SR22 & FR44 Insurance FAQ

If you’ve been told you need an SR22 or FR44 certificate, you probably have questions. This FAQ covers everything from basic definitions to state-specific requirements, costs, timelines, and what happens if your coverage lapses. Whether you’re filing for the first time or switching providers, the answers below will help you understand exactly what’s required and how to stay compliant.

General SR22 & FR44 Questions

What is SR22 insurance?

SR22 is not a type of insurance—it’s a certificate of financial responsibility that your insurance company files with your state’s DMV. The certificate proves you carry at least the state-minimum liability coverage. You may need an SR22 after a DUI conviction, driving without insurance, causing an accident while uninsured, accumulating excessive points on your license, or having your license suspended or revoked. The SR22 itself stays on file with the state, and your insurer is required to notify the DMV immediately if your policy cancels or lapses for any reason.

What is FR44 insurance?

FR44 is similar to SR22 but requires significantly higher liability coverage limits. It is used only in Florida and Virginia for serious driving violations, primarily DUI convictions involving injury or high blood-alcohol levels. FR44 minimum limits are typically $100,000 bodily injury per person, $300,000 bodily injury per accident, and $50,000 property damage—roughly double to triple what standard SR22 requires. Because of the higher limits, FR44 premiums are substantially more expensive than SR22 policies.

What’s the difference between SR22 and FR44?

The main differences are coverage limits and which states use them. SR22 requires only the state’s standard minimum liability coverage, while FR44 requires elevated limits (100/300/50). SR22 is used in nearly all states; FR44 is exclusive to Florida and Virginia. SR22 is triggered by a range of violations including DUI, driving uninsured, and excessive points. FR44 is almost exclusively triggered by DUI convictions and is considered a more serious filing. Both require you to maintain continuous coverage for a set period (typically 3 years).

Do I need SR22 or FR44 if I don’t own a car?

Yes. If your state requires an SR22 or FR44 filing but you don’t own a vehicle, you need a non-owner policy. A non-owner SR22 or FR44 policy provides liability coverage when you drive a borrowed or rented vehicle, satisfies the state’s filing requirement, allows you to reinstate or maintain your driver’s license, and is typically more affordable than a standard owner’s policy since there’s no vehicle to insure. Learn more about non-owner policies.

Costs & Requirements

How much does SR22 insurance cost?

The SR22 filing fee itself is usually $15 to $50, paid once to your insurance company when they submit the certificate. However, your total insurance premium will increase because the SR22 designation marks you as a high-risk driver. Several factors affect your premium: the violation that triggered the requirement (DUI convictions cause the steepest increases), your age and driving history, your location (urban areas typically cost more), the coverage limits you choose, and which insurance company you use. Rates vary dramatically between insurers, so shopping around is essential. Foxx Insurance compares multiple carriers to find you the best rate available.

How much does FR44 insurance cost?

FR44 insurance is more expensive than SR22 because of the higher mandatory coverage limits. While SR22 requires your state’s minimum liability (often $25,000/$50,000/$25,000), FR44 requires $100,000/$300,000/$50,000. The higher limits mean higher premiums, plus the same high-risk surcharges that apply to SR22. In Florida, expect FR44 policies to cost significantly more than standard coverage. In Virginia, costs vary by insurer and driving record. The filing fee itself is comparable to SR22 ($15–$50).

How long do I need SR22 or FR44 insurance?

Most states require 3 years of continuous coverage from the date of conviction or license reinstatement. Here’s a breakdown by state:

• Arizona: 3 years
• California: 3 years
• Florida (SR22): 3 years
• Florida (FR44): 3 years
• Illinois: 3 years
• Missouri: 2 years
• Nevada: 3 years
• South Carolina: 3 years
• Tennessee: 3 years (5 years for some DUI offenses)
• Texas: 2 years
• Virginia (SR22): 3 years
• Virginia (FR44): 3 years

Critically, if your coverage lapses during the required period, the clock may reset and you’ll have to start the full term over from the beginning.

Coverage & Compliance

What happens if my SR22 or FR44 coverage lapses?

Your insurance company is legally required to notify the state DMV within 10 to 45 days (depending on the state) if your policy cancels or lapses. Once notified, the DMV will typically suspend your driver’s license immediately. You’ll need to purchase a new policy, pay reinstatement fees, and possibly restart your entire filing period from day one. To avoid lapses: set up automatic payments, mark renewal dates on your calendar, and notify your insurer immediately if you change addresses or payment methods.

Does SR22 or FR44 insurance cover me in other states?

Yes. Your SR22 or FR44 policy provides liability coverage in all 50 states, even though the filing is specific to your home state. If you’re driving through another state or temporarily in another state, your coverage follows you. However, if you permanently move to a new state, you must meet your new state’s requirements. Your current SR22/FR44 filing doesn’t automatically transfer—you’ll need to contact the new state’s DMV and work with your insurer to ensure compliance in your new location.

Can I switch insurance companies while carrying an SR22 or FR44?

Yes, you can switch providers at any time. The process requires care: your new insurer must file the SR22 or FR44 certificate with the state before you cancel your old policy. If there’s any gap between policies, your old insurer will notify the DMV of cancellation and your license may be suspended. Work with your new provider to coordinate the filing date. Foxx Insurance handles this coordination for you to ensure there’s no lapse in coverage.

Does SR22 insurance include full coverage?

No. SR22 and FR44 certificates only prove you carry liability insurance. Liability coverage pays for damage and injuries you cause to others, but does not cover damage to your own vehicle. If you want comprehensive and collision coverage (which covers theft, vandalism, weather damage, and accident damage to your own car), you must add those coverages separately. Many drivers choose to add full coverage, especially if they have a car loan or lease that requires it.

State-Specific Information

Which states does Foxx Insurance cover for SR22 and FR44?

We provide SR22 and FR44 insurance in 10 states:

• Arizona — SR22
• California — SR22
• Florida — SR22 & FR44
• Illinois — SR22
• Missouri — SR22
• Nevada — SR22
• South Carolina — SR22
• Tennessee — SR22
• Texas — SR22
• Virginia — SR22 & FR44

Each state page has detailed information about state-specific requirements, minimum coverage limits, filing durations, and how to get started.

Do all states use SR22 insurance?

No. States including New York, Delaware, Kentucky, North Carolina, New Mexico, Minnesota, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania do not use the SR22 system. These states have alternative methods for monitoring high-risk drivers, such as requiring proof of insurance directly through their DMV systems or using different filing forms. If you move to one of these states, your SR22 requirement from your previous state typically doesn’t follow you, but you should confirm with both states’ DMVs.

Getting Started

How quickly can I get my SR22 or FR44 filed?

In most cases, we can file your SR22 or FR44 certificate electronically the same day you purchase your policy. Once filed, you’ll receive confirmation and documentation immediately. Some state DMVs may take 1–3 business days to update their systems and reflect the filing, but you’ll have proof of coverage the same day. If you need same-day service, get a quote now and we’ll prioritize your filing.

What documents do I need to get SR22 or FR44 insurance?

To get started, you’ll typically need your driver’s license number, the court order or DMV notice requiring the SR22 or FR44 (if available), vehicle information (make, model, year, VIN) if you own a car, and payment information for your premium. If you don’t have the official notice, we can still help—call us and we’ll work with what you have.

Can I remove the SR22 or FR44 requirement early?

Generally, no. SR22 and FR44 requirements are court-ordered or state-mandated for a fixed period. You must maintain continuous coverage for the entire duration. The only way to end the requirement early is if the court or DMV that imposed it agrees to terminate it, which is rare. Once your required period ends, your insurer can cancel the filing, and your insurance rates should return to standard levels.