Local DUI Laws

Introduction

A DUI conviction in Florida doesn’t just impact your legal standing—it also has serious and lasting consequences for your auto insurance. Many drivers are surprised by how dramatically their rates increase after a DUI, and how long those financial penalties can last. Whether you’re a first-time offender or dealing with a repeat conviction, understanding how Florida insurers handle DUI cases is essential to planning your next steps.

Florida law requires drivers with DUI convictions to meet specific insurance standards that go beyond normal coverage. That means higher premiums, stricter policy requirements, and fewer options for providers. Insurers see DUI-related drivers as high-risk, and they respond by raising rates or limiting access to standard policies.

This blog post explains how a DUI affects your car insurance in Florida—from the legal requirements you’ll face to the way insurance companies calculate your new rates. We’ll also look at how long those effects last and what options are available to minimize the impact. If you’re trying to understand what happens to your insurance after a DUI, this guide breaks it down clearly.

Why DUI Convictions Lead to Higher Insurance Rates

Auto insurance rates in Florida are based on risk, and a DUI conviction instantly places you in a higher-risk category. Insurance companies use your driving history to assess how likely you are to file a claim. A DUI, especially one that resulted in an accident or license suspension, signals an increased likelihood of future incidents.

Once you’re convicted of a DUI in Florida, your insurer will likely reevaluate your policy upon renewal. For many drivers, this results in:

• Higher premiums: Rates often double or even triple after a DUI, depending on the insurer and your prior record.
• Loss of standard coverage: Some insurance companies may cancel your policy altogether or refuse to renew it.
• Shift to high-risk insurers: You may be forced to switch to providers who specialize in covering drivers with convictions, often at a higher cost.

These changes don’t just apply for a few months. In many cases, drivers face elevated rates for several years after a DUI conviction. Even if you meet all legal requirements and maintain a clean record moving forward, the insurance industry will continue to see you as a high-risk policyholder for a long time.

Understanding why these rate increases happen helps you prepare financially and plan for the added costs that come with a Florida DUI.

FR-44 Insurance: What It Is and Why It Matters

In Florida, one of the most immediate effects of a DUI conviction is the requirement to obtain FR-44 insurance. This isn’t a type of insurance policy—it’s a form filed with the state that certifies you carry high-liability auto insurance. FR-44 is specific to DUI-related offenses and is required for license reinstatement.

Here’s what makes FR-44 insurance different:

• Higher coverage limits: You must carry at least $100,000 in bodily injury liability per person, $300,000 per accident, and $50,000 in property damage.
• Insurer filing requirement: Your insurance provider must file the FR-44 form directly with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).
• Mandatory duration: The FR-44 requirement typically lasts for three years following your DUI conviction.

Because of these requirements, FR-44 policies are more expensive than standard coverage. The high liability minimums combined with the high-risk label attached to your record make this type of insurance significantly costlier.

You cannot legally drive in Florida after a DUI without this proof of coverage, so securing FR-44 insurance is a mandatory step toward regaining your driving privileges.

How Long a DUI Affects Insurance Premiums in Florida

A DUI in Florida has both immediate and long-term consequences for your auto insurance rates. While the FR-44 filing requirement lasts for three years, the impact on your premiums may last much longer.

Most insurance companies look at driving history over a period of five to seven years, but in Florida, the DUI conviction remains on your driving record for 75 years. This means that while the immediate premium spike may gradually decrease over time, the conviction is never truly “off” your record.

Here’s a general timeline of how insurance is affected:

• Year 1–3: Rates are at their highest due to the FR-44 requirement and high-risk classification.
• Year 4–7: Rates may begin to drop if no additional violations occur, but they often remain elevated compared to pre-DUI levels.
• Beyond Year 7: Some insurers may return you to standard risk categories, but the DUI remains visible in your history.

Each insurance company uses its own formula, so outcomes may vary. Some providers specialize in offering better rates for drivers with past DUIs, while others may continue to charge elevated premiums indefinitely.

What to Expect from Insurance Companies After a DUI

Once a DUI is on your record, insurance companies in Florida will treat you differently. Here are some of the most common responses you can expect:

• Policy cancellation or non-renewal: Some insurers automatically drop customers with DUI convictions.
• Rate reassessment: Your premium will be recalculated, often resulting in a significant increase.
• Coverage limitations: You may no longer qualify for certain discounts or may be offered fewer policy options.
• Increased scrutiny: Insurers may impose additional conditions or require more frequent updates to maintain your policy.

If your insurer cancels your policy or declines to renew it, you’ll need to shop for coverage from high-risk insurers. These companies specialize in working with drivers who have past convictions, but they usually charge higher premiums and offer fewer discounts.

It’s important to be proactive. Contact your insurer after a DUI conviction to understand how your policy will change, and begin exploring alternative providers if necessary.

Shopping for Insurance After a DUI in Florida

After a DUI conviction, finding affordable insurance in Florida can be a challenge—but it’s not impossible. While some major insurers may decline coverage, others specialize in offering policies for high-risk drivers, including those with DUI records.

Here are a few tips for navigating the insurance market post-DUI:

• Compare multiple providers: Rates and eligibility vary widely between companies. Get quotes from several insurers to find the best option.
• Ask about FR-44 filings: Make sure the insurer can file the required FR-44 form with the state.
• Consider raising your deductible: A higher deductible may reduce your monthly premium, although it increases out-of-pocket costs if you file a claim.
• Take a defensive driving course: Some insurers offer discounts for completing state-approved courses.
• Maintain a clean record: Avoid further violations to demonstrate that you’re a lower risk going forward.

While the options may be more limited, taking a strategic approach to shopping for insurance can help you manage costs and maintain legal driving status in Florida.

Rebuilding Your Insurance Profile After a DUI

Although a DUI conviction stays on your record in Florida for life, your insurance profile can improve over time with consistent effort. Insurance companies place strong value on recent driving behavior, so building a clean history after the conviction can gradually reduce your rates.

Steps to rebuild your profile include:

• Avoid additional traffic violations: Every new incident extends the period insurers consider you high risk.
• Pay premiums on time: Missed payments can lead to lapses in coverage, which may increase future rates.
• Renew coverage consistently: Maintaining continuous insurance without gaps shows responsibility.
• Reassess your provider periodically: After a few years, check if better options are available based on your improved record.

While you can’t erase a DUI conviction from your driving record, you can show insurers that you’ve changed your behavior. Many companies reward consistent low-risk habits with lower premiums over time.

FAQ Section

How much will my insurance go up after a DUI in Florida?
It varies, but many drivers see their rates double or triple. The requirement for FR-44 insurance also increases costs.

How long do I need to carry FR-44 insurance after a DUI?
You must carry FR-44 insurance for three years following the DUI conviction in Florida.

Can I get standard insurance after a DUI?
Possibly, but many standard insurers won’t cover DUI convictions. You may need to use a high-risk provider for several years.

Does a DUI affect insurance forever in Florida?
While the conviction stays on your record for 75 years, insurance rates may return to more normal levels after 5–7 years of clean driving.

Can I drive without FR-44 insurance after a DUI?
No. You must have FR-44 insurance to reinstate your license after a DUI in Florida. Driving without it is illegal.

Will my current insurance provider cancel my policy after a DUI?
Some do. It depends on the company’s policy toward high-risk drivers. Contact your provider to understand their position.

Can I lower my DUI-related insurance rates?
Yes. Over time, maintaining a clean driving record, completing defensive driving courses, and comparing providers can help lower rates.

Conclusion

A DUI conviction in Florida has a lasting impact on your auto insurance, starting with the requirement for FR-44 coverage and continuing through years of elevated premiums. Insurance companies treat DUI offenders as high-risk, and that label affects how much you pay, which providers are available, and how your policy is structured.

While these financial consequences are significant, they’re not unchangeable. By maintaining a clean record, fulfilling all legal requirements, and shopping strategically for insurance, you can gradually rebuild your profile and reduce your costs over time.

For a full overview of the long-term consequences of a DUI, visit our guide on DUI Records And Long Term Impact. For more specifics on how a DUI affects coverage, pricing, and requirements, read How a DUI Affects Auto Insurance Rates.