Need Help Getting Auto Insurance Reinstated?
November 27, 2023
Although you might never have thought that you would let your auto insurance lapse, it can happen when a policyholder is struggling financially due to a loss of employment or an unexpected major expense.
Like many other states, Florida requires drivers to carry insurance and anyone who gets caught driving without insurance can face stiff penalties. So during any gap period, it is illegal to operate a vehicle in the Sunshine State.
If at all possible, you want to avoid any gap in auto insurance coverage. Since every car insurance policy has an expiration date, the insurance expires on that date if the policyholder does not pay the renewal notice received from their insurance company.
Before you cancel or your auto insurance lapses, you can turn in your license plate at the Tax Collector’s office, motor vehicle service center, or driver license office. This will allow you to avoid reinstatement fees and penalties like driver’s license suspension until you can purchase the appropriate amounts of coverage. If you have already allowed your car insurance to lapse, don’t drive.
Penalties for Uninsured Motorists
Before a vehicle is registered in Florida, the owner must show proof of insurance with Personal Injury Protection and Personal Damage Liability. Even if the vehicle is not being driven or is inoperable, continuous PIP insurance coverage is required unless the license plates are surrendered prior to cancellation of insurance.
There are no provisions for a temporary or hardship driver license for any insurance-related suspensions. Failure to maintain required automobile insurance coverage in the Sunshine State may result in:
- FLHSMV can suspend your driver's license and take away your license plates and registration for up to three years.
- FLHSMV reinstatement fees that can vary from $150 to more than $500 depending on the circumstances.
- FLHSMV has the authority to suspend a driver's license and registration for up to 20 years, if an uninsured at-fault driver receives a court-ordered judgment.
As you might expect, repeat offenses of driving without car insurance in Florida can result in jail time, fines, and additional reinstatement fees or provisions. If you are involved in an accident with lapsed insurance, you can face criminal charges as well as be held civilly liable for damages and injuries.
Don't Risk Driving with Inadequate Coverage
The biggest reason for not driving in Florida without current auto insurance coverage is it is one-hundred percent illegal and in the event of an accident can result in a boat-load of legal woes and financial issues. You could lose your driving privileges for an extended period of time and could be required to carry an SR-22 certificate with higher amounts of damage and liability insurance coverage.
At Nsurance Nation, our knowledgeable agents can help you find the most affordable solutions for getting your auto insurance reinstated. Remember, once the state is made aware that a lapse occurred in auto insurance coverage, it can be more difficult to obtain insurance and you could be faced with paying additional fees for reinstatement of your auto coverage.
Although auto coverage in a no-fault insurance state might seem pricey, Florida does have a large selection of registered insurance companies. So, it is important to obtain competitive quotes for reinstatement insurance policy premiums. Our experienced agents can also help identify competitive rates that will work with your budget and immediate needs.
At Nsurance Nation, our independent agents are licensed auto insurance professionals who do not work for a particular insurance carrier. Contact Nsurance Nation to find out what our providers offer and how to get the best deal possible despite blemishes to your record.
