Getting your auto insurance with suspended Licence in the United States is going round be a complex one but it all depends on the state you are but for the sake of this article, we are going to focus more on the state of florida.
Getting auto insurance when you have a suspended driver’s license in Florida can be hard.
In Florida, like in many other places, you need to have a valid driver’s license to get car insurance.
However, there are some situations where people with suspended licenses might need car insurance. In these cases, it’s not easy to find insurance, but it’s important to understand your options.
The Basics Auto Insurance Rules in Florida
First, it’s important to know some basic rules about auto insurance in Florida. Just like in many other states in the United States, Florida law requires drivers to have a certain amount of auto insurance to drive legally. The required insurance usually includes two main parts.
1. Personal Injury Protection (PIP): This coverage pays for medical expenses and some other costs if you’re in an accident, no matter who caused it.
2. Property Damage Liability (PDL): This part of the insurance covers the costs if you damage someone else’s property in an accident.
The reason for this rules is for drivers to be away and pay if there is any injury or damage caused by accident.
But the case is not the same when it is found that your license is suspended and that will then lead us to finding out the challenges you might face if you have a suspended licence.
Challenges When Getting Auto Insurance with Suspended License
When your driver’s license is suspended, it means you’re not legally allowed to drive for a certain period. This suspension can happen for various reasons, like getting caught driving under the influence (DUI), having too many points on your driving record, or not paying traffic fines. When you have a suspended license, getting car insurance is difficult for a few reasons listed below;
1. Insurance Company Requirements: Most insurance companies want policyholders to have a valid driver’s license.
They think about the risk of the policyholder driving the insured car. With a suspended license, insurance companies see more risk.
2. Higher Costs: If you do find an insurance company willing to cover you with a suspended license, you can expect to pay a lot more. Insurance companies think drivers with suspended licenses are risky, so they charge more.
3. Limited Coverage: Insurance providers might only offer limited coverage to people with suspended licenses. You might get a basic policy that only has the minimum coverage required by the state.
4. Legal Complications: Getting insurance with a suspended license raises legal and ethical concerns. Driving without a valid license can lead to big legal problems, and your insurance might not fully protect you if you’re in an accident.
Options for Getting Car Insurance with a Suspended License
If you need car insurance with a suspended license in Florida, you have some options to explore:
Special Insurance Providers: Some insurance companies specialize in helping high-risk drivers, including those with suspended licenses. These special insurance companies might give you a policy, but it’s going to cost you more. Be prepared to check quotes from different companies to find the best deal.
SR-22 Insurance: If your license is suspended because of certain violations like a DUI, you might need SR-22 insurance. An SR-22 is a certificate that shows you have the necessary insurance coverage. It often comes with higher premiums, but it lets you legally reinstate your license.
Named Non-Owner Insurance: If you don’t own a car but still need insurance, you can consider named non-owner insurance. This policy gives you liability coverage as a driver, even if you don’t own a car. It’s a way to have insurance while your license is suspended.
Talk to an Independent Agent: Independent insurance agents can access many insurance providers. They can help you find a policy that fits your needs, even if you have a suspended license.
Reinstate Your License: The best long-term solution is to work on getting your driver’s license back. To do this, you need to deal with the issues that caused the suspension. This might mean paying fines, attending traffic school, or addressing the problems that led to your suspension.
Why You Need To Get Your Licence Back
Making sure your licence is not outdated is very important If you want to enjoy full coverage of auto insurance.
Even if you can get insurance with a suspended license, it’s important to understand why it’s essential to get your license back. Driving with a suspended license can lead to big legal issues, including fines, longer suspensions, and even criminal charges.
Below are some of the things you need to do if you want to get your licence back;
- If your license was suspended because you didn’t pay traffic fines or court fees, you need to pay them.
- Sometimes, going to traffic school or defensive driving classes can help you reduce points on your driving record and get your license back.
- If you’re asked to have SR-22 insurance, you need to meet all the requirements and maintain continuous coverage.
- Depending on why your license was suspended, you might have to wait for a specific time before you can apply for reinstatement.
- If your suspension came from serious legal issues like a DUI, you might need a lawyer to help with your case and work on getting your license back.
Getting your license back not only lets you legally drive but also opens up more affordable car insurance options. Once your license is reinstated, you can explore regular insurance providers, and your premiums will be lower.
Conclusion
Getting auto insurance with a suspended license is challenging but necessary. It’s essential to research your options, compare quotes, and understand your state’s specific requirements for insurance coverage and license reinstatement. Avoid driving without insurance or while your license is suspended to prevent further legal complications. Remember that maintaining insurance coverage not only helps you comply with the law but also provides financial protection in case of accidents or damage to your vehicle. Follow IJMB for more