When the DMV suspends your Florida driver’s license, it takes time to adjust to a life of limited mobility. If you’re shopping around for car insurance, your license suspension will usually create additional hurdles. A suspended license makes you look like a risk to insurance companies, even if your license suspension didn’t occur over a traffic issue.
Many drivers’ licenses are suspended for risky driving behaviors like DUI, reckless driving, accumulating too many points, and driving without car insurance. You cannot legally drive without a valid Florida license, so most auto insurance companies will hesitate to offer you a policy. Some may even outright deny your business. That’s because they view drivers with suspended licenses as a liability; statistically, they will more likely need to pay out a claim for a high-risk driver than a low-risk one.
Don’t be discouraged. While it may be challenging, it’s not impossible to find an auto insurance policy when you have a suspended license in Florida.
Thinking Outside the Box When Shopping for Auto Insurance
Getting auto insurance is mandatory in Florida, so there are a couple of techniques you could try to obtain the coverage you need while your license is suspended.
Try Smaller Auto Insurance Companies
Some smaller car insurance companies or subsidiaries of national companies may be more open to working with riskier drivers. Skip online shopping and try calling your local insurance providers to find an agent who will be willing to work with you.
Apply for a Hardship License
If you live in West Palm Beach and can show the DMV that a suspended license will create a significant hardship, you might be eligible for a restricted license — also called a hardship license. A restricted driver’s license allows drivers with suspended licenses to travel to the most essential places, such as:
- To and from work
- On-the-job driving
- School
- Where your kids need to go
- Church
- Court
- Medical appointments
When applying for a hardship license in West Palm Beach, the DMV will take into consideration three main factors during your application process which will help them decide whether to issue the license. They will evaluate:
- Why your license was suspended
- Why you’re requesting a hardship license
- Your driving record
You can improve your chances of obtaining a hardship license by working with a suspended license lawyer like Attorney Brian Gabriel. At The Law Office of Gabriel & Gabriel, Mr. Gabriel frequently provides legal services to people who wish to regain their driving privileges, clear their driving records, and acquire hardship licenses in situations where it’s not possible to defeat a license suspension.
Don’t Cancel Your Existing Auto Insurance Policy
If you’re already insured but are thinking about canceling your auto insurance policy to save money while your license is suspended, don’t. While you might save in the short-run, it will likely be necessary to have auto insurance coverage when the time comes to lift your suspension. If you cancel your insurance before the DMV lifts your suspension, you might not be able to get back on the road since you’re going to be an uninsured driver.
Fight Your License Suspension
Living without a valid driver’s license makes life surprisingly difficult. Don’t accept a license suspension without first seeking legal representation. Attorney Brian Gabriel has more than 30 years of experience fighting DUI, reckless driving, and other traffic-related charges that may have led to your suspension. See how he can help you hold onto your license in West Palm Beach. Call 561-622-5575 or click here to complete a contact form.