FR-44 Insurance Guide
FR-44 works like SR-22 but with much higher minimum liability requirements. Florida and Virginia are the only two states that use it after a DUI conviction. If you were convicted in either state, a standard SR-22 won't satisfy the requirement.
FL & VA
States That Use FR-44
All other states use SR-22
3 years
Required Duration
In both Florida and Virginia
3–5x
Rate Increase
Above standard rates
FR-44 requirements apply to DUI convictions in Florida and Virginia only. All other states use SR-22.
What Is FR-44?
FR-44 stands for Financial Responsibility — the same basic concept as SR-22. Your insurer files a certificate with the state DMV confirming you're carrying the required liability coverage. What makes FR-44 different is the liability limits it demands, which are substantially higher than standard SR-22 and drive up your premium considerably.
FR-44 vs SR-22: Key Differences
FR-44 is used in Florida and Virginia instead of SR-22. While similar in purpose, FR-44 requires significantly higher liability coverage limits.
Coverage Requirements Comparison
SR-22 (Most States):
- Varies by state minimum requirements
- Typically 5,000/0,000/5,000
FR-44 (Florida & Virginia):
- 00,000 bodily injury per person
- 00,000 bodily injury per accident
- 0,000 property damage per accident
Cost Differences
The higher coverage limits make FR-44 more expensive:
- SR-22: ,500-5,000 annually
- FR-44: ,500-7,000 annually
- Additional cost: ,000-2,000 per year
When FR-44 is Required
Florida:
- DUI convictions
- Serious traffic violations
- Uninsured driver violations
- License suspension for points
Virginia:
- DUI/DWI convictions
- Uninsured driver violations
- Certain reckless driving convictions
Filing Process
The process is identical to SR-22:
- Contact insurance company
- Purchase required coverage levels
- Pay filing fee (5-25)
- Maintain coverage for required period
Important Differences
Coverage amounts: Double the liability limits of most SR-22 states Cost: Significantly higher due to increased coverage Availability: Fewer insurers offer FR-44 compared to SR-22 Duration: Same 3-year requirement period
Finding FR-44 Insurance
Companies that commonly offer FR-44:
- Progressive
- Dairyland
- Direct Auto
- National General
Maintaining FR-44 Compliance
- Never reduce coverage below FR-44 minimums
- Maintain continuous coverage (no lapses)
- Keep documentation for full requirement period
- Verify annual renewals meet FR-44 limits
Non-Owner FR-44
Both states allow non-owner FR-44 policies:
- Cost: 00-1,500 annually
- Coverage: Same high liability limits
- Savings: Substantial if you don't own a vehicle
FR-44 Minimum Liability Requirements
FR-44 limits are dramatically higher than standard SR-22 minimums — this is why FR-44 costs more
Florida FR-44 Minimums
- $100,000 bodily injury / person
- $300,000 bodily injury / accident
- $50,000 property damage
Florida SR-22 Minimums (pre-FR-44)
- $10,000 bodily injury / person
- $20,000 bodily injury / accident
- $10,000 property damage
Virginia FR-44 Minimums
- $50,000 bodily injury / person
- $100,000 bodily injury / accident
- $40,000 property damage
Virginia SR-22 Minimums (standard)
- $25,000 bodily injury / person
- $50,000 bodily injury / accident
- $20,000 property damage
Florida's FR-44 requires 10x the bodily injury coverage of its old SR-22 minimums. Virginia's FR-44 requires 2x the standard SR-22 minimums. Higher required coverage means higher premiums.
Why Do Florida and Virginia Require FR-44?
Florida and Virginia both passed laws requiring higher liability limits for DUI convictions. Their logic: someone who drove impaired poses a higher risk to other people on the road, and standard minimums of $10,000-25,000 don't come close to covering serious accident damages. FR-44 makes that driver carry more of the financial exposure themselves.
Florida
- FR-44 required for DUI convictions under Florida Statute 324.023
- Required whether or not you own a vehicle
- Duration: 3 years from date of conviction
- Filing must be maintained continuously with no lapses
Virginia
- FR-44 required under Virginia Code § 46.2-435
- Applies to DUI and DWI convictions
- Duration: 3 years from date of conviction
- Non-owner FR-44 available for those without a vehicle
Who Needs FR-44?
You Need FR-44 If:
- You were convicted of DUI or DWI in Florida
- You were convicted of DUI or DWI in Virginia
- You need to reinstate a Florida or Virginia driver's license after a DUI
- You are a Florida or Virginia resident with a DUI conviction in either state
You Use SR-22 Instead If:
- Your DUI conviction is in any state other than Florida or Virginia
- You live in Arizona (uses SR-22 only, never FR-44)
- You live in North Carolina (uses DL-123 form)
- Your state does not require a financial responsibility filing
How Much Does FR-44 Cost?
FR-44 Cost Factors
Why FR-44 Costs More
- Higher required liability limits mean the insurer takes on more risk
- DUI conviction already places you in the highest-risk category
- Florida and Virginia insurers factor in state-specific DUI risk data
- Fewer insurers offer FR-44, reducing competitive pressure on rates
- Shopping multiple quotes is especially important — variation is significant
FR-44 Insurance Providers
The same carriers that write SR-22 generally offer FR-44 too. Not all of them do — stick to companies built around covering drivers standard insurers won't touch.
Progressive
One of the largest carriers in this space; writes FR-44 in FL and VA
Dairyland
Specialty carrier built for non-standard coverage; FR-44 available in most states
The General
Takes on drivers many other carriers won't; high-risk specialist
Gainsco
Non-standard auto carrier available in FL
National General
Writes non-standard policies in FL and VA
Bristol West
High-risk specialist; a Progressive company
Always verify the insurer operates in your specific state and will file the FR-44 form (not SR-22) with your state DMV.
Related SR-22 Guides
More information about SR-22 and financial responsibility requirements
Sources & Official Resources
Information drawn from Florida and Virginia DMV publications, state statutes, and NAIC regulatory materials. Requirements can change — confirm the current rules with your state DMV before proceeding.
- Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)
- Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
- Insurance Information Institute — SR-22 & FR-44
Last updated: March 21, 2026
Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you purchase FR-44 insurance through our partners, at no additional cost to you. This helps support our free educational content.