How Does a Virginia DUI Conviction Affect My Insurance
If you are charged with a DUI in Virginia, there are many things to consider. You must consider your possibility of jail time, fines, suspension of your driving privileges in Virginia, and who to hire as your attorney, but you must also consider the consequences a conviction would have on your auto insurance. The reality is that a DUI conviction can have a very significant effect on your insurance in Virginia.
What is an FR44?
In Virginia, a person convicted on DUI charges is required to file an FR44, which is basically a guarantee to the Virginia DMV that “High Risk” drivers are maintaining the required auto insurance coverage. Your insurance liability limits must be equal to or greater than $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident, and $40,000 for property damage. It also means that if you cancel your policy, the DMV is notified, your license is re-suspended, more fines are imposed, and the timing for the FR44 is reset. Virginia requires most DUI offenders to file an FR44 for three years.
How do I file an FR44?
If a Virginia court informs you that you need to file an FR44, you will need to contact your insurance provider. If you do not have insurance, you will need to buy an insurance policy before having your Virginia driving privilege reinstated. Sometimes, drivers convicted of a DUI in Virginia who need to buy a new insurance policy to file an FR44 will be required to pay for an insurance policy term in full. This is to ensure the driver meets the Virginia requirements for the term’s duration while avoiding the risk of a non-payment policy cancellation.
How will my insurance be affected by my DUI conviction and FR44 filing?
Many major insurance companies will not insure persons required to file an FR44. Most insurance carriers who will insure FR44 drivers will do so at a higher premium, possibly even 40-70% higher than other drivers.
Therefore it is critical to have an attorney who is extremely familiar with Virginia’s DUI law if you find yourself charged with a DUI. Attorneys at The Weiland Firm, PLC dedicate a great deal of our practice to defending people charged with DUI in Central Virginia.
The Weiland Firm, PLC is a leading Virginia Traffic Law Firm
Call (804) 355-8037 for a free consultation
