DUI Convictions and Increased Insurance costs
By Jonathan Blecher on July 8, 2015
If you find yourself convicted of driving under the influence, you will receive a notice of suspension from the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. If the notice is dated 11/1/14 or later you are required to purchase a FR44 policy with limits of Bodily Injury Liability/Property Damage Liability in the amounts of 100/300/50. Your insurance company is permitted to file form FR44 electronically with DHSMV confirming that you have this insurance. If you don’t comply prior to the effective date on the notice, you will also be required to pay the reinstatement fee of $150, $250, or $500.
However, notices of suspension mailed prior to November 1, 2014 will indicate if you had 100/300/50 at the time of the DUI offense date. If that’s the case, you just need proof of that coverage and you are not required to carry the FR44. However, this option is only for notice of suspensions dated prior to November 1, 2014. After that date, you are required to carry the FR44, no matter if you had the 100/300/50 at the time of the DUI conviction.
An FR44 policy is required for three years. If you cancel the FR44 insurance during the three year period, your insurance company will notify DHSMV and your driving privilege will be suspended for the cancellation. Then you will be required to get another FR44 and pay the applicable reinstatement fee to reinstate, provided the three-year period has not expired. The cost of FR44 insurance can be as much as 150% times higher than your original policy.
If you do not own a vehicle, you must obtain a non–owner liability insurance policy, file the FR44 form, and pay the applicable reinstatement fee.