What is FR-44 insurance? FR-44 vs. SR-22 auto insurance forms

An FR-44 is a document of financial responsibility—used in Florida and Virginia—proving you carry car insurance. If you’re convicted of a DUI or other alcohol-related offense in either of these states, you’ll likely be required to purchase an FR-44 and file it with the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Only Florida and Virginia use FR-44s. In other states, this filing is referred to as an SR-22. That said, Virginia and Florida also require SR-22s for certain offenses that don’t involve alcohol, such as falsifying a car insurance policy or not carrying required coverages.

An FR-44 also differs from an SR-22 in that an SR-22 requires drivers to carry their state’s minimum liability limit insurance, while an FR-44 requires greater-than-minimum liability limits.

No. An FR-44 is a certificate from your insurance company letting the state know that you're covered for the insurance it requires you to have. It proves you meet your state's car insurance requirements, but it's not considered insurance itself.

Residents of Virginia and Florida who are convicted of a DUI or similar violation—such as driving while intoxicated (DWI)—may be required to purchase an FR-44 form.

In Virginia, the minimum required coverage limits for an FR-44 are:

• $60,000 in bodily injury liability per person

• $120,000 in bodily injury liability per accident

• $40,000 in property damage liability per accident

Florida’s minimum required coverage limits for FR-44s are:

• $100,000 in bodily injury liability per person

• $300,000 in bodily injury liability per accident

• $50,000 in property damage liability per accident

In Florida, some limitations apply regarding drivers and policy types that qualify for FR-44s. Give us a call at 844-242-4468 for more information.

Much like you don’t need to own a car in order to get a driver’s license or purchase car insurance, you don’t need to own a car to get an FR-44.

For example, let’s say you don’t own a car but you’re caught driving under the influence while borrowing a friend’s car. You may still be required to get an FR-44.

To help stay legal behind the wheel if you don’t own a vehicle, consider purchasing non-owner car insurance.

Depending on your state and insurance provider, there may be a fee associated with your FR-44—typically between $15 and $25. In those cases, you may be able to pay your insurance company directly. Other companies just include the fee in your monthly premium.

In Florida, Dairyland doesn’t charge a fee for FR-44 filings.

While the fee for the FR-44 form is small, your rates will likely increase following a DUI or DWI. The extent your rates change will vary by insurance carrier, the severity of your violation, and other factors.

Insurance rates are determined by multiple factors, including:

• Driving experience and history

• Age

• Marital status

• Where you live

In both Virginia and Florida, we offer an insurance discount when your policy is paid in full. This discount applies to your FR-44, and can help offset your total cost.

While the duration for your specific FR-44 may vary, FR-44s are usually required for three years. But to be sure, double check with the court or your state's DMV to know how long you must keep this certificate on file.

Once you have your court hearing and are told you need an FR-44, contact your insurance company. They'll start the process of adding an FR-44 to your policy and ensure you get the proof of FR-44 you need to reinstate your driver's license.

At Dairyland®, we can issue your FR-44 immediately, with same-day electronic filing in Florida and Virginia. Give us a call at 844-242-4468 to begin.

State law requires that an FR-44 policy can't be cancelled. If your insurance policy lapses before your designated term is up, the DMV will be notified by your insurance provider and your license may be suspended.