If you’re caught driving in the Sunshine State without insurance, you will be subjected to both reinstatement fees and penalties. Fees will vary depending on whether it’s your first, second, or subsequent offense. In all cases, you will lose your driving privileges.

Offense	Fees	Penalties
First offense	$150	Registration and driver’s license suspension for up to 3 years
Second offense	$250	Registration and driver’s license suspension for up to 3 years
Third and subsequent offenses	$500	Registration and driver’s license suspension for up to 3 years

If you’re pulled over and can’t produce a copy of your Florida car insurance but can prove coverage later, you only face a mandatory $10 fee. However, it’s important to note that not having

proof of insurance

and being an uninsured motorist are two different matters.

Keep in mind: Being caught falsifying declarations or

committing forgery on your car insurance

can lead to a second-degree misdemeanor charge, or up to $5,000-$15,000 in charges depending on whether it is a first or subsequent offense.

Uninsured drivers must maintain SR-22 insurance for three years

As a high-risk driver, you may also need to

apply for an SR-22

. This can be completed through any insurance company that provides assistance to high-risk drivers.

For high-risk motorists, a SR-22 certificate declares financial responsibility and must be filled out by a car insurance company on your behalf and filed with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). Drivers with an SR-22 in Florida must carry the minimum property damage liability and personal injury protection (PIP) required by state law, along with $10,000/$20,000 of bodily injury liability insurance.

Drivers with DUIs need an FR-44: Florida requires drivers with DUI/DWI convictions to file an FR-44—essentially a stricter version of the SR-22 with steeper coverage requirements. With an FR-44, you’ll need to maintain at least $100,000/$300,000/$50,000 liability limits on top of the minimum personal injury protection required by law.

Florida car insurance requirements

As a Florida resident, you are required to have both $10,000 in

property damage liability (PDL)

and $10,000 in

personal injury protection (PIP)

This is the minimum coverage needed to operate a vehicle in the state of Florida and to receive your registration and license plates. Florida does not require residents to have bodily injury liability coverage, as it is a no-fault state, but it’s recommended for added coverage.

Full coverage insurance

, in comparison to minimum insurance, includes comprehensive and collision coverage along with PDL and PIP. These additions help to pay for your vehicle repairs if it’s damaged due to natural causes, vandalism, or theft. Collision manages the damage done to your car in the event of an accident.

What happens if you’re in a car accident without insurance in Florida?

Florida drivers involved in a car accident without coverage can attract these consequences:

Penalties for driving without insurance

Paying for all damages out of pocket (car repairs, property damage)

Payment for any additional accident-related charges (medical bills, loss of wages)

In the case that the other driver sues, you may also be responsible for paying judgements and settlements, as well as lost wages due to ongoing battles.

If you’re not at fault, you can still file a claim with the at-fault driver’s liability insurance for any damage caused to your vehicle—but without the personal injury protection required by Florida’s no-fault laws, you’ll have to rely on health insurance alone to handle your medical expenses.

Therefore, as a high-risk driver, it’s important to make sure to have the correct liability insurance in place to properly protect yourself.

MORE:

Florida car accident laws

Getting car insurance as a high-risk driver in Florida

Getting car insurance as a high-risk driver can be a challenge, but your best bet is to compare quotes from multiple providers to find the lowest rate for your profile.

Pro tip: Include both major insurers and smaller non-standard insurance companies in your search. While many major insurance companies work with high-risk drivers, you might find the best rate with a company that specializes in high-risk auto insurance.

Jerry

is an independent insurance agency and broker app that partners with dozens of the top-rated insurance companies in Florida. Whether you’re a high-risk driver or simply experiencing a lapse in your current policy, Jerry can help you compare the lowest rates for both minimum and

full coverage options in Florida

FAQs

What if my auto insurance claim is rejected as a high-risk driver?

If your insurance claim is rejected, you can try to either appeal the decision, file a lawsuit, or negotiate settlement deals.

Another solution is to check out the Florida Automobile Joint Underwriting Association (FAJUA), the assigned risk pool for Florida drivers who can’t find coverage on the regular market. FAJUA coverage can be more expensive than other policies, but is designed to provide insurance to high-risk drivers in Florida who are unable to obtain a policy through other companies.

What counts as proof of insurance in Florida?

Both insurance ID cards and proof of coverage letters from your insurer are considered proof of insurance in Florida. Florida recognizes both digital and paper formats.

Can you self-insure your car in Florida?

Yes. To qualify, Florida drivers must have a notarized financial statement to declare that their net worth is no less than $40,000. Motorists must also provide an active social security number and driver’s license.

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