Drivers in Florida and Virginia convicted of drug or alcohol-related violations need to carry an insurance filing form called an FR-44. It's typically more expensive than an SR-22, which most states use.
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 as a way of showing that they have enough liability insurance to cover damages if they’re involved in an accident.
You’ll need an FR-44 after being convicted of more serious traffic violations, such as driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI). Your license may be suspended after being apprehended. An FR-44 is one of the requirements if you’ll need to have it reinstated.
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Key Takeaways
FR-44 is not insurance. It’s a form showing proof of financial responsibility required for drivers in Florida and Virginia convicted of severe driving violations.
You’ll need to pay anywhere between $15 to $25 when filing for an FR-44.
Drivers convicted of serious traffic violations, such as a DUI or a DWI, have to carry FR-44 insurance.
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What Is FR-44?
FR-44 is not insurance; it’s a form serving as proof of financial responsibility required for some drivers in Virginia and Florida. Not all drivers need to carry an FR-44; only those convicted of significant traffic violations, like a DUI or DWI, must file it.
Filing an FR-44 form costs anywhere from $15 to $25. However, the actual policy’s premium cost depends on several factors, including your age and location.
Most states require SR-22 insurance, and an FR-44 is similar. The main difference is the latter is more severe offenses. As a result, drivers who carry FR-44 insurance have higher coverage requirements.
Is FR-44 a Type of Car Insurance?
Contrary to popular belief, FR-44 insurance is not an actual insurance policy. Instead, it’s a form that shows financial responsibility after a severe driving conviction, such as a DUI or DWI. However, having an FR-44 increases your minimum car insurance requirements. As a result, expect to pay significantly higher premiums than drivers with a clean record.
FR-44 vs. SR-22
The FR-44 and SR-22 share several similarities. For example, both aren’t insurance policies but forms required of high-risk drivers. The SR-22 is more common and used by most states. Except for Virginia and Florida, SR-22 insurance is necessary for drivers convicted of severe traffic offenses.
In comparison, an FR-44 is something only used in Florida and Virginia. It’s specifically required for drivers apprehended for violations like a DUI or DWI. These two states also have SR-22 insurance, but those are necessary for drivers with less serious offenses, like having too many points on their licenses or causing accidents while uninsured.
There are differences between SR-22 and FR-44 car insurance. Knowing what separates the two is crucial.
All States Have an SR-22
Between these two insurance filings, the SR-22 is more common. It’s because all states have it.
Only Florida and Virginia Have FR-44s
The FR-44 is also an insurance form filing, but the only two states with the FR-44 are Florida and Virginia.
An SR-22 Works Like an FR-44 Outside of Florida and Virginia
Outside of Florida and Virginia, an SR-22 serves the same purpose as the FR-44. Note that both states also have SR-22, but it’s for drivers with less severe traffic offenses.
FR-44 is Not a Type of Insurance
Despite being referred to as FR-44 insurance, it’s not a type of coverage. The FR-44 is a form that proves financial responsibility for high-risk drivers.
When Do I Need an FR-44?
Most drivers in Florida and Virginia don’t need to have an FR-44; this form 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:
- Driving under the influence or while intoxicated
- Causing someone harm while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
If you want to have your license reinstated after one of these offenses, you’ll need to file an FR-44.
When Do I Need an SR-22?
Generally, if you have a conviction for a violation that warrants an FR-44 in Florida or Virginia outside of those two states, you’ll need to get SR-22 insurance. However, if you live in Florida or Virginia, you may also need to have an SR-22 if you commit less severe offenses.
In most states, an SR-22 is necessary if you’re caught driving without a license. Similarly, you’ll need an SR-22 form if you get caught driving with a suspended license or without coverage. Filing for SR-22 insurance leads to a more expensive car insurance premium because it tags you as a high-risk driver.
How Much Does an FR-44 Cost?
Filing for an FR-44 may cost anywhere from $15 to $25. However, your auto insurance premiums can vary widely after filing an FR-44, depending on multiple factors. These include your age, vehicle model, gender and location.
For example, a driver with a clean record in Florida pays $2,208 per year on average for full coverage insurance. In comparison, full coverage after filing an FR-44 costs $3,763.
Average Full Coverage Insurance Cost for Safe Drivers vs. Drivers with an FR-44
Average Premium
$2,208
Average Premium
$3,763This is 70% more expensive.
Your annual policy premium is significantly higher because you’re now considered a high-risk driver. The minimum insurance requirements in Florida for drivers with an FR-44 are considerably higher than those with clean records. These are the requirements in Florida:
- $100,000 for bodily injury per person
- $300,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $50,000 for property damage per accident
- $10,000 personal injury protection
A full coverage car insurance policy for a driver carrying FR-44 insurance is 70% more expensive than a driver with a clean driver.
How to Obtain an FR-44
If you need to carry FR-44 insurance, you’ll have to inform your car insurance company. In turn, they will file it to the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles after you’ve purchased a policy with the appropriate coverage limits.
If you don’t have coverage, it’s best to inform any prospective insurer that you need an FR-44. Not all of them offer this, so it’s best to let them know as early in the process of purchasing coverage as possible.
How to Obtain an FR-44 Without a Car
If you have a conviction for a DUI or a DWI, you need to secure FR-44 insurance, even if you don’t have a car. Purchasing a standard car insurance policy may seem illogical when you don't own a vehicle. An excellent alternative is buying non-owner FR-44 insurance.
Although it will still cost you more than coverage for safe drivers, it’s a cheaper alternative if you regularly rent a vehicle or borrow someone’s car.
Where to Find the Cheapest FR-44 Insurance
Having severe traffic violations like a DUI on your record increases your premiums significantly, but it’s still possible to find more affordable rates. MoneyGeek provides resources for drivers in Florida and Virginia to help them find cheaper coverage after a DUI. You can also explore State Farm, which offers the most affordable FR-44 insurance in Virginia and Florida.
State Farm is an excellent option for drivers in Florida and Virginia who need FR-44 car insurance. Besides having cheap car insurance after a DUI, you can lower your premium further through their extensive list of discounts. State Farm offers a lower rate if you complete a defensive driving course. You can also get a more affordable policy if you have approved anti-theft devices in your car.
Frequently Asked Questions About FR-44
Navigating FR-44 insurance can be confusing; MoneyGeek aims to simplify the process. Find answers to some of the most common questions about filing an FR-44 below.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
sources
- Dairyland. "Your FR-44 Questions Answered." Accessed March 3, 2022.