Virginia FR-44 Insurance After DUI
Virginia requires 50/100/25 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.
Find FR-44 Coverage NowVirginia at a Glance
50/100/25
Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)
At-fault
The at-fault driver's insurance pays for the damage they cause
Required
Uninsured motorist coverage must be on every policy
$145
State license reinstatement fee
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
State Requirements
Virginia operates as a traditional tort state where at-fault drivers are liable for damages. All drivers must carry proof of financial responsibility, and FR-44 filers face heightened scrutiny — the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles requires electronic notification from your insurer confirming continuous coverage at 50/100/40 minimums. Virginia is one of only two states that mandate FR-44 filings specifically for DUI/DWI offenses, and unlike Florida, Virginia also uses SR-22 for non-DUI violations.
Bodily Injury Liability (FR-44)
Property Damage Liability (FR-44)
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Non-Owner FR-44
Cost Overview
$77–$257/mo
Typical monthly rate in Virginia, drivers with an FR-44 filing
Rate data: Insurify and MoneyGeek, 2026
What Affects Your Rate
- Virginia allows insurers to surcharge DUI convictions for up to 5 years even though the FR-44 filing requirement ends at 3 years from conviction date.
Get Your FR-44 Filed and Get Back to Driving
Find FR-44 Coverage NowIf your license is suspended
Restricted driving privileges
A restricted license is available while suspended.
A coverage lapse is reported
The state can act when your insurance lapses.
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I need FR-44 insurance in Virginia?
Virginia requires FR-44 insurance for 3 years from your DUI conviction date, not from license reinstatement. If your policy lapses for even one day during this period, the Virginia DMV suspends your license immediately and the 3-year clock restarts from zero. Your insurer must maintain electronic certification with the DMV for the entire duration.
What is the difference between FR-44 and SR-22 in Virginia?
Virginia uses FR-44 exclusively for DUI and DWI convictions, requiring 50/100/40 liability minimums and a 3-year filing period from conviction date. SR-22 is used for non-DUI violations like reckless driving or driving without insurance, requires only 25/50/20 minimums, and typically lasts 3 years from the date the court orders it. The two filings cannot be substituted — if you have a DUI, you must file FR-44.
Does Virginia require FR-44 for out-of-state DUI convictions?
Yes, if you are a Virginia resident and receive a DUI conviction in another state, Virginia DMV will require FR-44 filing upon notification of the conviction through the interstate Driver License Compact. You must carry FR-44 insurance with a Virginia-licensed insurer and maintain it for 3 years from the conviction date, regardless of where the offense occurred.
Can I switch FR-44 insurance companies in Virginia?
Yes, you can switch insurers, but there cannot be any gap in coverage — even one day without active FR-44 certification triggers suspension and restarts the 3-year requirement. The new insurer must file your FR-44 with the Virginia DMV before the old policy cancels. Most drivers coordinate the effective dates so coverage overlaps by at least 24 hours to avoid electronic notification gaps.
Coverage Types
FR-44 Insurance
State-mandated certificate of financial responsibility filed by your insurer to the Virginia DMV, certifying you carry 50/100/40 liability minimums continuously for 3 years from conviction date. Any lapse, even one day, triggers automatic suspension and restarts the 3-year period.
Non-Owner FR-44
Liability-only policy that provides FR-44 certification without requiring vehicle ownership. Covers you when driving borrowed or rental vehicles and satisfies Virginia DMV reinstatement requirements.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Pays your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering when you're hit by a driver with no insurance or insufficient coverage. Virginia law requires insurers to offer UM/UIM at your liability limits unless you reject it in writing.
Liability Insurance
Covers bodily injury and property damage you cause to others in an at-fault accident. FR-44 requires 50/100/40, but many drivers carry 100/300/50 or higher to protect personal assets from tort lawsuits in Virginia's litigious insurance environment.
Collision Coverage
Pays to repair or replace your vehicle after a crash, regardless of fault. Required by lenders if you finance or lease, and often worth carrying on vehicles worth more than $5,000 even if owned outright.
Comprehensive Coverage
Covers non-collision damage to your vehicle — theft, vandalism, hail, fire, flood, and animal strikes. Virginia sees elevated deer collision rates in rural counties and flood risk in Hampton Roads and Tidewater coastal zones.