Car Insurance After a DUI in Florida

The days right after a DUI conviction are full of unknowns, and car insurance is usually near the top of the list. Let’s walk through exactly what happens, in the order it actually happens.

Your current policy’s fate

In many cases, a DUI conviction leads your current insurer to non-renew or significantly raise your policy at your next renewal. Some carriers will keep you on but adjust your rate; others simply don’t write policies for DUI-related risk at all. Either way, you’ll likely need to shop for new coverage that satisfies your FR-44 requirement.

The FR-44 layer

Florida requires an FR-44 filing after most DUI convictions — a certificate your new insurer files electronically confirming you carry liability coverage above the state’s standard minimums. This is the piece that makes shopping after a DUI different from ordinary insurance shopping: not every carrier offers it, so your options narrow to insurers who actually write FR-44 policies.

What actually drives your new rate

• Your overall driving history, not just the DUI itself
• The vehicle you’re insuring
• Where in Florida you live
• The specific carrier you choose — often the single biggest factor
• How long ago the conviction happened

A realistic timeline

Most drivers can have new, compliant coverage active within a day or two once they’ve gathered their information and requested quotes. The FR-44 filing itself happens automatically once your policy is active — no separate visit to the DMV required.

Rate impact over time

Timeframe	What typically happens
Immediately after conviction	Non-renewal or rate increase from current insurer likely
Shopping period	FR-44-eligible carriers compared, new policy activated
First year	Rate reflects DUI risk directly
Years 2–3	Often stabilizes or improves slightly with clean record
After FR-44 period ends	Standard policy shopping resumes, often at better rates

A common misconception worth clearing up

Some drivers assume that once they’re conviction-free for a few years, their FR-44 requirement automatically lifts. It doesn’t work that way — your required filing period is set by the court or FLHSMV based on your conviction date, and it runs its full course (typically three years) regardless of how quickly your driving record otherwise improves. The one exception that matters: any lapse during that period can restart the clock, so continuous coverage is what actually determines your timeline.

What your insurance card will actually show

Some drivers worry their proof of insurance will visibly flag them as “FR-44” every time they’re pulled over or asked for documentation. It doesn’t work that way — your insurance card looks like anyone else’s. The FR-44 filing is a background record between your insurer and the state, not something printed on your day-to-day paperwork.

Frequently asked questions

Will my current insurer definitely drop me after a DUI? Not always, but it’s common enough that shopping around proactively is worth doing regardless.

How much more will I pay? It varies too much by carrier to quote a single number — comparing multiple quotes is the only reliable way to know your actual cost.

Can I keep the same car? Yes, a DUI doesn’t affect your vehicle eligibility, though your vehicle’s value and type still factor into your premium as usual.

Do I need special coverage beyond FR-44? No — FR-44 sets your required liability limits; you can still add comprehensive, collision, or other optional coverage as you normally would.

What if I’m already struggling to afford a higher rate? Ask about every available discount, and prioritize comparing carriers — the rate gap between insurers for FR-44 coverage is often larger than any single discount.

Getting back on track

Florida FR-44 Auto Insurance helps Florida drivers navigate exactly this transition, comparing carriers and getting compliant coverage active fast.

See also: DUI Auto Insurance in Florida and How Much Does FR-44 Insurance Cost?.