FR-44 Insurance Guide

FR-44 Insurance in Florida and Virginia: A Comprehensive Guide

FR-44 insurance is a certificate of financial responsibility required in only two states in the United States: Florida and Virginia. It's often confused with SR-22 insurance, which is used in most other states. However, FR-44 mandates much higher liability coverage, leading to significantly higher premiums. This article provides a detailed overview of FR-44 insurance, specifically focusing on Florida and Virginia.

What is FR-44 Insurance?

FR-44 insurance is not a separate insurance policy. It's a certificate filed by your insurance company with the state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent, proving that you have the required minimum liability coverage. This certificate is required for a specific period following a DUI/DWI conviction.

FR-44 vs. SR-22

The crucial difference between FR-44 and SR-22 lies in the liability limits. While both are certificates of financial responsibility, FR-44 requires substantially higher coverage than SR-22. This difference reflects the perceived higher risk associated with DUI/DWI offenders in Florida and Virginia. SR-22 usually requires the state minimum liability coverage, whereas FR-44 requires liability limits double that amount (in Florida) or close to the state minimums (in Virginia).

Which States Use FR-44?

FR-44 insurance is exclusively used in two states:

• Florida
• Virginia

All other states utilize the SR-22 form for similar requirements. It is important to note that even for the states that use only SR-22 forms, such as Arizona and Texas, you may still be required to keep the policy even if you move out of state.

FR-44 Requirements in Florida

Florida FR-44 requirements mandate higher liability limits than a standard SR-22 policy. These limits are set at:

• Bodily Injury Liability (per person): $100,000
• Bodily Injury Liability (per accident): $300,000
• Property Damage Liability: $50,000

This 100/300/50 coverage is significantly higher than Florida's standard SR-22 minimums or the limits required in many other states.

FR-44 Requirements in Virginia

Virginia also requires FR-44 insurance for DUI/DWI convictions, but the liability limits are different from Florida. The minimums are:

• Bodily Injury Liability (per person): $50,000
• Bodily Injury Liability (per accident): $100,000
• Property Damage Liability: $40,000

This 50/100/40 coverage is more than the states' SR-22 limits but less than Florida's FR-44 coverage.

Who Needs FR-44 Insurance?

FR-44 insurance is typically required for drivers convicted of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) in Florida or Virginia. It's important to note that not all traffic violations trigger an FR-44 requirement. It's specifically associated with alcohol-related offenses. Some instances may require an FR-44 or similar insurance policy, such as repeat offenders.

How Long is FR-44 Required?

Both Florida and Virginia require FR-44 insurance for a period of three years. This three-year period typically begins after your license is reinstated or when you become eligible for reinstatement. It's crucial to maintain continuous coverage during this entire period, or your license will be suspended.

Cost Impact of FR-44

Due to the significantly higher liability limits, FR-44 insurance is considerably more expensive than standard SR-22 insurance. The higher coverage translates to a higher risk for the insurance company, resulting in higher premiums for the driver.

Several factors influence the cost of FR-44 insurance, including:

• Your driving record
• Your age
• Your location
• The insurance company

It's essential to shop around and compare quotes from multiple insurers to find the best rate.

The Filing Process

The filing process for FR-44 insurance is similar to that of SR-22.

1. Contact an Insurer: Find an insurance company licensed in Florida or Virginia that offers FR-44 insurance.
2. Purchase a Policy: Purchase a policy that meets the state's required liability limits (100/300/50 in Florida, 50/100/40 in Virginia).
3. Insurer Files the FR-44: The insurance company will electronically file the FR-44 certificate with the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) or the Virginia DMV.

You cannot file the FR-44 yourself. It must be filed directly by the insurance company.

Consequences of Lapsing Coverage

Lapsing your FR-44 coverage has severe consequences. If your insurance policy is canceled or lapses for any reason, the insurance company is legally obligated to notify the FLHSMV or Virginia DMV immediately. This notification triggers an immediate suspension of your driver's license. To reinstate your license, you'll need to:

• Obtain a new FR-44 insurance policy.
• Have the insurance company file a new FR-44 certificate with the state.
• Pay reinstatement fees to the FLHSMV or Virginia DMV.

Frequent lapses can lead to insurers refusing to rewrite your policy or classifying you as "uninsurable" in the standard market.

Moving from Florida/Virginia Mid-Requirement

If you move from Florida or Virginia to another state while still under the FR-44 requirement, you're not off the hook. The FR-44 requirement doesn't vanish when you leave the state.

You typically have two options:

1. Find a Carrier Licensed in Both States: Find an insurance company licensed in both your former state (FL or VA) and your new state. They can file an "Out-of-State FR-44" to satisfy the requirements of the FLHSMV or Virginia DMV.
2. Maintain a Non-Owner Policy: Maintain a non-owner FR-44 policy in Florida or Virginia while also obtaining a standard auto insurance policy in your new state.

Failure to maintain the FR-44 filing can prevent you from getting a driver's license in your new state. The National Driver Register (NDR) and the Problem Driver Pointer System (PDPS) share suspension data between states, so a suspension in Florida or Virginia can block licensure in other states.