A DUI conviction in Florida immediately changes your car insurance situation in two ways: your license gets suspended, and the coverage you’ll need to get it back is far more expensive than what you had before. Here’s exactly what happens to your Florida car insurance after a DUI — and the fastest path to getting back on the road legally.

What “DUI Insurance” Actually Means in Florida

There’s no official insurance product called “DUI insurance.” What people mean when they search for it is: FR44 insurance — the Florida-specific certificate your insurer must file with the DHSMV to prove you carry the required liability coverage after a DUI conviction.

How a DUI Changes Your Car Insurance in Florida

The Rate Increase: What to Expect

A Florida DUI conviction typically increases auto insurance premiums by 50–80% at your next renewal. The factors that determine how much your rates increase:

• Your prior driving record — A clean record before the DUI gets a more favorable rate than a record with prior violations
• Your BAC level — Higher BAC convictions are rated more severely by most carriers
• Whether you own a vehicle — Owner policies cost more than non-owner (if you don’t have a car, you can save significantly)
• Your county — Miami-Dade rates are higher than rural counties for the same violation
• The carrier you choose — Rate differences of 40–60% between the cheapest and most expensive carrier for the same risk profile are common. Comparing carriers is essential.

Will Your Current Insurance Drop You?

Maybe. Many standard carriers cancel or non-renew policies after a DUI conviction. Your insurer is required to notify you before cancellation, but you may find yourself without coverage. If that happens:

1. Get FR44 coverage in place immediately from a specialty high-risk carrier
2. The DHSMV requires FR44 filing before reinstatement — you cannot reinstate your license without it
3. Every day without FR44 is a day your three-year clock isn’t running

Even if your current carrier keeps you, they may not be able to file FR44. Many standard carriers do not offer FR44 filings. You may need to switch to a carrier that specializes in high-risk coverage — Dairyland, Bristol West, National General, Direct Auto, and The General all file FR44 in Florida.

Can You Keep Your Current Insurance After a DUI?

Only if your carrier:

1. Does not cancel your policy upon learning of the conviction
2. Is able to file FR44 certificates (many standard carriers cannot)
3. Is willing to increase your coverage to the FR44 minimums ($100K/$300K/$50K)

If your carrier meets all three conditions, you may be able to stay. However, it’s almost always worth comparing rates — specialty high-risk carriers often price FR44 competitively because it’s their core product, while standard carriers tend to charge more and may offer worse service for FR44 drivers.

The Non-Owner Option: Save Money if You Don’t Have a Car

Many Florida DUI defendants lose their vehicle — to impound, to the courts, or to financial pressure from legal fees. If you don’t own a car, you don’t need an owner policy. A non-owner FR44 policy costs $14–$28/month and fully satisfies the DHSMV FR44 requirement.

Non-owner FR44 covers you when driving any vehicle you don’t own. It does not cover a vehicle you own. It starts your three-year clock running at the lowest possible monthly cost.

How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Insurance Record in Florida?

In Florida, a DUI conviction affects your insurance rates for a minimum of 5–10 years depending on the carrier. Most carriers look back 3–5 years for rating purposes. The FR44 requirement runs for 3 years from license reinstatement. After the FR44 period ends, you can typically return to a standard policy — but your rates may remain elevated for several more years.

Next Steps: Getting Back on the Road

FAQ — Car Insurance After DUI in Florida