When did the Florida FR44 insurance filing go into effect? What are the necessary requirements for one? What types of policies qualify for compliance?
As of October 1, 2007, a person convicted of DUI in Florida must maintain higher limits for motor vehicle accident liability coverage. The minimum amounts are $100,000 per person, $300,000 per accident for bodily injury liability, and $50,000 for property damage liability. A combined single limit of $300,000 is also acceptable. Liability must be provided by a Florida policy. This can be an auto insurance policy or one from an operator 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 (PIP) coverage.
The flexibility to comply with a variety of policy types, and as a policyholder or additional driver, allows the convicted driver to obtain a suitable one. For example, a young operator will often find a lower additional driver rate on his parent’s policy. In the past, another good option was to insure a scooter that could cost as little as $100.00 for the entire year. Unfortunately, Florida no longer allows filing with this type.
Do all drivers with a Florida DUI require FR44 insurance? How long does the requirement remain in effect?
To clear a DUI FR44 case number for license reinstatement, a driver, receive the violation before November 1, 2014, must provide proof that the vehicle liability insurance increase in the amount of 100/300/50k was in effect at the time of the violation date or must purchase an FR44 policy for three years from the date of violation infringement. original suspension date. After November 1, 2014 all drivers convicted of a DUI will be required to purchase and maintain an FR44 policy, which is non-cancellable, for three years from the date of the DUI reinstatement date.
When can I reinstate my license after purchasing 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 company files Form FR44 (certified) with the Florida Office of Financial Responsibility. As required by law, they are transmitted electronically within 15 days of their initiation. Businesses typically transmit to the office at the point of sale, and the DMV database will be updated within 24-48 hours, allowing for license reinstatement.
Some companies will generate a “hard copy” of the certificate at the point of sale that can then be combined with proof of insurance and faxed to a local DMV office, from the agency or company with an identification cover. This is the fastest way a convicted driver can get his license back.
Since companies electronically submit the FR44 certificate to the State, a special request is needed to have one issued directly to the policyholder. It is typically typed and then faxed or emailed, and typically takes up to 2 hours to complete. If you’re in a hurry, find out before you buy, or even before you get a 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?
There is a filing fee of $25.00 for everyone. A license reinstatement fee is required for drivers who did not have 100/300/50k increased liability limits on their policy at the time of the DUI. However, the total cost is determined by a number of variables that are unique to each person, including location, age, history, type of vehicle, etc. Generally, the least expensive way to insure an FR44 insurance policy is with a non-owner/operators policy that does not include a vehicle. This type of policy is not available to drivers who have access to a vehicle or who require an interlock device.
Can I cancel? Can the insurance company cancel? If I cancel it, can I replace it with another one?
As of May 4, 2012, all policies with a Florida FR44 filing are not allowed to be cancelled. Businesses can only cancel during the first 30 days while eligibility is determined. Of course, there are many legitimate reasons to cancel a policy, such as moving to another state, selling your vehicle, getting married, etc., and there is a way to cancel these policies. An endorsement can be submitted to remove the FR44 filing from an existing policy and that policy can then be cancelled. Please note that if the FR44 requirement remains in effect, the canceled policy must be replaced or the driver’s license will be suspended. Upon cancellation, you may be required to provide a recorded affidavit stating your reason and how you intend to continue compliance. Naturally, when your compliance period ends during the policy term, all restrictions can be removed from that policy.
Can I get a monthly payment plan? Does the state of Florida require full payment? Can I have more than one policy?
Because they cannot be cancelled, companies will require payment in full. Unlike the cancellation provision, requiring payment in full is not a state mandate. Since companies are not free to cancel a policy for non-payment, they generally will not offer payment plans. However, there are some, in limited circumstances, that will allow a payment plan. Recently, one began offering installment payment plans for all of its renewal policies. Note that companies offer a substantial discount when paid in full and the FR44 requirement does not remove 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 stop being necessary? 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 ask them to tell you the exact date your requirement ends. I recommend contacting them via email at https://www3.flhsmv.gov/DDL/CQS/ so that you have their response in writing. When you are within 60 days of the end of the requirement, you can have 100/300/50 liability without having to file a return and you will be considered in compliance. This option can be particularly useful when starting a new policy, as payment plans, driver exclusions, and all other options can be exercised.