Still, getting car insurance after an accident in Florida is possible, though usually at a higher premium since the driver is considered a greater risk. Depending on the insurer, drivers with a recent accident can still obtain coverage.
How Does Your Car Insurance Work After an Accident?
Increased Premiums
Be prepared for the increase in car insurance premiums on account of an accident, although the actual increase will range between 20-50% or more, depending on the nature of the accident itself and on your record.
Availability of Coverage
Insurers may consider risks after accidents, but you can still find coverage from other providers if you keep searching for more quotes. When it comes to car insurance after an accident, being a “no-fault” state in Florida means that the insurance of the person who gets injured will pay for the medical expenses of the injured party, regardless of who is at fault—but this coverage is limited to a certain time or amount.
Get Quotes From Multiple Insurers
Shop around for the best rates from various insurance companies to find the most affordable coverage for your situation.
Understand Florida’s No-Fault Laws
Be aware of Florida’s no-fault laws for how your medical expenses will be paid for after the accident, which is a distinct process from getting a new insurance policy.
Be Honest About the Accident
When applying for new insurance, you must be truthful about the accident. Many policies allow for a 30-day grace period to pay your premium.
Florida Car Insurance After an Accident Requirements
Involved in a Crash? Section 316.065, Florida Statutes, requires the driver of a vehicle involved in a crash involving injury or death to a person, or at least $500 estimated vehicle or property damage, to immediately contact local law enforcement. Otherwise, you can complete a “Driver Report of Traffic Crash (Self Report)” or “Driver Exchange of Information” online.
Requesting the Other Party’s Insurance Information
Section 324.242(2), Florida Statutes, only allows release of insurance information for a vehicle involved in a crash to:
- A person involved in the crash.
- Their attorney, or a representative of the insurer of anyone involved in the crash.
If you need the other party’s insurance coverage, please complete the following:
- Complete Insurance Request Form (HSMV 83392).
- Get a copy of the complete crash report, front and back. Crash reports are available for purchase at floridacrashportal.gov. You may also send in a copy of the Driver Report of Traffic Crash (Self Report).
- Mail or fax the Insurance Request Form and the complete crash report or Driver Report of a Traffic Crash (Self Report).
Please allow ten working days after receipt by the Department for processing the car insurance after an accident documents.
Crashes Involving Injuries
If the at-fault driver was charged with a moving violation and injuries or possible injuries were noted on the crash report, Florida Financial Responsibility Law (Chapter 324, Florida Statutes) requires the at-fault owner/driver to have full liability insurance coverage in effect at the time of the crash.
This coverage includes:
- minimum limits of bodily injury liability of $10,000 per person, $20,000 per crash.
- $10,000 property damage liability per crash.
- personal injury protection limits of $10,000 per person per crash.
If the owner/driver did not have this coverage, the department requires the at-fault party to:
- Purchase and maintain minimum limits of $10,000/$20,000/$10,000 insurance coverage and an SR-22 filing (certification of liability insurance) for three years from the designated suspension date. Your insurance company must certify this SR-22 filing with our department.
- Obtain releases from the other parties for their property damages and/or bodily injuries, or post a security deposit with the department in the amounts listed on the suspension notice.
- Pay a $15 reinstatement fee, if applicable.
The Final Judgment
Section 324.121, Florida Statutes, provides for suspension by the department of the license of an at-fault driver when the court renders a judgment in a crash case. If you would like to pursue a final judgment in a civil suit against the at-fault party for damages due to the crash, you are free to do so.
Once you obtain a final judgment, you will get a certified copy of the judgment from the court after 30 days of the final judgment date, and serve that along with the crash report. Whenever our department receives a final judgment for enforcement, we suspend the at-fault party’s license, tags, and registrations for 20 years or until they fully satisfy the judgment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Insurance After an Accident
1. If the At-Fault Party Approaches Me With a Release (Hsmv 74014) or Some Agreement (Hsmv 74036) Form, What Should I Do?
Settlements for damages are at your discretion. If compensation for any crash-related damages or injuries has been provided by an insurance company, you should reach out to.
2. What Do I Do With the Form Once I Get It Signed and SR-22 Insurance Filed?
If the department requests proof of coverage for the crash date, you can mail these documents to:
Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Bureau of Motorist Compliance
2900 Apalachee Parkway, Room B260F, MS-87
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0585
Alternatively, bring them to the nearest driver’s license and motor vehicle service center or Tax Collector’s office to keep your driving privilege active.
3. I Am Really Lost on All These Auto Insurance Laws. I Want To Talk to Someone Who Can Help Me Understand It. Who Should I Call?
Call the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Customer Service Center at (850) 617-2000.
Final Thought!
Jenkins Law PL is here to help you deal with the overwhelming measures of Florida’s complicated insurance laws if you recently had an accident. Our experienced attorneys will guide you at every single step — from understanding no-fault insurance rules to managing car insurance after an accident, rising premiums, and SR-22 filings. Don’t risk costly mistakes or missed deadlines that could jeopardize your driving privileges or financial security. Contact Jenkins Law PL today for trusted legal guidance and peace of mind after your accident.
Let Jenkins Law PL be the champions of every right you have so that you can move forward in confidence. Get a free consultation today, and get the legal clarity you require after your car accident.
