (per person), $300,000 bodily injury coverage (per accident), and $50,000 property damage coverage.
In comparison, all you’d need for SR-22 are $25,000, $50,000, and $20,000 respectively.
Do I Need FR44 Insurance?
If you’ve been convicted of a DUI in either Florida or Virginia, then yes, you’ll need FR44 insurance if you want to reinstate your license. Other circumstances that’ll require you to get FR44 insurance is if you’ve driven with a suspended license, caused bodily harm while driving under the influence, or violated federal, state, or local laws that have to do with driving with either a suspended license or a DUI.
This is because it’s on record that you’ve driven (recklessly) while under the influence. As a result, you’re most likely more of a liability than other drivers when you’re on the road.
How Long Do I Need FR44 Insurance For?
The duration that you’d need FR44 insurance for varies from person to person. However, in most cases, you’ll need it for at least 3 years.
But no matter what, you should always check with the court or Florida’s DMV. Otherwise, you risk losing your license again if it lapses before the designated time is up. So it’s vital you don’t just assume the duration you need FR44 insurance for; always check with the court and/or the DMV.
How Much Does FR44 Insurance Cost?
Of course, it’ll cost some money out of pocket to get FR44 insurance. However, the exact amount will vary from person to person.
Factors that’ll affect how much you pay for FR44 insurance include how old you are, your marital status, driving experience, and where exactly you live in Florida.
As you’d expect with high-risk driver insurance, your policy premiums will most likely be much higher. However, we at Staybull Insurance can help you save by finding you the best rates and discounts around.
Do note that unfortunately, you can’t pay for your insurance in installments. You’ll have to pay the full amount in full, so make sure you have the funds for FR44 insurance before you purchase.
Some insurance companies will give you a “free pass” if it’s your first offense. So this means it’s possible for you to not be penalized for a DUI if it’s the first time you’ve made a driving transgression.
How Do I Get FR44 Insurance?
It’s very easy to get FR44 insurance. When you’re applying for a regular policy, all you have to do is tell your insurer that you need FR44 certification and they’ll assist you with that promptly. The insurance company will submit an FR44 form electronically for you when you purchase your policy.
How Quickly Can I Get FR44 Insurance?
If you need FR44 insurance today, you can technically get it the day of! Because all it takes is electronic filing, the approval for your certification can potentially be instantaneous. So all you have to do is get in touch with an insurance company and they’ll take care of the rest.
Make Sure You Have the Right Coverage
Now that you know a bit more about FR44 insurance, hopefully, you should have the proper knowledge to know whether or not you need it. Plus, you’ll also be aware of how long you need this coverage for as well.
All of us make mistakes, so make sure you don’t pay even more for this one. If you’ve just realized that you need FR44 insurance, then don’t delay. Make sure you get the proper coverage now so you don’t suffer even more consequences for your past mistakes.
Do you need FR44 insurance? Then get a free quote from us today.
