An FR-44 form is a certificate of financial responsibility required only in Florida and Virginia for drivers with serious violations like DUI or reckless driving, mandating liability coverage limits typically double the state minimums with stricter filing procedures than regular insurance.
What Is an FR-44 Form
Updated: October 7, 2025
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Key Takeaways
An FR44 Form proves higher insurance coverage after serious violations in Florida and Virginia only.
Costs range from $1,200 to $3,200 annually, but comparing quotes can save hundreds.
Getting coverage takes 24 to 48 hours once you purchase qualifying insurance and pay fees.
What is an FR-44 Form
FR-44 vs. SR-22
While both FR-44 and SR-22 forms serve as certificates of financial responsibility for high-risk drivers, key differences affect your coverage costs and requirements.
States Required | Florida, Virginia only | 48 other states |
Liability Limits | Double state minimums | State minimum acceptable |
Cost Impact | 50-200% premium increase | 25-50% premium increase |
Filing Period | 3-5 years typically | 3 years typically |
Coverage Requirements | Higher mandated limits | Standard limits accepted |
FR44 Form Requirements by State
FR44 requirements differ significantly between Florida and Virginia. We analyzed both states' requirements to help you understand exactly what coverage you need.
Bodily injury | $100,000 per person, $300,000 per accident | $60,000 per person, $120,000 per accident |
Property damage | $50,000 per accident | $40,000 per accident |
Required for | DUI/DWI convictions, breathalyzer refusal, driving while suspended for DUI, vehicular manslaughter involving alcohol | DUI/DWI convictions, blood/breath test refusal, suspended license driving for DUI offenses, certain reckless driving convictions |
Filing period | Typically three years from conviction date | Three years minimum, longer for repeat offenses |
Average filing fee | $148 annually | $77 annually |
When Do You Need an FR44 Form?
Most drivers in Florida and Virginia don't need an FR-44. This certificate is only for high-risk drivers with specific, severe traffic offenses. For example, if you get into an accident while driving uninsured, you'd be required to file an SR-22, not an FR-44. Drivers who need to carry an FR-44 have committed the following violations:
Common FR44 Triggers in Both States:
First-time DUI or DWI conviction
Refusing chemical testing during DUI arrest
Driving with suspended license due to DUI
Multiple serious moving violations within specific timeframes
Florida-Specific Requirements:
Vehicular manslaughter involving alcohol or controlled substances
Driving under the influence causing serious bodily injury
Second or subsequent DUI convictions (may require longer filing periods)
Virginia-Specific Requirements:
Reckless driving convictions in certain circumstances
Driving while license revoked for DUI-related offenses
Multiple convictions resulting in license suspension
How to Complete Your FR44 Form
Your insurance company handles FR44 Form filing, but you must provide accurate information and maintain qualifying coverage. FR44 filings process within 24 to 48 hours. Keep copies of all documentation throughout your required coverage period.
How to Get an FR44 Form
- 1
Research Qualifying Insurers
Not all insurance companies offer FR44 services. Call ahead to confirm availability in your state before requesting detailed quotes. Focus on companies experienced with high-risk drivers.
- 2
Compare Multiple Quotes
Get quotes from at least three insurers. Provide complete and honest information about your violations - insurers discover this during underwriting anyway, and inaccurate information can void your policy.
- 3
Select and Purchase Coverage
Choose the policy offering the best combination of price and service. Pay your first premium and any required fees. Most insurers require the first month's payment before filing your FR44.
- 4
Verify Electronic Filing
Your insurance company submits your FR44 certificate electronically to your state's DMV. Request written confirmation showing your policy number, effective date, and filing confirmation number.
- 5
Keep Your Coverage Active
Set up automatic payments so you don't accidentally miss a payment. Pay attention to renewal notices and keep your policy going for the full time you're required to have it - usually three years from when you were convicted.
Required Documentation:
- Valid driver's license or state-issued ID
- Court documents specifying FR44 requirement and duration
- Previous insurance information if you had coverage
- Payment method for premium and filing fees
How Much Does FR-44 Insurance Cost?
FR-44 insurance costs more than standard coverage due to enhanced liability limits and your high-risk driver status. The total cost includes filing fees, higher premiums and potential reinstatement fees that can impact your budget for years. The FR-44 filing fee ranges from $15 to $25, depending on your insurance company. Additional expenses depend on your state. Florida charges reinstatement fees for DUI-related license suspensions, while Virginia charges license reinstatement fees after serious violations.
Car Insurance Costs for Drivers Filing an FR-44 Form
Total Annual Costs by State:
- Florida: $1,800 to $3,200 (including $148 filing fee)
- Virginia: $1,200 to $2,400 (including $77 filing fee)
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Select
State:Florida
| Clean | $203 | $2,431 |
| DUI - BAC >= .08 | $268 | $3,215 |
Factors Affecting Your FR-44 Insurance Cost
Several factors influence your final premium beyond the basic FR-44 requirement:
Violation Severity
Multiple DUI convictions or accidents resulting in injuries lead to higher rates than single, property-damage-only incidents.
Coverage Levels
Choosing higher limits than the minimum required increases costs but provides better financial protection.
Insurance Company
Rates vary between insurers. Companies specializing in high-risk drivers may offer more competitive rates than traditional carriers.
Geographic Location
Urban areas typically have higher rates due to increased accident risk and claim frequency.
Age and Driving Experience
Younger drivers typically pay more, while drivers with longer clean driving histories before their violation may receive slightly better rates.
Credit Score and Vehicle
Credit history affects pricing in most states, with better credit generally resulting in lower premiums. Your vehicle type, annual mileage and chosen deductibles also influence your final cost.
Where to Find the Cheapest FR-44 Insurance
Having severe traffic violations like a DUI on your record increases your premiums significantly, but you can still find more affordable rates. MoneyGeek provides resources for drivers in Florida and Virginia to help you find cheaper coverage after a DUI. You can also explore State Farm and Farm Bureau, which offer the most affordable FR-44 insurance coverage in Virginia and Florida.
Cheapest FR-44 Insurance in FloridaState Farm
MoneyGeek Score:
93/ 100
Average Monthly Full Coverage Premium$148
Average Annual Full Coverage Premium$1,775
Overview
Our research found that State Farm offers the most affordable FR-44 coverage in Florida, with rates averaging $2,805 per year after a DUI. State Farm offers extensive discount options to lower your premium further. For example, it offers discounts for completing a defensive driving course and for having approved anti-theft devices in your car.
Cheapest FR-44 Insurance in VirginiaFarm Bureau
MoneyGeek Score:
89/ 100
Average Monthly Full Coverage Premium$77
Average Annual Full Coverage Premium$922
Overview
Farm Bureau offers the cheapest full coverage car insurance for drivers with a DUI in Virginia, who often need an FR-44 certificate. The company's policy averages $1,196 per year, lower than the state average. You can also find various savings opportunities, such as safety features and new policy discounts, that can help lower your rates further.
FR-44 Insurance Without a Vehicle
You still need to file an FR-44 certificate even if you don't own a vehicle. This requires purchasing non-owner car insurance, which provides liability protection and allows your insurer to file the necessary FR-44 form. Your policy must meet the same enhanced liability limits as standard policies. Maintain continuous coverage for three years, regardless of how often you drive.
Non-owner FR-44 follows you as a driver rather than protecting a specific vehicle, providing liability protection when you drive borrowed, rented or employer-owned vehicles. The policy covers bodily injury and property damage you cause to others, but doesn't include comprehensive or collision coverage since you don't own a car to protect.
FINDING FR-44 NON-OWNERS POLICY
Not all insurance companies offer non-owner policies with FR-44 filing services. You may need to call insurers directly rather than get quotes online. Companies specializing in high-risk coverage are more likely to offer these policies and will require detailed information about your driving needs and conviction history.
FR44 Form: Bottom Line
When you're considered a high-risk driver, states usually require you to carry proof of financial responsibility. Drivers who live in Florida and Virginia must have FR-44 car insurance to show that they have enhanced liability insurance coverage that exceeds standard state minimums. This guide explains what FR-44 is, how and when to file one, state requirements and its impact on car insurance cost. While higher costs and coverage requirements create a substantial burden, maintaining proper FR-44 coverage is essential for license reinstatement and legal driving privileges. Your license will be suspended after a conviction, and an FR-44 certificate becomes one of the requirements for reinstatement, proving you maintain the higher liability limits mandated for high-risk drivers.
FR-44 Insurance: FAQ
FR44 Form requirements often lead to questions about documentation, costs, and state-specific rules. Here are our answers to the most frequently asked questions:
What documents do I need to complete my FR44 form?
You need a valid driver's license, court documents showing your FR44 requirement, and payment for premiums and fees. Previous insurance information helps speed up quotes. Having everything ready before calling insurers gets you coverage within 24-48 hours instead of delays.
Are FR44 form requirements different in Florida vs. Virginia?
Yes, requirements differ significantly. Florida needs $100,000/$300,000/$50,000 coverage with $148 filing fees, while Virginia needs $60,000/$120,000/$40,000 coverage with $77 fees. Both require it for DUI convictions, but violation triggers vary by state.
Can I get help paying for my FR44 form if I can't afford it?
Yes, several options help. Shopping around saves hundreds since rates differ by 40% for identical coverage. Many insurers offer monthly payment plans instead of annual payments upfront. Some provide low-income discounts or hardship programs for FR44 requirements.
How long does it take to process an FR44 form after submission?
FR44 forms process quickly - within 24-48 hours after your insurer receives payment. You'll get confirmation from both your insurance company and state within two to three business days. Electronic filing makes it faster than paper processes.
What happens if my FR44 form expires while I'm driving?
Your insurance company notifies the state within 24 hours of any lapse, triggering automatic license suspension. You cannot legally drive during gaps, risking additional violations. Set up automatic payments and monitor renewal notices to prevent this completely.
Best FR-44 Insurance Rates: Our Methodology
Our Research Approach
Finding affordable FR-44 insurance after a serious driving violation feels overwhelming when you're already dealing with legal requirements and higher costs. We designed our research to help Virginia and Florida drivers understand what FR-44 filing will cost and which companies offer the most reasonable rates for high-risk situations.
Why This Research Matters for FR-44 Drivers
FR-44 requirements mean you can't shop for just any auto insurance. You need coverage that meets strict state minimums while filing the proper certificate. We focused our analysis on companies that actually offer FR-44 services and gathered real quotes to show the financial impact on your budget.
Our Data Collection Process
We compiled information from Quadrant Information Services and evaluated 20,764 quotes from 46 insurance providers across 473 ZIP codes. This approach gives you a realistic picture of what FR-44 insurance costs in your area, not just national averages that might not reflect your local market.
Sample Driver Profile
Our research uses a 40-year-old male driver with a Toyota Camry LE to establish baseline rates. This profile includes:
- Comprehensive and collision coverage (full coverage)
- Clean driving record (before the violation requiring FR-44)
- 12,000 miles driven annually
We modify this profile based on location, age, vehicle type and other factors to provide accurate data for different driver situations.
Coverage Details Explained
Unless noted otherwise, all rates include full coverage insurance with these liability limits:
- $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $100,000 property damage liability per accident
A $1,000 deductible means you'll pay this amount before insurance covers collision or comprehensive claims. Higher deductibles reduce your monthly premium, but make sure you can afford the out-of-pocket cost if you need to file a claim.
This methodology helps you compare real costs and find companies that work with high-risk drivers requiring FR-44 certificates.
Learn more about MoneyGeek's methodology.
FR-44 Car Insurance: Related Articles
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.
sources
- Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. "DUI Frequently Asked Questions." Accessed June 24, 2025.
- Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. "Financial Responsibility Certifications." Accessed June 24, 2025.
