Our Florida DUI Defense Attorneys Will Fight for Your Rights
Being convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) can have severe repercussions on various aspects of your life, including your car insurance. If you're stopped while driving under the influence in Florida, you may have questions about what will happen to your car insurance coverage and if you will lose it. The skilled Florida DUI defense attorneys at Flaherty & Merrifield provide insights into what to expect in terms of impact on your car insurance policy and coverage requirements if you are arrested for and convicted of DUI.
The Impact of a DUI Conviction on Car Insurance in Florida
Being convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) in Florida can have serious consequences on your car insurance. This type of conviction can affect your car insurance in several ways, including:
Increased Rates for Car Insurance
It's essential to understand that a DUI conviction will likely lead to increased insurance rates. Insurance companies consider DUI convictions to be a warning sign indicating an elevated likelihood of accidents and claims. As a result, they often raise premiums substantially for individuals with DUI convictions. In some cases, an insurer may even decide to cancel your policy altogether.
Potential Policy Cancellation
The cancellation of your car insurance policy because of a DUI can leave you in a precarious situation. Finding another insurance provider willing to cover you might prove to be challenging, because insurers are generally hesitant to cover individuals with DUI convictions due to the increased risk they pose.
If your insurance company decides to cancel your policy due to a DUI conviction, you can expect to receive notice well in advance. Florida law requires insurers to provide policyholders with a specified notice period before cancellation. This notice period allows you time to secure alternative coverage before your current policy expires.
The exact duration of the notice period can vary depending on your insurer and the circumstances surrounding the cancellation. However, Florida law requires insurers to provide written notice at least 45 days before an auto insurance policy is canceled.
Additional Coverage Requirements
In addition to facing higher premiums and potential policy cancellation, individuals convicted of DUI in Florida are also subject to stringent insurance requirements. Florida statute 324.023 mandates that drivers convicted of DUI must carry increased insurance coverage. This typically includes higher liability limits to ensure you have enough coverage in the event of an accident.
Florida Auto Insurance Requirements
In Florida, having auto insurance is not just a choice; it's a legal requirement. Whether you've been convicted of a DUI or not, it’s essential for all Florida drivers to understand the state’s auto insurance requirements. Florida law mandates that all registered vehicles must be covered by auto insurance with specific minimum coverage limits to operate legally on the roads.
The minimum auto insurance requirements in Florida include:
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP). Florida is a no-fault state, which means that drivers must carry PIP coverage. Regardless of who is at fault for an accident, PIP will cover lost wages and medical expenses for you and your passengers. The minimum PIP coverage limit in Florida is $10,000.
- Property Damage Liability (PDL). In addition to PIP coverage, Florida drivers are required to carry PDL insurance. This insurance covers damages to someone else's property in an accident you are responsible for. The minimum PDL coverage limit in Florida is $10,000.
For individuals convicted of a DUI in Florida, additional auto insurance requirements may apply. In particular, DUI offenders are often required to obtain an FR-44 form, which mandates higher liability insurance coverage limits compared to standard insurance requirements.
The FR-44 form typically requires bodily injury liability coverage of $100,000 per person, $300,000 per accident, and $50,000 for property damage. This increased coverage is intended to provide greater financial protection in the event of accidents caused by impaired driving.
Failing to maintain the required auto insurance coverage in Florida can have severe consequences that may negatively impact not only your finances but also your ability to drive legally and responsibly.
The Importance of Legal Representation
Given the serious implications of a DUI conviction on your car insurance and overall well-being, it's important to seek legal representation from a Florida DUI defense lawyer if you're facing charges. A skilled lawyer at Flaherty & Merrifield can assess your case, identify potential defenses, and work towards minimizing or avoiding the consequences of a conviction altogether. By developing a strong DUI defense, you stand a better chance of protecting your rights, reputation, and driving privileges.
