How a DUI Affects Your Insurance in Fort Lauderdale and South Florida

One of the most common concerns after a DUI arrest in Fort Lauderdale is, “What will happen to my car insurance?”If you’re facing DUI charges in South Florida, it’s important to understand how a conviction can impact both your insurance ratesand your legal responsibilitiesto maintain high-risk coverage.

In Florida, a DUI conviction means you were found guilty of operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or while impaired by drugs or alcohol.

🚗 Your Insurance Rates Will Increase After a DUI

If you’re convicted of DUI in Florida, your auto insurance premiums will go up significantly — often doubling or tripling. These higher rates typically last for 3 to 5 years and are based on:

Your prior driving record
The severity of the DUI
Whether this was a first offense
Whether there was an accident or injury involved

➡️Related: License Suspension After a DUI

Arrested for DUI in South Florida?

📄 What Is an FR44, and Why Do You Need One?

After a DUI conviction, Florida law requires you to file an FR44 — a certificate of Financial Responsibility— to reinstate your license and legally drive again.

How FR44 works:

Your insurance provider files the form with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)
You must carry at least:
- $100,000 in bodily injury liability per person
- $300,000 per accident
- $50,000 in property damage coverage
Most people must carry FR44 insurance for at least three years following a DUI conviction in Florida

⛔ What Happens If You Miss a Payment?

If you stop paying your FR44-required insurance, your insurer is legally obligated to notify the DMV. This triggers an immediate driver’s license suspensionuntil the policy is reinstated and the FR44 is refiled.

✅ Why You Should Talk to a Fort Lauderdale DUI Lawyer

At Michael White, P.A., we help clients throughout Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, and South Florida handle every aspect of their DUI case — including:

Court defense strategies
FR44 filing and insurance guidance
License reinstatement
Minimizing the long-term impact on your record and finances

➡️Related: Alternative Sentencing Options for DUI Offenders

📞 Charged with DUI in Fort Lauderdale or South Florida? Protect Your License and Your Future.

A DUI conviction can cost you more than just money — it can affect your freedom, your license, and your ability to provide for yourself or your family.

At Michael White, P.A., we’re ready to help you:

Avoid costly insurance mistakes
Reduce or fight the DUI charge
Reinstate your license quickly and legally

✅Former prosecutor
✅Personalized defense strategies
✅Representing clients across Fort Lauderdale and South Florida

📞Call (954) 270-0769or contact us onlineto schedule your free, confidential consultation.

💬 Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How much will my car insurance increase after a DUI in Florida?

Most drivers in Fort Lauderdale and South Florida see their auto insurance rates double or triple after a DUI conviction. The rate increase usually lasts 3 to 5 years.

Q2: What is an FR44, and why do I need one?

A: An FR44 is a certificate of financial responsibility required after a DUI conviction. It proves that you carry higher liability insurance, and it must be filed to reinstate your driver’s license.

Q3: How long do I need FR44 insurance after a DUI in Florida?

A: Most drivers are required to maintain FR44 coverage for at least 3 years after their DUI conviction to remain legally licensed.

Q4: What happens if I miss a payment on my FR44 insurance?

A: If your policy lapses, your insurance company is required to notify the DMV, which will suspend your license immediately until the policy is reinstated and the FR44 is refiled.

Q5: Do I need FR44 if I was only arrested for DUI but not convicted?

A: No. The FR44 requirement is triggered only after a DUI conviction, not an arrest.