FR-44 Coverage Requirements: Your Questions Answered
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is FR-44 insurance and how is it different from SR-22?
FR-44 is a certificate of financial responsibility required in Florida and Virginia after DUI or DWI convictions, proving you carry higher liability limits than SR-22. Florida FR-44 requires 100/300/50 liability coverage; Virginia requires 50/100/40. SR-22 exists in most other states but requires lower liability minimums. Only Florida and Virginia use FR-44, and not all carriers offer it.
How long do I have to carry FR-44 insurance?
Florida requires FR-44 filing for 3 years from the reinstatement date; Virginia requires 3 years from the conviction date. The clock starts when the state says it starts — not when you buy the policy. If your policy lapses or cancels during the required period, your insurer notifies the DMV immediately and your license is re-suspended. You'll need to refile and restart the clock in most cases.
Can I switch insurance companies while I have an FR-44 requirement?
Yes, you can switch carriers during your FR-44 period, but there cannot be any gap in coverage or filing. Your new insurer must file the FR-44 certificate before your old policy cancels — even one day without active filing triggers automatic license suspension. Coordinate the cancellation and effective dates carefully with both carriers. Many drivers switch annually during the FR-44 period to capture lower rates as risk profiles improve.
What happens if I miss a payment on my FR-44 policy?
If you miss a payment and your FR-44 policy cancels, your insurer notifies the DMV electronically within 24 to 48 hours and your license is suspended immediately. You'll need to purchase a new FR-44 policy, pay reinstatement fees to the DMV, and in most cases restart the 3-year filing clock. Many FR-44 carriers do not offer grace periods for high-risk policies. Setting up automatic payments eliminates this risk entirely.
How does the FR-44 filing process work after I buy a policy?
Once you purchase an FR-44 policy and pay your first premium, your insurer files the FR-44 certificate electronically with the Florida or Virginia DMV within 24 to 48 hours. You'll receive a copy of the filing confirmation for your records. The DMV processes the filing and updates your license status — this can take 3 to 10 business days. You can check your reinstatement eligibility online through your state DMV portal once the filing is confirmed.
Do I need to do anything after my insurer files the FR-44?
After your insurer files the FR-44, you must confirm the DMV received it and determine if additional reinstatement steps are required — most states require payment of reinstatement fees before your license is active. Check your state DMV website or call their reinstatement unit 5 business days after filing to verify status. Some drivers must also complete DUI programs, pay court fines, or serve suspension periods before reinstatement. Your license is not valid until the DMV confirms full compliance and issues reinstatement.
How soon can I get FR-44 insurance after a DUI conviction?
You can purchase FR-44 insurance immediately after conviction, but your license won't be reinstated until you've completed all court-ordered requirements and suspension periods. Florida and Virginia each specify minimum suspension durations depending on violation severity — first-time DUI suspensions typically last 6 months to 1 year. Buying FR-44 insurance early ensures the policy is active and filed the moment you're eligible for reinstatement. Waiting until the last day can delay reinstatement by a week or more due to filing processing time.
Is my personal information safe when I request FR-44 quotes?
Yes — your information is transmitted using 256-bit SSL encryption and is shared only with licensed insurance carriers and agents who can provide FR-44 coverage in your state. We do not sell your information to third-party marketers outside the insurance industry. You'll receive quote contacts from FR-44-approved insurers based on the details you submit. Under current state requirements, insurers must safeguard your information under state insurance privacy regulations.
How does this site make money if it's free to use?
We earn a referral fee from insurance carriers and agents when you request quotes and purchase a policy through their services. You pay nothing to use this site — carriers compensate us for connecting them with drivers who need FR-44 coverage. This referral model allows us to offer unbiased comparisons across multiple FR-44 providers. Your rate is the same whether you come through this site or contact the carrier directly.
Will I get spam calls after submitting my information?
You will receive contact from licensed insurance agents and carriers who offer FR-44 coverage in Florida or Virginia — typically 3 to 6 contacts via phone, email, or text within 48 hours of your request. These contacts are limited to insurance providers who can quote your coverage. We do not share your information with unrelated marketers. You can request removal from follow-up contact at any time by contacting the specific carrier or agent directly.
Do I have to buy a policy after I submit my information?
No — submitting your information generates quotes but does not obligate you to purchase a policy. You'll review offers from multiple FR-44 carriers, compare rates and coverage, and decide whether to move forward. Many drivers request quotes to understand cost before committing. If you choose not to buy, simply decline contact from the agents who reach out.
