If you are the driver or owner of a vehicle which is in a crash that is your fault, and you are not insured in compliance with the Financial Responsibility Law, you may have your driving privileges suspended until you pay for the damages caused by the accident and pay a reinstatement fee.
Florida’s Financial Responsibility Law establishes the minimum auto insurance requirements for drivers. If you’re determined to have caused an accident and aren’t able to provide proof that you are insured, you may have your driving privileges suspended.
You may also face the following penalties for violating the Financial Responsibility Law:
- You can be issued a traffic citation for not having valid insurance. This carries a noncriminal traffic infraction penalty of a fine between $150-$500 for a first offense.
- Your driver’s license, license plates and vehicle registration can be suspended for up to 3 years. You would have to pay a reinstatement fee and show proof of insurance to get them back before the suspension period is up.
- You may be held liable to pay for all damages and injuries to the other parties in the crash if you were at fault. Their insurance company may bill you personally for these costs.
- For frequent offenders, Florida law allows for additional fines and potential jail time for repeated violations of the financial responsibility law.
If you were injured a car accident and the insurance company has denied your insurance claim, contact an insurance bad faith lawyer or car accident lawyer.
