Factors That Affect Your FR-44 Insurance Rates

In most states, an SR-22 certificate proves you have valid auto insurance. In two states, however, high-risk FR-44 insurance is specifically for DUI-related violations and reinstatement. One of those states is Florida. FR-44 insurance rates and coverage requirements are much higher than SR-22 insurance.

The FR-44 insurance certificate is not a policy. It’s a rider attached to a Florida auto or non-owner FR-44 insurance policy as evidence that you carry the minimum auto liability insurance the state requires. If you have a significant traffic violation, are caught driving while intoxicated, or attempt to elude a police officer, you must file an FR-44 certificate.

How Much Does FR-44 Insurance Cost In Florida?

You will pay little or nothing for the FR-44 filing, but your insurance premiums will cost more than you paid for standard car insurance. Your rate increases because insurance companies now view you as a high-risk driver. In addition, you will have to pay fines and a reinstatement fee before filing an FR-44 insurance certificate. In most cases, drivers must also install an ignition interlock device on their vehicle, which means paying installation and maintenance costs.

The FR-44 requirement separates you from the general driving population and places you in a subset of high-risk drivers. A DUI conviction indicates to insurance companies that you pose an elevated danger on the road. Because you pose a greater risk when driving, the state requires you to carry increased coverage. Increased coverage means higher premiums to cover the likelihood that you’ll file a claim. A DUI conviction typically results in a rate increase of 90% or more. In some circumstances, it can be as high as 300%.

The state’s liability coverage requirements for those with clean driving records are $10,000 in bodily injury and $10,000 in property damage. However, Florida HSMV (DMV) requires anybody with FR-44 insurance to maintain increased minimum liability insurance coverage of $100,000/$300,000 in bodily injury coverage and $50,000 in property damage coverage. You will also have to pay upfront a six-month premium in full.

What Factors Affect FR-44 Insurance Rates?

Suspension of driving privileges after a DUI is an emotionally and financially taxing experience. One financial consequence of a DUI conviction includes buying increased insurance coverage (high-risk FR-44 insurance) that can be expensive to maintain over several years.

A severe traffic offense such as DUI/DWI on your state driving record changes how insurance companies calculate your auto insurance rate. The criteria insurance companies use to determine FR-44 insurance rates are the same as before: your driving record, your vehicle, your credit history, where you live, and other factors. However, having an alcohol or drug-related violation increases your costs for those same factors.

Getting a low rate on this high-risk insurance is necessary for anyone, but sometimes, finding affordable FR-44 insurance rates can be challenging. You can expect to spend more or less for FR-44 insurance in Florida based on the following factors:

• Zip code
• Your total number of traffic tickets and car accidents in the past three to five years
• Additional detrimental facts about your DWI/DUI offense
• Whether or not you have access to a car
• Your gender and age

How You Can Save on Florida FR-44 Insurance

Unfortunately, your auto insurance premiums will skyrocket in the next few years. However, you may still save money by following the suggestions listed below.

Explore Several Options

This is sound advice when looking for ways to cut money on any insurance. It’s essential to compare insurance quotations frequently, particularly when you have an FR-44 insurance certificate attached to your policy, as insurers use varying criteria when determining premiums.

Saving money on insurance is as simple as comparing quotes from several providers and choosing the best deal. Your premiums should begin to go down after the DUI is removed from your record or after three years have passed with no major traffic violations.

Consider Companies That Specialize In Covering High-Risk Drivers

Major insurance companies often operate in multiple regions. Many have subsidiaries catering to drivers with poor driving histories or DUIs. You often find lower FR-44 insurance rates from niche high-risk auto insurance providers like UltraCar Insurance.

Increase Your Deductible

The more money you invest in an insurance policy, the less it will cost you monthly. Rate reductions are typically seen when a customer increases their deductible. However, selecting a deductible that will be manageable for your budget is best in case you need to file a claim.

What’s the Next Step?

This article should help you understand the factors that affect Florida FR-44 insurance rates. The next step is to work with an experienced high-risk FR-44 insurance provider in Florida – UltraCar Insurance! For over ten years, we’ve helped drivers get affordable SR-22 & FR-44 insurance for license reinstatement. Contact us today to discover how we make license reinstatement after a DUI a painless process for you.