Wondering how Florida non-owner FR-44 insurance works to help drivers with a DUI conviction? Essentially, drivers who don’t own a vehicle must obtain a high-risk FR-44 insurance certificate to reinstate their driving privileges.
Driving while impaired or under the influence is one of the most serious offenses drivers commit because of the heightened risk of injury or death they present on the road. Research on risky driving by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicates that drunk driving kills approximately 32 people daily in the United States, which is approximately one person every 45 minutes.
Alcohol-impaired driving causes deaths that are preventable if drivers were not impaired or intoxicated when getting behind the wheel.
Driving under the influence can result in severe consequences for the driver, including potential jail time, substantial fines, and license suspension. You can also incur legal and financial penalties for driving high on marijuana.
What is FR-44 Insurance?
Let’s first distinguish between SR-22 insurance certificates and FR-44 insurance certificates. Most states require drivers to obtain SR-22 insurance for license reinstatement following suspension. While this is also true in Florida for non-DUI offenses, the state mandates an FR-44 insurance certificate exclusively for drug and alcohol-related convictions. The state can also require an FR-44 filing for another type of offense: “Attempting to elude an officer.” These cases start with the number 4, indicating the need to file an FR-44 insurance certificate.
Florida and Virginia are the only states to utilize the FR-44 insurance certificate. Drivers must maintain SR-22 or FR-44 high-risk insurance for three to five years.
FR-44 insurance isn’t a replacement for standard auto insurance. It is a financial responsibility certificate demonstrating that you meet your state’s minimum insurance coverage requirements.
There are higher insurance coverage requirements for filing FR-44 insurance because alcohol and drug-related violations typically cause more serious damages and injuries.
How does non-owner insurance work?
How Florida non-owner FR-44 insurance works is similar to FR-44 insurance for vehicle owners. However, non-owner FR-44 insurance has some limitations. For starters, the policy only provides liability coverage for one person—the policyholder.
Additionally, non-owner FR-44 insurance policies don’t cover household vehicles that you may regularly use. Non-owner policies don’t extend to driving rental, commercial, or employment-related vehicles. An important note: Insurance providers do not offer non-owner insurance as a cheaper coverage option for teen drivers in a household.
What to Know Before Getting a Non-Owner FR-44 Policy.
It is well-documented that drivers significantly increase the risk of causing an accident if they drive impaired or intoxicated. States want to minimize DUI incidents since they not only involve the drunk driver but also others on the road, putting them at risk of harm or death. As a result, Florida has significant penalties for drivers convicted of a DUI or DWI.
Penalties vary for first-time and repeat offenders. Florida provides minimal leeway to first-time offenders, imposing penalties to deter first-time offenders from becoming repeat offenders.
Drivers convicted of a DUI or DWI for the first time are subject to an automatic license suspension of 180 days to a year. A year-long suspension is more likely if you’re at fault in an accident that results in someone’s injury.
There are measures you can take to help restore limited driving privileges. One step is to apply for a hardship license by requesting an administrative hearing during your mandatory license suspension period. This restricted license permits limited driving from home to work and back.
The next step is to file for an FR-44 insurance certificate, whether you are a vehicle owner or a non-owner. A licensed high-risk auto insurance provider attaches the certificate to an insurance policy that meets minimum coverage requirements.
Non-Owner FR-44 Insurance Costs in Florida.
Driving while intoxicated is costly, even if you don’t own a vehicle. Not only are there DUI penalties and fines, but also a reinstatement fee, and typically, you must install an ignition interlock device on a designated vehicle.
The law doesn’t take impaired driving lightly. Drivers with a DUI or DWI license suspension must obtain FR-44 insurance to reinstate their licenses, whether they own a vehicle or not.
Florida FR-44 insurance premiums are approximately double the cost of standard auto insurance. Minimum FR-44 insurance coverage must include:
- $100,000 bodily injury coverage per individual
- $300,000 bodily injury coverage for every accident
- $50,000 in property damage coverage
What happens if you buy a car?
If you currently have non-owner FR-44 insurance and decide to buy a car, what should you do? The answer is straightforward. You’ll need to switch to an owner FR-44 insurance policy. You can’t keep your less-expensive non-owner FR-44 policy if you purchase a vehicle. In this case, you must have your insurance provider endorse a new FR-44 certificate to the vehicle policy.
Get an affordable Florida non-owner FR-44 filing from UltraCar Insurance.
Are you looking for an affordable SR-22 and FR-44 insurance rate in Florida? UltraCar Insurance can help. We’re one of the leading high-risk insurance providers offering owner and non-owner FR-44 insurance in Florida and Virginia, as well as SR-22 and non-owner SR-22 insurance in 34 states.
Let’s get you back on the road. You can get started by submitting an online quote request or calling us today to learn more about our services.
Check out our blog to learn more about SR-22 and FR-44 insurance!
