Liability Insurance for FR-44 Drivers
Liability insurance pays for injuries and property damage you cause to others in an at-fault accident.
Find FR-44 Coverage NowWhat Is Liability Insurance Insurance?
Liability insurance has two components: bodily injury liability, which pays medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and legal defense if you injure someone in an accident you cause, and property damage liability, which pays to repair or replace another driver's vehicle or damaged property like fences, mailboxes, or storefronts. These limits represent the maximum your policy will pay per accident, and you are personally responsible for any amount exceeding those limits.
Who Needs Liability Insurance Insurance?
You are legally required to carry liability insurance at FR-44 minimums for three years from your license reinstatement date in Florida or three years from your conviction date in Virginia — this is non-negotiable for reinstatement. Even if you do not own a vehicle, you must obtain a non-owner FR-44 liability policy to satisfy DMV filing requirements and regain your driving privileges.
Your only decision is whether to carry liability limits above the FR-44 minimums — if you own significant assets like a home, retirement accounts, or investment property, consider 250/500/100 or higher to protect against personal liability exceeding policy limits. If you do not own a vehicle, obtain a non-owner FR-44 policy immediately to begin your three-year filing clock and avoid extending your suspension period.
How Much Does Liability Insurance Insurance Cost?
- Your DUI conviction and conviction date directly impact liability premiums — insurers classify you as high-risk, which elevates base rates for the full three-year FR-44 filing period.
- Required FR-44 liability limits are two to four times higher than standard state minimums, which increases premium cost proportionally compared to basic coverage.
- Additional violations or at-fault accidents beyond the DUI conviction compound the rate increase — even minor infractions during your FR-44 period can raise premiums significantly.
- Location within Florida or Virginia affects rates — urban areas with higher accident frequency and repair costs typically result in higher liability premiums.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I let my FR-44 liability insurance lapse?
Your insurer is legally required to notify the Florida or Virginia DMV immediately if your policy lapses or is canceled, triggering an automatic license suspension typically within 10 business days. You must obtain new coverage, file a new FR-44, pay reinstatement fees, and your three-year filing period often restarts from the new reinstatement date.
Does liability insurance cover my own medical bills after an accident I cause?
No — liability insurance only pays for injuries and property damage you cause to others. Your own medical bills would be covered by personal injury protection (PIP) in Florida, which is required, or by your health insurance in Virginia. If you're injured by an uninsured driver, uninsured motorist coverage would apply.
How long do I need to maintain FR-44 liability insurance?
You must maintain FR-44 liability coverage for three years from your license reinstatement date in Florida or three years from your conviction date in Virginia. Any lapse during this period restarts the clock, so continuous coverage is critical to completing the requirement on schedule.
Related Coverage Types
