Tampa DUI & Insurance Lawyer

How will a DUI Affect Your Insurance?

People may not think about the impact that a DUI may have on their insurance rates. If you have been arrested for a DUI and are facing a criminal conviction, you may or may not think about the impact that a DUI will have on your future insurance rates. The penalties for a DUI conviction in Florida will depend on the unique circumstances of each case. Some estimates suggest that driver insurance premiums can increase 200% to 300% on average after a DUI conviction.

Fight the Charges and Secure Your Insurance Rate

There are many incentives for fighting to prevent a DUI conviction. Not only would you be able to keep your insurance premiums low, you would also be able to avoid paying heavy fines, serving a jail sentence, and having your driver's license suspended. The Tampa DUI attorneys at Parks & Braxton, PA have handled more than one thousand DUI cases and tackled complex legal issues with success. With more than 50 years of collective experience, our legal team has been trusted with the defense of many individuals facing DUI charges. If you are seeking to minimize the penalties against you and get your charges dismissed, contact our firm and let us help you protect your rights!

Did the insurance company cancel your policy?

In Florida, insurance companies have the right to cancel a policy if the individual is convicted of a DUI. Under Statute Section 627.728, the insurer may cancel the policy if your driver's license or motor vehicle registration has been suspended during the policy's coverage period. However, the insurer must give proper written notice at least 45 days before the policy is cancelled. If the cancellation is based on non-payment of insurance premiums, only a 10-day notice is required. If your policy was cancelled without proper notice or reason, fight the insurance company!

Proof of Increased Financial Responsibility

One of the reasons insurance rates increase after a DUI is because individuals must file for an additional form of liability insurance. The law requires individuals who have been convicted of a DUI to file an FR-44 Proof of Financial Responsibility form as part of reinstating a driver's license after a DUI. This form must be kept on file with the Florida DHSMV for three years from the ending date of any license revocation.

The FR-44 liability limits fulfill required coverage for the following:

• $100,000 covering bodily injury to or death of one person
• $300,000 for similar death or injury liability for two or more persons in a single crash
• $50,000 to cover property damage resulting from any one crash

There are many exceptions to DUI cases and some insurance companies will keep their policyholders if they are longstanding customers and they are personally vouched for by their insurance agent. Before completing an FR-44, review your case with a DUI defense lawyer in Tampa. Ensure your insurance rates are fairly adjusted and your best interests are looked after throughout the procedures involved with DUI!

Safety Responsibility Form

The SR-22 form is proof that an individual has driver insurance. This document is usually required after someone has been convicted of a DUI or other offenses that involve license suspension. The SR-22 must be completed and filed before a driver's license may be reinstated. After a DUI conviction, the SR-22 form may be required for up to five years. Failing to pay premiums could result in the license being suspended until another SR-22 form is submitted.

Ensure Your Financial Security—Call 888-667-1273

A DUI conviction can create difficult situations for individuals and their driver insurance policies. In many cases, the best way to combat increased insurance premiums is to minimize the penalties of a DUI charge and fight to have the case dismissed entirely. At Parks & Braxton, PA, our legal team can help clients facing a DUI conviction, or facing the insurance companies after the trial. Whether you need a strong defense against criminal charges in court or effective guidance with the consequences of a DUI, our DUI defense attorneys in Tampa may help you pursue an effective course of legal action to secure your best interests.

Schedule a free consultation with our team today!