DUI Insurance Florida: What Car Insurance You Need After a DUI
If you just received a DUI in Florida, your first insurance question is probably: “Do I still have car insurance?” and “What happens to my policy?” This page answers both, and explains the specific Florida insurance requirement — called FR44 — that you will need before you can drive legally again.
What “DUI Insurance” Actually Means in Florida
There is no insurance product called “DUI insurance.” The term is used loosely to describe two related things: (1) the higher-cost auto insurance you will pay as a high-risk driver after a DUI conviction, and (2) the FR44 certificate your insurer must file with the Florida DHSMV before you can reinstate your license. Understanding the difference between these two helps you know what to do next.
Florida Requires FR44 — Not SR22 — After a DUI
Most states require SR22 after a DUI. Florida (and Virginia) require FR44 — a higher-stakes financial responsibility certificate that mandates significantly more liability coverage. If someone tells you that you need SR22 after a Florida DUI, they are giving you incorrect information.
| Certificate | Required in Florida After DUI? | Liability Minimum |
|---|---|---|
| FR44 | Yes — required | 100/300/50 ($100K/$300K/$50K) |
| SR22 | Only for non-DUI violations | 10/20/10 |
What Happens to Your Current Insurance After a DUI
- Your insurer may cancel your policy: Some carriers drop DUI drivers at renewal. You may receive a non-renewal notice. You are not legally required to use the same carrier after a DUI.
- Your premium will increase: Expect 80-200% higher premiums on your policy after a DUI conviction, regardless of carrier.
- You must get FR44 to reinstate: Your license is suspended after a DUI. FR44 insurance — with the certificate filed by your insurer with the Florida DHSMV — is required before reinstatement.
- FR44 must stay active for 3 years: From the date of license reinstatement. If it lapses even one day, your license is re-suspended.
How Much Does DUI Insurance Cost in Florida?
The cost depends on your specific profile, but here are realistic ranges for Florida drivers after a first DUI:
| Driver Profile | Monthly Estimate |
|---|---|
| First DUI, clean record, older vehicle, non-owner policy | $70 – $110/month |
| First DUI, clean record, owner policy (minimum coverage) | $90 – $150/month |
| First DUI with prior violations | $130 – $220/month |
| First DUI, newer financed vehicle (full coverage required by lender) | $200 – $350/month |
| Second DUI or DUI with accident | $250 – $500+/month |
The Steps to Drive Legally Again in Florida
- Step 1: Serve the mandatory suspension period (180 days minimum for first standard DUI)
- Step 2: Enroll in and complete DUI school (required before reinstatement)
- Step 3: Complete substance abuse evaluation and any required treatment
- Step 4: Get FR44 insurance — your insurer files electronically with DHSMV same-day in most cases
- Step 5: Pay DHSMV reinstatement fee ($150 first offense)
- Step 6: Confirm license reinstated at flhsmv.gov before driving
Can You Drive During Your Suspension?
Possibly — with a Florida hardship license. For a first-offense standard DUI (BAC under 0.15%), you may apply for a Business Purpose Only (BPO) hardship license after the initial hard suspension period. This requires FR44 insurance AND ignition interlock device (IID) installation. The hardship license allows driving for work, school, medical, and church purposes only.
Why Use a Florida FR44 Specialist
General insurance carriers (Geico, State Farm, Allstate) frequently decline DUI drivers or quote at the top of their risk pricing. FR44 specialists work exclusively with high-risk carriers (Progressive, Dairyland, The General, Gainsco, National General, Bristol West) who compete for DUI business and offer lower rates within this segment. MyFloridaFR44.com shops 15+ carriers simultaneously to find the lowest FR44 rate for your specific profile and files electronically with DHSMV the same day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is DUI insurance in Florida?
DUI insurance refers to the higher-cost auto insurance required after a DUI conviction, combined with the FR44 certificate your insurer must file with the Florida DHSMV for license reinstatement. Florida does not have a product called “DUI insurance” — the actual requirement is FR44 with 100/300/50 liability minimums.
How long do I need DUI insurance in Florida?
FR44 must remain active for 3 continuous years from your reinstatement date. The DUI surcharge on your premium typically affects your rates for 5-7 years — longer than the certificate requirement itself.
Can I get insurance the same day as my DUI?
Your existing policy typically remains active unless your insurer cancels it. FR44 filing is required for reinstatement — not immediately upon conviction. Once your suspension period is served and DUI school is completed, FR44 can be filed same-day.