Question 1

What is FR-44 insurance and how is it different from SR-22?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

Do I need FR-44 if I don't own a car?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you still need FR-44 filing to reinstate your license even without a vehicle — you'll need a non-owner FR-44 policy. Non-owner FR-44 provides liability coverage when you drive a car you don't own and satisfies state filing requirements. Monthly rates for non-owner FR-44 typically range from $50 to $150/mo depending on your violation history. Once your license is reinstated and you purchase a vehicle, you'll convert to a standard FR-44 auto policy.

Question 3

How long do I have to carry FR-44 insurance?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

What are the minimum liability limits for FR-44 in Florida?

Accepted Answer

Florida FR-44 requires 100/300/50 liability coverage: $100,000 per person for bodily injury, $300,000 per accident, and $50,000 for property damage. These limits are double Florida's standard minimum requirements. Your insurer files the FR-44 certificate electronically with the Florida DMV once the policy is active. Carrying less than these limits voids your FR-44 compliance.

Question 5

What are the minimum liability limits for FR-44 in Virginia?

Accepted Answer

Virginia FR-44 requires 50/100/40 liability coverage: $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident, and $40,000 for property damage. These limits are higher than Virginia's standard 25/50/20 minimums. Your insurer files the FR-44 certificate with Virginia DMV electronically after policy activation. Dropping below these limits during your filing period triggers an automatic license suspension.

Question 6

Can I get FR-44 insurance if I have a DUI on my record?

Accepted Answer

Yes, FR-44 insurance exists specifically for drivers with DUI or DWI convictions in Florida and Virginia. Not all carriers write FR-44 policies — many standard insurers decline high-risk drivers outright. Carriers that do offer FR-44 will charge significantly higher premiums, often $150 to $400/mo depending on violation severity and driving history. Comparing multiple FR-44-approved carriers is the only way to find available coverage at the lowest rate.

Question 7

What's the difference between owner and non-owner FR-44 policies?

Accepted Answer

Owner FR-44 policies cover a vehicle you own and list on the policy; non-owner FR-44 covers you as a driver without insuring a specific vehicle. Non-owner policies provide liability coverage when you drive borrowed or rental cars and satisfy state filing requirements. Non-owner FR-44 typically costs 30% to 50% less than owner policies. If you buy a car during your filing period, you must convert to an owner policy and refile the FR-44 for that vehicle.

Question 8

Will my FR-44 rates go down over time?

Accepted Answer

FR-44 rates typically decrease after 1 to 2 years of continuous coverage with no new violations, but the filing requirement remains for the full 3-year period. Carriers reassess risk at each renewal — demonstrating claim-free driving can lower premiums by 15% to 30% annually. Your rates will drop significantly once the FR-44 period ends and you no longer need high-risk filing. Shopping carriers at each renewal during the FR-44 period often yields better rates than staying with your original insurer.

Question 9

Can I switch insurance companies while I have an FR-44 requirement?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

How much does FR-44 insurance cost per month?

Accepted Answer

FR-44 insurance typically costs $150 to $400/mo for an owner policy and $50 to $150/mo for non-owner coverage, depending on your violation history and location. Rates vary significantly by carrier — some insurers specialize in high-risk drivers and price more competitively than standard carriers. Florida FR-44 rates tend to run 10% to 20% higher than Virginia due to higher required liability limits. Estimates based on available industry data; individual rates vary.

Question 11

Is there a filing fee for FR-44 on top of my premium?

Accepted Answer

Most insurers charge a one-time FR-44 filing fee of $15 to $50 when they submit your certificate to the state. This fee is separate from your monthly premium and is typically due at policy inception. Some carriers waive the filing fee as a competitive incentive. The state does not charge a separate FR-44 processing fee — the filing fee goes to your insurer for administrative handling.

Question 12

What happens if I miss a payment on my FR-44 policy?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 13

How does the FR-44 filing process work after I buy a policy?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 14

Do I need to do anything after my insurer files the FR-44?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 15

How soon can I get FR-44 insurance after a DUI conviction?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 16

Is my personal information safe when I request FR-44 quotes?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 17

How does this site make money if it's free to use?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 18

Will I get spam calls after submitting my information?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 19

Do I have to buy a policy after I submit my information?

Accepted Answer

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.

FR-44 Coverage Requirements: Your Questions Answered