Reader’s Question:

I know someone who was convicted of DUI. How will a DUI conviction affect his Miami auto insurance rates?

Sally

Miami, FL

I’m truly sorry to hear that Sally. Having a DUI conviction will automatically list a person under the high risk category for drivers. Being labeled like that is just something you wouldn’t want to happen.

To give you a clearer understanding, I’ll tell you what the car insurance requirements in Florida first. The state of Florida is a no-fault system. Meaning if you get involved in an accident, no matter whose fault it is, your own car insurance company will provide for the coverage. This depends however on the amount that you have in your Miami auto insurance policy.

The minimum required auto insurance limits are $10,000 for property damage liability (PDL) and $10,000 for personal injury protection (PIP). Fairly simple, right?

However, once convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) offense, you will be required to carry:

• $100,000 liability for one person who is injured or killed in the accident
• $300,000 liability for two or more persons who are injured or killed in an accident
• $50,000 for PDL

Moreover, if you choose not to get those, you also have the option to post a security bound instead that is amounting to $350,000. Such requirements need to be maintained for a period of three (3) years. After three years, given that you were able to maintain a clean driving record, that is the only time that you will be allowed to purchase the usual auto insurance limits.

So, being convicted of DUI offense will surely affect your friend’s Miami auto insurance rates. Not only will he be asked to purchase more than what is usually required but he may also find it hard to get auto insurance company that will offer him with cheap car insurance rates.