The Florida Basic Driver Improvement Course protects your insurance rates for a non-criminal traffic infraction when you elect the course and adjudication is withheld. Florida law prohibits insurers from raising your premium, canceling, or non-renewing your policy in this situation.
If you received a non-criminal traffic citation in Florida, you may worry about your insurance rates increasing. The Florida Basic Driver Improvement Course offers legal protections for your insurance if you meet certain requirements. Understanding how this protection works can help you make informed decisions after a citation.
How the Florida Basic Driver Improvement Course Protects Your Insurance
When you elect the Florida Basic Driver Improvement Course for a qualifying citation and complete it, Florida law requires your citation to be recorded as adjudication withheld. No points are added to your driving record. Under Florida Statute §626.9541, F.S., your insurance company cannot raise your premium, cancel your policy, or refuse to renew your policy solely because of this infraction. This protection applies automatically; you do not need to submit proof to your insurer.
Exceptions to Rate Protection
There are important exceptions. The protection does not apply if you were at fault in a crash where your insurer paid a claim, if you receive a second infraction within 18 months, or if you receive a third infraction within 36 months. In these cases, your insurer may take action based on your driving history.
Difference Between Rate Protection and Insurance Discounts
Legal rate protection only applies when you formally elect the Florida Basic Driver Improvement Course for a citation and adjudication is withheld. This is different from an insurance discount, which some insurers offer for voluntarily completing a state-approved course. Discounts are optional and vary by provider. For more details, see the insurance discount article.
Safe Driver Status and Its Impact
If you had ‘safe driver’ status on your Florida license before your citation, completing the Florida Basic Driver Improvement Course through election allows you to keep that status. Some insurers use safe driver status when determining your rates.
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Rules
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) enforces these protections and requirements. For more information about Florida traffic laws and insurance protections, visit the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Rate protection required by | Florida Statute §626.9541, F.S. |
| Applies to | Election track — citation with adjudication withheld |
| Protection covers | Premium increases, cancellation, non-renewal |
| Applies if at-fault in crash where insurer paid claim | No |
| Submit anything to insurer | No — the protection applies by law |
| Different from a voluntary discount | Yes — see insurance discount article |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to tell my insurance company I finished the Florida Basic Driver Improvement Course?
No, the protection applies automatically by law when adjudication is withheld and no points are assessed. However, you can contact your insurer if you have questions about their processes.
Does insurance rate protection apply if I take the Florida Basic Driver Improvement Course voluntarily?
No, the legal protection only applies when you elect the course for a specific citation and adjudication is withheld. Voluntary completion does not trigger this protection.
What can I do if my insurance rates go up after the Florida Basic Driver Improvement Course?
Contact your insurer and reference Florida Statute §626.9541, F.S. If the issue is not resolved, consider consulting a Florida insurance attorney or the Florida Department of Financial Services.
Does the Florida Basic Driver Improvement Course remove points from my record?
When you elect the course for a qualifying citation, no points are added to your record. The course does not remove existing points.
Can I get both insurance rate protection and a discount for the Florida Basic Driver Improvement Course?
You may receive rate protection for a qualifying citation and a discount if your insurer offers one for voluntary completion. These are separate benefits and depend on your insurer’s policies.
Is the protection available for all types of traffic violations?
No, the protection only applies to non-criminal traffic infractions where adjudication is withheld and no points are assessed.