I am having a hard time getting affordable DUI insurance and I’m about to lose hope. How can I get the best car insurance rate now that I have a DUI here in Florida?

Ken

Hialeah, FL

Drivers who have been found guilty of driving under the influence or DUI are required to get a DUI insurance policy from a car insurance company. DUI insurance or SR22 insurance is typically a lot more expensive compared to other forms of car insurance due to the fact that it is issued to high risk drivers. The high rate of DUI cases also causes the continued increase of DUI insurance rate. For drivers who want to get a more affordable DUI insurance, they can try looking online for specialized SR22 insurance firms.

The fact that DUI insurance is issued to high risk drivers is a reason why car insurance companies charge high rates on those who have this type of insurance. In fact not all car insurance companies are willing to issue DUI insurance to drivers caught for DUI. Since drivers caught for DUI are considered high risk policy holders, car insurance companies charge high rates on them.

The resurgence in the number of DUI cases is also another factor why it is very hard to obtain affordable DUI insurance. As more and more drivers are caught driving under the influence, car insurance companies are faced with more risks, and the only way they can counter this to protect their business is to increase their DUI insurance rates.

Drivers in Florida who need DUI insurance should be thankful that there are still companies that offer lower DUI insurance premium. Many of these specialized DUI insurance companies have their own websites, allowing drivers to easily shop and purchase for cheap DUI insurance policies.

To get the best deals, drivers are recommended to compare as many cheap DUI insurance quotes. By giving more time to shopping and comparing DUI insurance quotes, drivers are guaranteed to purchase the best DUI insurance rate in the market.

I know that nonrenewal and cancellation of car insurance could be different from one another. What are the reasons why my car insurance here in Miami, Florida could be canceled or not be renewed? Can you guys give me a cheap car insurance rate?

Margo

Miami, Fl

Nonrenewal and cancellation are two means of putting a stop on car insurance coverage by a car insurance provider. Nonrenewal indicates that your present car insurance company in Florida chooses not to renew the policy at the scheduled renewal period. Cancellation means ending your Miami car insurance for a valid reason given by the insurance company.

Most of the time, your Miami car insurance could not be renewed if you have too many claims at the time you have coverage from a car insurance company. Other reasons include a conviction for driving under the influence (DUI), numerous at-fault accidents and lots of traffic tickets for the last three to five years. If your insurer decides not to renew your Miami car insurance, they would send a notice of nonrenewal, generally 30 days before the contract ends, with the reason why they decide not to renew your policy.

Your Miami car insurance could be canceled if you don’t pay your premium when it’s already due. Other reasons for the cancellation of your Miami car insurance include misrepresentation of your driver risk level, having a suspended or revoked driver’s license due to DUI and having an expired driver’s license. A number of car insurance providers could cancel your policy any time but they would have to give you due notification required by law.

What are the penalties for second offense DUI in Florida? Do I need a lawyer for this?

June

Thank you for asking June.

In Florida, driving under the influence (DUI) is defined as driving a motor vehicle while impaired with a blood alcohol level (BAC) of .08 or higher, a controlled substance or chemical substance. A DUI stays on your driving record for 75 years.

Below are penalties that you may face for second offense in DUI in Florida:

* Fines of $500 to $1,000 and a minimum $1,000 to $2,000 for BAC of .20 or higher, or a minor in the car,

* Jail time of not more than nine months. A BAC of .20 or higher, or operating a vehicle with a minor in the vehicle, will require a jail time of up to 12 months. If it’s your second conviction in five years, a mandatory 10-day jail sentence will be required.

* impoundment of vehicle(if a second conviction in five years) for 30 days.

* suspension of drivers license for six months minimum. If it’s your second conviction in five years, you’ll lose your drivers license for five years (but will be eligible to apply for a hardship license after a year).

Deciding whether or not to hire an attorney in Florida is a personal choice and the answer depends on your personal and financial situation and your ability to handle the process on your own.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

How many years does the driving under the influence (DUI) remain on your driving record in  Florida?

James

Orlando, FL

The state of Florida notes specifically that a driving under the influence in Florida remains on your permanent driving record and on your driving history for seventy five (75) years.

The Florida Statutes authorize the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (HSMV) to maintain and establish the management of driving records for drivers in the state of Florida.

According to the Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (HSMV) convictions reflecting point assessments stays on a customer’s complete driving record for a period of ten years from the date of conviction. But, serious convictions such as DUI, DUI/Manslaughter, Vehicular Homicide, etc. will remain on the driving history for seventy five (75) years.

I don’t know how serious DUI offense is and I also don’t know its legal definition. If in case I drink and drive here in Sunrise, Florida, how can I be charged with DUI?

Jackie

Sunrise, FL

DUI is a very serious offense that any person charged with it should not take for granted. If you get charged for DUI there in Sunrise, Florida, you are risking your driver’s license, your freedom and possibly, your job and future job opportunities. To define DUI, it is unlawful for any person to drive or operate any motor vehicle if a person has a blood alcohol content of 0.08% or more or while a person is under the influence of alcohol, any narcotic drug or any other self administered intoxicant.

You can be found guilty of driving under the influence if your blood alcohol level when you were driving was 0.08 or higher, as determined by a chemical test and this is called the “per se” statute. You can also be found guilty or DUI if you are proven to be under the influence of alcohol or under the influence of drugs and this is called a presumption statute. If there is no chemical evidence, the prosecutor can use your driving behavior and the field sobriety tests to establish you were under the influence.

Therefore, it is necessary for you to come to terms with just how necessary getting a DUI attorney in Fort Lauderdale FL is. All of the books and websites with descriptions of DUI law will never add up to the experience and knowledge that you can take part in from just a half hour with a good DUI attorney. An attorney can bring your case and DUI law together, and show you how they interact.

A DUI attorney in Fort Lauderdale FL can do more than that, too. They can also take care of making calls, mailing paperwork, and little things like that. More than anything else, though, a lawyer can take a realistic look at your case and know what results are possible, and then accomplish those results in your defense in court.

• You’re in trouble if you don’t hire a DUI lawyer in St Petersburg Florida if…

You were charged with a DUI after serious accident; it’s even more important to get a lawyer if the accident included someone being injured or dying. Severe fines and consequences come the more charges you get, so if this is your third DUI charge (or past that even), then you’re in this category. If being unable to drive means being unable to perform the duties of your job.

• You might be in trouble if you don’t hire a DUI lawyer in St Petersburg Florida if…

Second time to be convicted for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 100% times the regular DUI BAC level. A minor involved.

• You might not be in trouble if…

Having a DUI on your record will make it harder for you to get a job or a degree or certification. You need bonding for your work. You need someone to explain this to you.