Increased Auto Insurance Rates and DUI
Tampa Drunk Driving Defense Lawyer
When a driver is convicted of DUI (driving under the influence) one
penalty that he or she may not consider is increased auto insurance premiums. After a conviction for DUI, your driver's license will be
suspended. In order to reinstate your license, you will need to obtain a FR-44 Form from your auto insurance company. This form must be maintained for 3 years. Once you request this form, your insurance provider will know that you have been convicted of DUI and you will be labeled a "high risk" driver. This will result in increased premiums.
Auto insurance premiums may increase by 200-300% in conjunction with a drunk driving conviction. In some cases, the insurance company may even cancel your policy or refuse to renew. Shopping for new auto insurance can be exceedingly difficult, particularly when the new provider you are considering discovers that your old policy was canceled due to a DUI conviction.
What is a FR-44 form?
The FR-44 form is a certificate that shows the limits of your automobile liability insurance. This form must be kept on file with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) for 3 years from the final date of
license revocation. The FR-44 form also requires your insurance company to notify the DHSMV if there is a lapse in your coverage for any reason due to non-payment or another factor.
Your insurance policy must comply with FR-44 liability limits as well, including bodily injury liability insurance of $100,000 per person and $300,000 per occurrence and $50,000 property damage liability coverage. Increased insurance rates are just one of many reasons to involve an
attorney and
fight your drunk driving charges. At Thomas & Paulk, we have the experience and resources you should look for in your
DUI defense law firm. We represent clients in Tampa and throughout the surrounding areas.
To find out more about how we can help you challenge charges and avoid increased auto insurance rates, contact a Tampa DUI attorney at our firm today.