What Is an FR-44 Filing and Which States Use It?
In a Nutshell: An FR-44 is like an SR-22's stricter cousin. It's a certificate of financial responsibility filed by your insurer proving you carry significantly higher liability limits than normally required. Currently only Virginia and Florida use FR-44s, typically for DUI offenders. The required limits are much higher — usually 40/80/25 instead of standard minimums.
FR-44 vs. SR-22: Key Differences
| Aspect | SR-22 | FR-44 |
|---|---|---|
| States used | 45+ states | Only Virginia and Florida |
| Typical trigger | DUI, no-insurance, license suspension | DUI (especially high-BAC or repeat) |
| Required liability (FL) | 10/20/10 | 50/100/25 or 100/300/50 |
| Required liability (VA) | 25/50/20 | 40/80/25 (minimum for FR-44) |
| Duration | 1–5 years (typically 3) | 3–5 years |
| Severity | Standard high-risk | Higher burden — "Financial Responsibility" |
| Filing fee | $15–$50 | $15–$50 |
States That Use FR-44
Florida
Florida's FR-44 is required after a DUI conviction. Requirements:
- Minimum liability limits: 100/300/50 (bodily injury per person/per accident/property damage)
- Duration: 3 years from the date of license reinstatement
- Regular state minimums: Florida normally requires only 10/20/10 + PIP — so FR-44 represents a massive jump
- Cost impact: Premiums often increase 100–300% with an FR-44 requirement
Virginia
Virginia's FR-44 is required for DUI offenders and some reckless driving convictions:
- Minimum liability limits: 40/80/25 (bodily injury per person/accident/property damage)
- Duration: 3 years from reinstatement (can extend to 5+ for repeat offenses)
- Compared to regular SR-22: SR-22 in Virginia requires only 25/50/20
- Cost impact: Significant rate increases expected
⚠️ Virginia also has an Uninsured Motor Vehicle (UMV) fee that uninsured drivers must pay — an FR-44 filing eliminates the need for this fee.
When Do You Need an FR-44?
| Violation | FR-44 Required? | State |
|---|---|---|
| First DUI | ✅ Yes (VA, FL) | Virginia, Florida |
| Second DUI within 10 years | ✅ Yes (both) | Virginia, Florida |
| DUI with high BAC (0.15+) | ✅ Yes | Florida (higher limits) |
| DUI causing injury | ✅ Yes | Both states |
| DUI with minor in vehicle | ✅ Yes | Both states |
| Reckless driving (VA only) | ⚠️ Sometimes | Virginia (some cases require SR-22, not FR-44) |
| Driving without insurance | ❌ SR-22 only | Both states use SR-22 for this |
How Much Does FR-44 Insurance Cost?
| Cost Factor | Florida | Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| Filing fee | $15–$50 | $15–$50 |
| Typical monthly premium (with FR-44) | $200–$500 | $150–$400 |
| Premium without FR-44 (prior) | $80–$150 | $70–$130 |
| Increase percentage | 100–300% | 100–250% |
| High-risk insurer examples | Progressive, Direct Auto, Bristol West | Geico, Progressive, Nationwide |
Why the Cost Is Higher
FR-44 requires you to carry much higher liability limits than normal. In Florida, your liability limits go from 10/20/10 (bare minimum) to 100/300/50 (10× higher). Combined with DUI-related rate increases, the premium impact is substantial.
The FR-44 Filing Process
- Get convicted of a DUI in Virginia or Florida
- Serve your license suspension (typically 6–12 months)
- Contact an insurer that offers FR-44 filings
- Purchase a policy meeting the required minimum limits
- Pay the filing fee — Insurer files electronically with DMV
- Receive reinstatement — DMV lifts the suspension
- Maintain coverage without lapse for the full 3–5 years
The Critical Rule
Never let your FR-44 coverage lapse. If it does:
- Your insurer notifies the DMV immediately
- Your license is suspended again
- You start the 3-year period over
- Reinstatement requires additional fees
Non-Owner FR-44
If you need an FR-44 but don't own a car, you can purchase a non-owner FR-44 policy that provides the required liability limits when you drive rental or borrowed vehicles. This is cheaper than an owner policy but still carries high rates due to the DUI and required high limits.
Tips for Managing FR-44 Costs
- Shop around — Rates vary dramatically between insurers for FR-44 policies
- Bundle policies — Adding homeowners/renters insurance may reduce your rate
- Take a DUI course — Some insurers offer discounts for completing education programs
- Consider an interlock device — Showing compliance can help with rates
- Avoid further violations — Any additional ticket during the FR-44 period can extend it
- Re-shop after the period ends — Your rates should drop significantly once FR-44 is no longer required
Key Takeaways
- FR-44 is only required in Virginia and Florida, primarily for DUI convictions
- Requires much higher liability limits than standard (40/80/25 in VA, 100/300/50 in FL)
- Duration is typically 3 years — lapses reset the clock
- Filing fee is $15–$50, but premium increases 100–300% due to DUI + high limits
- Non-owner FR-44 policies exist for drivers without a car
- Never let the policy lapse — it triggers immediate license suspension
- Shop extensively and consider bundling to offset the high costs
Last updated: July 2026
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about FR-44 filings. State requirements, coverage limits, and durations vary. Always check with your state's DMV and consult with a licensed insurance agent for advice specific to your situation.