When did the Florida FR-44.com insurance filing become effective? What are the requirements needed for one? Which type of policies qualify for compliance? Can I add the FR-44 filing to my existing policy?
As of October 1, 2007, a person convicted of DUI in Florida is required to maintain increased limits of vehicle accident liability coverage. The minimum amounts are $100,000 per person, $300,000 per accident of Bodily Injury Liability and $50,000 of Property Damage Liability. A single combined limit of $300,000 is also acceptable. The liability must be provided by a Florida policy. This may be a car insurance policy or an operator's one where there is no vehicle to insure. One that insures a vehicle with less than 4 wheels does not qualify because this type does not include Personal Injury Protection coverage (PIP).
The flexibility to comply with a variety of policy types, and as policyholder or additional driver, enables the convicted driver to secure a well suited one. For example, a youthful operator will often find a lower rate as an additional driver on their parents policy. Existing policyholders can add the requirement to their current policy after that policy is adjusted to comply with the FR-44 stipulations.
Do all drivers with a Florida DUI require FR44 insurance? How long does the requirement remain in effect?
To clear a FR44 DUI case number for license reinstatement, a driver, receiving the infraction prior to November 1st 2014, is required to provide proof that increased vehicle liability insurance in the amount of 100/300/50k was in effect at the time of the offense date or they must purchase a FR44 policy for three years from the original suspension date. After November 1st 2014 all drivers convicted of a DUI will be required to purchase and maintain a FR44 policy, which cannot be cancelled, for three years from the reinstatement date of the DUI. Important: The State of Florida will notify the insured, not the company, when the filing is no longer required. It is the insured’s responsibility to make sure that the requirements of the filing are met and to remove the filing from their policy when it is no longer required.
When can I reinstate my license after I purchase a policy? How is the Florida DMV notified that my FR44 requirement has been satisfied? Can I receive the FR44 certificate at the point of sale?
The FR44 form (certificate), is submitted by the company to Florida's Bureau of Financial Responsibility. As required by law, they are transmitted electronically within 15 days after beginning. Companies typically transmit to the bureau at point of sale, and the DMV database will update within 24 to 48 hours allowing for license reinstatement.
Some companies will generate a "hard copy" certificate at point of sale which can then be combined with proof of insurance and faxed or emailed to a local DMV office, from the agency or company with an identifying cover page. This is the fastest way a convicted driver can have their license reinstated.
Since companies electronically send the FR44 certificate to the State, it takes a special request to have one issued directly to the policyholder. It is usually typed, and then faxed or emailed, and typically takes up to 2 hours to get done. If you are in a hurry, find out before you buy, or even before you get a rate quote, if a certificate would be immediately available.
How much will this cost? What is the least expensive way? Is there a filing fee and reinstatement fee in addition? Can I exclude a driver in my household from the policy?
There is a $25.00 filing fee for everyone. A license reinstatement fee is required for drivers that did not have increased liability limits of 100/300/50k on their policy at the time of the DUI. However, the overall cost is determined by a host of variables that are unique to each person including location, age, history, vehicle type etc. Usually, the least expensive way to secure a filing is with a FR44 insurance non-owners policy which does not include a vehicle. This type of policy is not available to drivers, who have access to a vehicle, or that require an interlock device. Driver exclusions are not allowed on this type of policy. In order to receive an accurate Florida FR-44 insurance quote be sure to include all drivers that live in your home.
Can I cancel a car insurance policy that has the FR-44 filing? Is the insurance company allowed to cancel? If I cancel, can I replace it with another one?
Effective October 1, 2023 the requirement that the FR-44 insurance policies are non-cancellable has been removed. Payment plans are available now that companies can cancel policies for non payment of monthly premium. If you cancel your insurance policy and the requirement is still in effect, the policy must be replaced or your driver license will be suspended. Companies can cancel a policy when there is a material misrepresentation on the application. Policyholders when faced with significantly higher premiums may be tempted to answer questions on the application that will lower their premium but that doesn't accurately reflect the risk. A policy canceled for material misrepresentation can be voided from inception and any pending claims denied.
Can I get a monthly payment plan? Does the State of Florida require full payment? Can I have more than one policy?
Monthly payment plans are available. Keep in mind companies provide a substantial discount when paying in full and the FR44 requirement does not eliminate that discount. There can only be one filing per driver, however, a driver can have more than one policy and this creates additional flexibility.
When will my FR44 requirement no longer be needed? How can I contact the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles?
The best way to find out is to contact the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles and have them tell you the exact date your requirement ends. I recommend contacting them by email at https://www3.flhsmv.gov/DDL/CQS/ so you have their response in writing. When you are within 60 days of ending the requirement you may carry the 100/300/50 liability without having to actually file and you will be considered in compliance. This option can be particularly helpful when starting a new policy as payment plans, driver exclusions, and all other options can be exercised. This link: https://mydmvportal.flhsmv.gov/Home/en/PublicWeb/DLCheck will provide an immediate snapshot of when the FR44 filing is no longer required and whether or not compliance is in effect.
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How can I get more information? Additional detailed Florida FR44 information with links to other articles and websites, can be found at: fr-44.com