Question:
Why is everything regarding license reinstatement after a DUI so
hard? I know I did something wrong with getting a DUI but the
SR-22 insurance requirement is such a pain. I found out my insurer
doesn't file the form, so I have to figure out what to do
now. I just want my license back. I'm in Florida.
Answer:
It's true: Life is complicated after a conviction for driving under
the influence (DUI). You not only have to deal with the court
case against you but also penalties placed against your license and
changes in your required auto insurance coverage. (See "
Calculate your DUI limit: Avoid a car insurance
disaster
")
If you're at the place now where you are able to reinstate your
driver's license, then a SR-22 is required in most states as part
of the process. The SR-22 isn't special insurance, but a form
that your car insurance company files with the state to verify your
coverages. (See "
What you need to know about SR-22 and car
insurance
")
You, however, mentioned that you live in Florida, which is one
of the few states that require an
FR-44
instead of an SR-22 after a DUI. A FR-44 is also a
certificate of financial responsibility filed with the state, but
the mandated liability limits are higher than those required with
just the SR-22.
In
Florida
, when a FR-44 is required you must obtain auto insurance coverage
that includes liability limits of 100/300/50, which stands for:
- Bodily injury liability coverage of up to $100,000 per
person
- Bodily injury liability coverage of up to $300,000 per
accident
- Property damage liability limit of $50,000 per accident
If you used to carry only the state minimum coverages in
Florida, then raising your liability coverages (while still also
maintaining the required personal injury protection under the
state's no-fault laws) will raise your car insurance rates quite a
bit. Also, many insurers that offer to file FR-44s will
require the policy to be paid in full at its inception and not
offer monthly payment plans.
The new DUI on your driving record will make those rates even
higher. You will now be viewed as a high-risk driver - and
that means higher rates for at least the next few years.
As you found out, not all insurers offer to file an SR-22 or
FR-44 form. What you thus need to do is shop around to find
the best priced car insurance company that offers to file the form
on your behalf. Rates can vary substantially because not all
insurers view the risk you pose the same way.
You can contact our call center toll-free at 1-855-430-7658 for
our agents to help you obtain a quote for the coverage you need.
Remember to mention that you will need a FR-44 filed. You will be
losing out on any good driver discount you previous may have had,
so try to see if you are eligible for other types of discounts by
reviewing our guide to car insurance discounts or seeing if any of
these more weird discounts will work to bring down your rates.
If you aren't required to use an ignition interlock in your car,
then when you get your license back you may want to carry around
your own personal breathalyzer to make sure you don't get yourself
in a DUI predicament again. A second DUI will lead to even
bigger punishments by the state and much, much higher auto
insurance premiums.