Car Insurance After a DUI in Florida: What You Need to Know
Car Insurance After a DUI in Florida: What You Need to Know
A DUI conviction in Florida does not just come with fines, license suspension, and DUI school — it permanently changes your car insurance situation. Understanding what happens to your insurance after a Florida DUI, what you’re legally required to carry, and how to minimize the financial impact is the first step to getting back on the road.
What Happens to Your Car Insurance After a Florida DUI
- Your current insurer may cancel or non-renew your policy — especially if you have a standard carrier. Not all insurers write high-risk policies.
- Rates increase significantly — typically 50–150% over pre-DUI rates, depending on the insurer and your driving history
- FR44 is required — Florida mandates FR44 insurance (not SR22) for DUI convictions, requiring $100K/$300K/$50K coverage minimums — much higher than standard Florida minimums
- The FR44 period lasts 3 years from license reinstatement, during which you must maintain continuous FR44 coverage
FR44 vs Regular Car Insurance: What’s Different
| Factor | Standard FL Auto Insurance | FR44 (Required After DUI) |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily injury — per person | $10,000 min | $100,000 required |
| Bodily injury — per accident | $20,000 min | $300,000 required |
| Property damage | $10,000 min | $50,000 required |
| State filing | Not required | Required — insurer files electronically with DHSMV |
| Duration | Ongoing | Mandatory for 3 years from reinstatement |
Florida DUI Insurance Cost Estimates
| Driver Profile | Monthly Estimate | vs Pre-DUI Baseline |
|---|---|---|
| Non-owner FR44 (no vehicle) | $18–$45/mo | N/A — starting fresh |
| Owner, first DUI, older vehicle | $90–$200/mo | ~80–150% higher than pre-DUI |
| Owner, first DUI, newer vehicle | $150–$310/mo | ~80–150% higher |
| Owner, second DUI | $210–$420/mo | ~150–250% higher |
How to Lower Your Insurance Cost After a Florida DUI
- Shop multiple carriers — rates vary wildly between insurers for FR44 policies. The difference between the highest and lowest quotes can be 40–60%.
- Consider non-owner FR44 if you don’t have a car — much cheaper than an owner policy and still satisfies DHSMV’s requirement
- Complete DUI school promptly — required for reinstatement; also shows responsibility to future insurers
- Keep your record clean — any additional violations during the 3-year FR44 period compound costs
- After 3 years, shop aggressively — the FR44 requirement ends and you can return to standard markets
The Florida DUI Reinstatement Process
- Complete DUI school and Level 1 or Level 2 substance abuse evaluation
- Serve the mandatory license suspension period (12 months for first offense)
- Get FR44 policy with $100K/$300K/$50K coverage
- Insurer files FR44 electronically with DHSMV
- Pay reinstatement fee at DHSMV (online at flhsmv.gov)
- Install ignition interlock device if required (required for all DUI first offenses since 2019)
Q: Does a DUI affect car insurance in Florida?
Yes — FR44 required (10x higher coverage minimums), rates up 80-150%, many standard insurers cancel your policy. Required for 3 years from reinstatement.
Q: What insurance do I need after Florida DUI?
FR44 insurance: $100K/$300K/$50K coverage. Insurer files electronically with DHSMV.
Q: How much does it cost?
Non-owner: $18-$45/mo. Owner: $90-$310/mo. 80-150% higher than pre-DUI rates.