What is FR-44 Insurance?

1. What is FR-44?

An FR-44 is not an insurance policy itself — it is a form that an insurance company submits to confirm a high-risk driver has met the state's required minimum coverage, acting as proof of financial responsibility. (Source: U.S. News & World Report)

Florida and Virginia are the only two states that require an FR-44 certificate. It is only required for high-risk drivers with specific, severe traffic offenses. (Source: MoneyGeek)

Florida and Virginia also use the SR-22, but it's generally only required for drivers with less severe offenses, such as having too many points on their license or getting into an accident while uninsured. The FR-44 is used specifically for DUI/DWI convictions. (Source: Progressive)

2. FR-44 vs SR-22 — Key Differences

SR-22 forms can be mandated for DUIs, driving without a license, multiple at-fault accidents, and more, while FR-44 forms are reserved for DUIs and driving with a suspended license. (Source: ConsumerCoverage)

3. Who Needs an FR-44?

Florida triggers:

Florida requires drivers to submit FR-44 for DUI convictions. Florida still uses SR-22 for: excessive license points, reckless driving, driving without adequate liability insurance, and child support nonpayment license suspension. (Source: SR-22 Adviser)

Virginia triggers:

In Virginia, high-risk drivers may need to file and maintain FR-44 insurance after: causing maiming injuries while driving under the influence, operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, driving with a revoked license due to a previous conviction, or violating federal, state, or local laws similar to those driving offenses. (Source: Insurance Navy)

4. Coverage Minimums Required

Florida — 100/300/50

Florida FR-44 insurance requires liability coverage of $100,000 per person / $300,000 per accident / $50,000 property damage — 10× the state minimum. Florida's standard minimum is only 10/20/10. (Source: FR44 & SR22 Experts)

Some carriers offer a Combined Single Limit of $350,000 that also satisfies FR-44 requirements in Florida.

Virginia — 100/200/40

Virginia updated its FR-44 requirements effective January 1, 2025. The minimum liability limits are now $100,000 per person for bodily injury, $200,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $40,000 for property damage — the 100/200/40 structure. These are exactly double Virginia's standard liability minimums of 50/100/20. (Source: Sr22direct)

5. How Much Does FR-44 Cost?

• Filing fee: The FR-44 filing fee itself is $15–$25 per year — the real cost is the higher liability minimums the FR-44 requires.
• Florida annual premiums: In Florida, the average annual cost of auto insurance with an FR-44 is just over $4,000. GEICO, State Farm, and Progressive tend to have lower-than-average rates. Most Florida drivers with one DUI pay $80–$150 per month for FR-44 coverage — roughly 2–4× what standard auto insurance costs. The DUI surcharge itself typically adds $40–$80 per month, with the rest of the increase coming from the mandatory higher coverage limits.
• Virginia annual premiums: The cost of insurance with an FR-44 in Virginia is lower than in Florida. In general, you can find a minimum coverage policy for around $1,200 annually ($100 monthly). State Farm, Erie, and USAA tend to have below-average rates in Virginia.
• Overall range (both states): FR-44 costs $1,200–$3,200 annually, but comparing quotes from specialists can save hundreds. Rates vary between insurers by as much as 40% for the same coverage.

6. Cheapest FR-44 Insurance Companies

Florida:

Direct Auto and GEICO have Florida's cheapest FR-44 insurance. Direct Auto has the cheapest minimum FR-44 insurance at $273 a month. GEICO has the cheapest full coverage at $408 a month. (Source: LendingTree)

Progressive and State Farm typically offer the lowest rates at $85–$140 per month. For recent DUIs or additional violations, non-standard carriers like Dairyland and Gainsco may be more competitive. Always compare at least 4–5 carriers.

Virginia:

State Farm, Erie, and USAA tend to have below-average rates in Virginia for FR-44.

Major insurance companies such as State Farm, Progressive, and GEICO offer FR-44 filings and send the FR-44 form straight to the state. They may also give discounts if you bundle policies, take a defensive driving course, or pay in full.

7. How Long Do You Need FR-44?

Florida:

Florida requires FR-44 coverage for 3 consecutive years from the date of conviction. The 3-year clock starts on the conviction date, not when you buy insurance or reinstate your license. Moving out of Florida does not end the FR-44 requirement — you must maintain it until the 3-year period expires, regardless of where you live.

Virginia:

Virginia requires FR-44 filings for three years from the date of license reinstatement — not the conviction date.

Lapse consequences (both states):

Maintaining continuous coverage is mandatory. A lapse can lead to additional penalties such as license suspension and potentially restarting the entire filing period from day one.

8. How to Get FR-44 — Step by Step

1. Receive your DMV notice — The court or DMV sends written notification that an FR-44 is required before your license can be reinstated.
2. Contact an insurer that files FR-44 — Not all insurers offer FR-44 filings. Major companies like State Farm, Progressive, and GEICO handle FR-44 filings and submit the form electronically to your state DMV.
3. Purchase a qualifying policy — Your policy must meet the state's FR-44 minimum limits (100/300/50 in Florida; 100/200/40 in Virginia).
4. Insurer files the certificate — The electronic filing process has streamlined what used to take weeks into something that can happen in a single day.
5. Reinstate your license — Once the DMV processes the filing, you can proceed with license reinstatement.
6. Maintain continuous coverage — Set up automatic payments so you don't accidentally miss a payment. Keep your policy going for the full mandatory period — usually three years.

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