What Is FR-44 Insurance?
FR-44 is a certificate of financial responsibility required after certain DUI-related offenses in Florida and Virginia. It proves you carry higher liability limits than standard auto insurance.
FR-44 is not a separate insurance policy. Your insurance company adds the FR-44 filing to your existing auto policy and submits it electronically to the state DMV. Think of it as a guarantee to the state that you’re carrying the required coverage.
Only two states use FR-44 filings. Every other state uses SR-22 for similar situations.
FR-44 Coverage Requirements
FR-44 requires significantly higher liability limits than standard auto insurance or SR-22 filings:
Florida FR-44 Minimum Limits
- $100,000 bodily injury per person
- $300,000 bodily injury per accident
- $50,000 property damage
Compare that to Florida’s standard minimum of $10,000/$20,000/$10,000. FR-44 requires 10 times the bodily injury coverage.
Virginia FR-44 Minimum Limits
- $50,000 bodily injury per person
- $100,000 bodily injury per accident
- $40,000 property damage
Who Needs FR-44 Insurance?
You need an FR-44 filing if you were convicted of a DUI or DWI-related offense in Florida or Virginia. Common situations include:
- First DUI conviction in Florida or Virginia
- Multiple DUI offenses with license revocation
- Refusal of a breathalyzer or blood test (in some cases)
- DUI with property damage or bodily injury
- Driving under the influence of drugs
Important: If your offense is NOT DUI-related (driving without insurance, too many points, etc.), you likely need SR-22 insurance instead of FR-44.
FR-44 vs SR-22: What’s the Difference?
Both are certificates of financial responsibility, but they serve different purposes:
- FR-44 is for DUI-related offenses in Florida and Virginia only. It requires much higher coverage limits.
- SR-22 is used in 49 states for various violations (suspended license, no insurance, excessive points). It requires standard minimum coverage.
In Florida, a DUI conviction almost always requires FR-44, not SR-22. Getting the wrong filing delays your license reinstatement. Read our full SR-22 vs FR-44 comparison.
How Much Does FR-44 Insurance Cost?
FR-44 insurance costs more than standard coverage because of the higher liability limits and the DUI on your record. Your rate depends on several factors:
- Your state — Florida’s limits are higher than Virginia’s
- Your driving history — first offense vs multiple DUIs
- Owner vs non-owner — non-owner policies are typically cheaper
- Your age, location, and credit
- The insurance carrier — rates vary significantly between companies
We shop multiple high-risk carriers to find competitive rates. Every situation is different, so the best way to know your cost is to get a free quote.
Owner vs Non-Owner FR-44
Owner FR-44: If you own a vehicle or have regular access to one, you need an owner policy. This covers the specific vehicle(s) listed on your policy and can include comprehensive and collision coverage.
Non-Owner FR-44: If you don’t own a car, a non-owner policy provides liability coverage when you drive borrowed or rented vehicles. Non-owner policies are typically more affordable since they don’t insure a specific vehicle.
If your situation changes — say you buy a car after starting with non-owner coverage — we can convert your policy without a gap in your FR-44 filing.
How to Get FR-44 Insurance
- Confirm your requirement. Check your DMV reinstatement letter to verify you need FR-44 (not SR-22).
- Choose owner or non-owner. This depends on whether you own or have regular access to a vehicle.
- Get quotes from high-risk specialists. Not all insurance companies offer FR-44 filing. Work with an agency that handles these regularly.
- Bind your policy. Once you choose a policy, your insurer issues the coverage and files the FR-44 electronically with the DMV.
- Reinstate your license. After the FR-44 is filed and any other requirements are met (DUI school, fines, waiting period), visit your local DMV office to reinstate.
At Foxx Insurance, we handle steps 3-4 and can often file on the same day you call.
How Long Do You Need FR-44?
In Florida, FR-44 is typically required for 3 years from the date your license is reinstated. Virginia’s requirement is also 3 years in most cases.
Critical rule: If your coverage lapses for even one day, your insurance company must notify the DMV within 24 hours. Your license gets suspended again, and the 3-year clock may restart from scratch.
Set up automatic payments and keep your insurer’s contact info handy. A single missed payment can cost you years of extra FR-44 coverage.
If you need to complete a court-ordered DUI program, see our Florida DUI Schools Directory for DHSMV-approved programs by county.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get FR-44 insurance the same day?
Yes. Once your policy is bound, your insurance company can file the FR-44 certificate with the DMV electronically — often within hours. At Foxx Insurance, same-day filing is standard.
What happens if my FR-44 lapses?
Your insurer notifies the DMV within 24 hours. Your license is suspended immediately, you’ll face new reinstatement fees, and your 3-year requirement may restart from the lapse date.
Does every insurance company offer FR-44?
No. Many standard carriers (GEICO, State Farm, Allstate) don’t offer FR-44 filing. You’ll need a carrier that specializes in high-risk auto insurance or an independent agent who works with those carriers.
Is FR-44 more expensive than SR-22?
Yes. FR-44 requires much higher liability limits and is tied to DUI convictions, which put you in a higher risk category. Expect to pay significantly more than a standard SR-22 policy.
Can I remove FR-44 early?
Generally no. You must maintain FR-44 for the full court-ordered or state-mandated period (usually 3 years). Removing it early results in immediate license suspension.
Get FR-44 Insurance Today
Foxx Insurance specializes in FR-44 filings for Florida and Virginia. We work with multiple high-risk carriers to find you competitive rates, and we handle the DMV filing so you don’t have to.
- Same-day electronic filing with the DMV
- Owner and non-owner policies available
- 1,258 five-star reviews from drivers like you
- No judgment — we help you move forward
Call 877-409-1063 or get a free quote online.