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FR-44 in Florida and Virginia: Navigating Insurance After a DUI Conviction

author-photoWritten by Derek San Filippo
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Derek San Filippo

Derek has written 100+ articles on property & casualty, health and life insurance topics as an insurance expert for Smar...

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editor-photoEdited by Dan Marticio
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Dan Marticio

Dan Marticio is the content manager at SmartFinancial and has written 150+ articles across multiple insurance verticals....

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Updated December 28, 2023

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FR-44 insurance is a certification process required in Florida and Virginia for drivers who have DUI convictions and other severe traffic violations. It's not an insurance policy itself, but a form proving to the state that the driver is maintaining auto insurance coverage that meets the higher insurance requirements imposed on drivers who have commited a major moving violation.

Learn what your state's FR-44 obligations are as well as what you can do if you don't have a vehicle.

Key Takeaways

  • FR-44 requirements are imposed only in Florida and Virginia.
  • The cost of filing an FR-44 certificate ranges between $15 and $25.
  • FR-44 requirements impose higher insurance limits which result in higher rates.
  • The insurance company typically files the FR-44 form with the DMV and the policyholder must maintain the required coverage for three years.

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How Does FR-44 Insurance Work?

An FR-44 is a certificate filed by your insurance company on your behalf with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) that proves a driver's insurance coverage meets state requirements for financial responsibility. In Florida and Virginia, it is necessary to reinstate a driver's license after certain serious traffic violations, such as a DUI or operating a vehicle after the forfeiture of a driver’s license.

Note that an FR-44 is not a type of insurance but a verification that you have the right insurance at the right limits.

What Are the Requirements for FR-44 Insurance?

If you’re convicted of a major moving violation and must meet FR-44 filing requirements, you will be required to purchase higher insurance limits.

State

Insurance Requirements

Florida[1]
  • $100,000 for bodily injury / death liability to one person
  • $300,000 for bodily injury / death liability of two or more people
  • $50,000 for property damage liability
  • $10,000 per accident for personal injury protection

Virginia*[2][3]
  • $60,000 for bodily injury / death liability to one person
  • $120,000 for bodily injury / death liability of two or more people
  • $40,000 for property damage liability

*Will update to $100,000/$200,000/$50,000 for policies starting in 2025[3]

How Much Does FR-44 Insurance Cost?

Filing an FR-44 certificate typically costs between $15 and $25 but the price of the associated policy depends on factors like age, location and vehicle type.[4] In addition to the filing fees, as an FR-44 is required for high-risk drivers, it demands higher minimum coverage limits than standard policies. Therefore, expect to pay more for an FR-44-compliant policy than for regular auto insurance.

Who Needs FR-44 Insurance?

The moving violations that would necesitate a driver to file an FR-44 certificate will differ in Virginia and Florida. Virginia, for example, specifically states that an FR-44 certification is mandated for drivers who are guilty of:[2]

  • Maiming under the influence
  • Driving under the influence of intoxicants or drugs
  • Driving after the driver's license has been forfeited due to a conviction or a finding of not innocent in a juvenile case
  • Violating similar federal laws, laws of other states or local ordinances related to the above offenses

Florida, on the other hand, will require an FR-44 only if a person is convicted of a DUI.[5]

How Long Do You Need FR-44 Insurance?

You usually need to keep an FR-44 filed with your state's DMV for three years.[5][6] If you maintain coverage and a good driving record during this time, you can drop the FR-44 requirements and return to a standard policy that meets the state’s normal insurance requirements. This can help you save on car insurance since you will no longer be paying for the higher limits associated with FR-44s.

What’s the Difference Between FR-44 Insurance and SR-22 Insurance?

In 2024, the mandated insurance limits for FR-44 requirements are higher than SR-22 requirements. In Virginia, FR-44 requirements are double the SR-22 requirements. Meanwhile, in Florida, the liability requirements are five times higher if you have to file form FR-44 versus if you have to file form SR-22.[1][2][3]

 

SR-22

FR-44

Florida
  • Bodily injury liability: $10,000 per person / $20,000 per accident
  • Property damage liability: $10,000 per accident
  • Personal injury protection: $10,000 per accident
  • Bodily injury liability: $100,000 per person / $300,000 per accident
  • Property damage liability: $50,000 per accident
  • Personal injury protection: $10,000 per accident

Virginia
  • Bodily injury liability: $30,000 per person / $60,000 per accident
  • Property damage liability: $20,000 per accident
  • Bodily injury liability: $60,000 per person / $120,000 per accident
  • Property damage liability: $40,000 per accident

Perhaps the biggest difference is that FR-44s are not used in most states. Instead, SR-22s are used as a catch-all for several types of moving violations including driving under the influence or driving with a suspended license. Florida and Virginia, on the other hand, use SR-22s for what could be considered minor traffic violations.

How To Submit an FR-44 Form

Car insurance companies will typically be the ones who will submit the appropriate form to the DMV. After that, all you'll have to do is maintain the required coverage for the next three years.[3][6] Should you lose coverage, your carrier will need to inform your state's authorities.

Shop for Auto Insurance That Meets FR-44 Requirements

FAQs

When is FR-44 insurance required?

FR-44 requirements are enforced only in Florida and Virginia and are imposed when you commit a major moving violation such as driving under the influence or if you’re caught driving after your license was forfeited.

If I have FR-44 insurance am I considered high-risk?

Yes, insurance companies will consider you a high-risk driver and charge higher rates if you have FR-44 filing requirements. FR-44 filing requirements are imposed when you commit a major moving violation such as driving under the influence or driving after your license has been suspended.

Can I cancel FR-44 insurance when I want?

You cannot cancel your FR-44 whenever you want. You will likely need to maintain an FR-44 and associated coverage for three years.[5][6]

When is an SR-22 required?

Florida and Virginia require SR-22s when someone commits certain non-DUI traffic violations, such as driving without proper insurance or with a suspended license. Other states require SR-22s for similar and other reckless driving offenses but they will also often include DUIs.

Can I get FR-44 if I don’t have a car?

If you don't own a car, you can get a non-owner policy with an attached FR-44. You may also have the option of being listed on another person’s policy, making sure that the limits meet your legal requirements.[4]

Sources

  1. Florida Department of Financial Services. "Automobile Insurance Toolkit," Page 4. Accessed Dec. 12, 2023.
  2. Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. "Financial Responsibility Certifications." Accessed Dec. 12, 2023.
  3. Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. "Insurance Requirements." Accessed Dec. 12, 2023.
  4. Direct Auto Insurance. "What’s the Difference Between an SR-22 and an FR-44?" Accessed Dec. 12, 2023.
  5. State of Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. "FR-44 Ins. Industry Memo," Page 1. Accessed Dec. 12, 2023.
  6. Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. “Payment Plan Program.” Accessed Dec. 27, 2023.
About the Author
Derek San Filippo
Derek San Filippo
Auto Insurance Expert

Derek has written 100+ articles on property & casualty, health and life insurance topics as an insurance expert for SmartFinancial. Within his decade-long career writing about finances, entertainment, religion and philosophy, Derek spent three years writing financial articles for credit unions throughout the U.S. He prides himself on his ability to translate complex topics into actionable tips for everyday people.

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