Last updated November 2025
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 rates and your legal responsibilities to 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
📄 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 suspension until the policy is reinstated and the FR44 is refiled.
➡️ Related: Know Your Rights After a DUI Arrest
✅ 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) 270-0769 or contact us online to 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.