FR-44 Insurance Questions Answered
Find FR-44 Coverage NowFrequently Asked Questions
If you're required to file an FR-44 in Florida or Virginia after a DUI, you likely have questions about how it works, what it costs, and how to get your license back. Here are answers to the most common questions we receive.
Insurance Basics
What is an FR-44 and why do I need it?
An FR-44 is a certificate of financial responsibility that proves you carry higher liability insurance limits, required by Florida and Virginia DMVs after a DUI or DWI conviction before they will reinstate your license. It's not insurance itself — it's a filing your insurance company submits directly to the DMV showing you maintain coverage at 100/300/50 limits in Florida or 50/100/40 in Virginia. The DMV requires continuous FR-44 filing for three years in both states. If your policy lapses or cancels, your insurer notifies the DMV and your license gets suspended again.
Coverage Options
Can I get FR-44 insurance if I don't own a car?
Yes, you can get a non-owner FR-44 policy if you don't own or regularly drive a vehicle but need to reinstate your license. Non-owner FR-44 policies provide liability coverage when you occasionally drive borrowed or rental cars and satisfy the DMV's filing requirement. They typically cost less than standard FR-44 policies because you're not insuring a specific vehicle. Many drivers in your situation use non-owner policies during their suspension period, then switch to a standard policy when they purchase a vehicle.
Insurance Basics
What's the difference between FR-44 and SR-22?
FR-44 requires higher liability limits than SR-22 and is specifically for DUI offenders in Florida and Virginia, while SR-22 exists in most other states for various violations. Florida completely replaced SR-22 with FR-44 for DUI cases — if you got a DUI in Florida, you need FR-44, not SR-22. Virginia uses both: FR-44 for DUI/DWI and SR-22 for other serious violations like reckless driving. The coverage minimums are significantly different: Florida FR-44 is 100/300/50, while Florida SR-22 (for non-DUI cases) was only 10/20/10 before being phased out.
Insurance Basics
How long do I have to carry FR-44 insurance?
You must maintain continuous FR-44 coverage for three years in both Florida and Virginia with no lapses. The three-year period starts from the date your insurance company files the FR-44 with the DMV, not from your conviction or license suspension date. If your insurance lapses or you cancel your policy at any point during those three years, the DMV suspends your license again and the three-year clock resets when you file a new FR-44. There are no early terminations or hardship exceptions to the three-year requirement.
About This Site
Does FR-44 Coverage Info sell my information to other companies?
When you submit your information through this site, it goes to licensed insurance agents and carriers who will contact you with quotes — that is how this free service works. We do not sell your information to unrelated third parties or data brokers outside the insurance industry. You should expect phone calls and emails from insurance agents after submitting because they need to gather additional details to provide accurate FR-44 quotes. You can opt out of future communications directly with any agent who contacts you.
About This Site
Is FR-44 Coverage Info a legitimate site or a scam?
FR-44 Coverage Info is a lead generation service that connects drivers who need FR-44 insurance with licensed agents and carriers who offer it — we make money when you submit your information and agents pay us for that referral. We are not an insurance company or broker ourselves. This is a common business model in insurance and financial services, and the service is free to you because insurance professionals pay for qualified leads. The agents who contact you must be licensed in Florida or Virginia to sell FR-44 policies.
How It Works
What happens after I buy FR-44 insurance?
After you purchase a policy, your insurance company electronically files the FR-44 certificate with the Florida DHSMV or Virginia DMV within 24-48 hours. You'll receive a copy of the FR-44 form for your records, but the DMV gets the official filing directly from your insurer. Once the DMV processes the filing (usually 3-7 business days), you can complete any remaining reinstatement requirements like paying fees or completing DUI school. You should confirm with the DMV that they received your FR-44 before assuming your license is valid to drive.
Coverage Options
Can I get FR-44 insurance with a suspended license?
Yes, you can and must purchase FR-44 insurance while your license is still suspended because filing the FR-44 is a required step to get your license reinstated. Insurance companies are legally required to sell you a policy even with a suspended license if you meet their underwriting criteria. You cannot legally drive until the DMV officially reinstates your license, but you need the active insurance and FR-44 filing in place before reinstatement can happen. The non-owner FR-44 option exists specifically for drivers in this situation who don't have a car to insure during suspension.
Costs & Filing
Why is FR-44 insurance so expensive?
FR-44 insurance costs more because it requires double or triple the liability limits of standard policies and you're classified as high-risk after a DUI conviction. Florida's 100/300/50 requirement is 10 times higher than the standard 10/20/10 minimum previously required, and Virginia's 50/100/40 is more than double the standard minimums. Insurance companies use statistical data showing DUI offenders have significantly higher accident rates, which drives up premiums. The cost typically decreases after your first year if you maintain a clean record, and it drops substantially after the three-year FR-44 period ends.
How It Works
What happens if I move from Florida to Virginia or vice versa with an FR-44?
If you move states during your three-year FR-44 period, you must obtain a new FR-44 policy in your new state and the three-year clock does not transfer or reset — you still only serve the original three years total. Contact your current insurer first, as some operate in both states and can transfer your policy, but you'll need new FR-44 paperwork filed with your new state's DMV. Notify both your old and new DMV of your address change and confirm the new FR-44 filing is received before the old state's policy cancels. Gaps in coverage will suspend your license in both states.
About This Site
How do I know if I'm comparing real FR-44 quotes?
Real FR-44 quotes will specifically state the required liability limits (100/300/50 in Florida or 50/100/40 in Virginia) and include the FR-44 filing as part of the policy. If an agent quotes you standard minimum liability or doesn't mention FR-44 filing, they're not quoting the right product. Ask explicitly whether the FR-44 certificate filing is included and when it will be submitted to the DMV. Legitimate agents should explain how the filing process works and confirm their company is authorized to file electronically with your state's DMV.
Coverage Options
Can I just get the cheapest FR-44 policy I find?
You can choose the cheapest FR-44 policy as long as it meets your state's minimum requirements and comes from a licensed, financially stable insurance company. Verify the insurer is authorized to do business in Florida or Virginia by checking your state's insurance department website. The main risk with extremely cheap policies is insurers with poor customer service or financial instability that could delay DMV filings or create problems if you need to file a claim. Price is important, but also consider the company's ability to maintain continuous filing and respond quickly if issues arise.
Insurance Basics
Will my FR-44 requirement show up on my driving record forever?
The DUI conviction stays on your driving record for 75 years in Florida and 11 years in Virginia, but the FR-44 filing requirement itself ends after three continuous years of coverage. Once you've completed the three-year FR-44 period, you can switch to standard insurance at regular rates and are no longer required to carry the higher liability limits. However, the underlying DUI conviction will continue to affect your insurance rates for 3-5 years with most carriers, even after FR-44 ends. Your record will show you satisfied the FR-44 requirement, which demonstrates compliance to future insurers.
