FR-44 Insurance Requirements: Florida & Virginia DUI Coverage Rules

Quick Answer: What Is FR-44 Insurance?

FR-44 is a financial responsibility certificate required by Florida and Virginia for drivers convicted of driving under the influence (and, in Virginia, two closely related offenses). It is not a separate insurance product — it is a form your insurance company files with the state DMV confirming you carry the required high-limit liability coverage.

Only Florida and Virginia use the FR-44 form. All other states use the standard SR-22 for financial responsibility filings.

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How FR-44 Differs from SR-22

Both SR-22 and FR-44 are financial responsibility forms that insurance companies file on your behalf. The critical difference is the required liability limits — FR-44 requires substantially more coverage:

In Florida, SR-22 is used for non-DUI violations (driving with a suspended license, uninsured accidents). FR-44 applies exclusively to DUI and DWI convictions. Virginia uses FR-44 for DUI (alcohol or drugs), maiming while DUI, and driving on a license forfeited for either.

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Florida FR-44 Requirements

Who Needs FR-44 in Florida

Florida Statute 324.023 requires the FR-44 limits from anyone found guilty of, or pleading guilty or no contest to, DUI under § 316.193, whether it is a first or a later offense. The statute names no other trigger. Florida law uses "DUI" only; there is no separate DWI offense.

Required Coverage Levels (Florida FR-44)

Florida's FR-44 bodily injury limits are ten times the $10,000/$20,000 financial-responsibility amounts in § 324.021(7), and property damage is five times. Most Florida drivers carry no bodily injury liability at all: the everyday mandate is $10,000 PIP plus $10,000 property damage. This is deliberate — the state treats DUI offenders as high-risk and requires coverage levels that provide meaningful protection to potential victims.

How Long Must FR-44 Be Maintained in Florida?

Florida requires FR-44 to be maintained for 3 years from the date of license reinstatement following the qualifying conviction.

If coverage lapses at any point:

• The insurance company is required by law to notify the Florida DHSMV immediately
• Driver's license and vehicle registration are suspended the same day
• The 3-year requirement may restart from the date of reinstatement after the lapse
• Additional reinstatement fees apply

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Virginia FR-44 Requirements

Who Needs FR-44 in Virginia

Virginia Code § 46.2-316(C) requires the FR-44 limits after a conviction for:

• DUI under § 18.2-266, whether the impairment is from alcohol or drugs
• Maiming while DUI under § 18.2-51.4
• Driving on a forfeited license under § 18.2-272, where the license was forfeited for one of those convictions

Equivalent convictions under another state's law or federal law count the same way.

Required Coverage Levels (Virginia FR-44)

Virginia's FR-44 limits are exactly double the state minimum, for all three coverages: § 46.2-316(C) sets them at twice the limits in § 46.2-472. That minimum rose to 50/100/25 on 1 January 2025, so FR-44 rose with it to 100/200/50. The figures still common online, 50/100/40 and 60/120/40, are double the older 25/50/20 and 30/60/20 minimums.

How Long Must FR-44 Be Maintained in Virginia?

Virginia requires FR-44 proof for 3 years after you otherwise become entitled to a license (§ 46.2-316(C)). The clock starts when your suspension or revocation would end, not on the conviction date. Contact the Virginia DMV to confirm your specific start and end dates.

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The FR-44 Process: Step by Step

Step 1: Notify Your Insurance Company

Contact your current insurer and inform them you need FR-44 coverage. Not all insurers offer FR-44 filings — particularly if they don't specialize in high-risk drivers. If your insurer declines, you'll need to find a carrier that provides FR-44 filing in Florida or Virginia.

Step 2: Purchase the Required Coverage

Your policy must be updated to meet the FR-44 minimum liability limits. This will increase your premium significantly. Expect to pay 50–300% more than your pre-conviction rate depending on your driving history and the specific violation.

Step 3: Insurer Files the FR-44 Form

Your insurance company files the FR-44 electronically with the state DMV. The filing fee is typically $25–$50 and is charged by the insurer. The state receives confirmation of your coverage immediately upon filing.

Step 4: Apply for License Reinstatement

Once the FR-44 is filed, you can apply to reinstate your driver's license (along with any other reinstatement requirements — court-ordered fees, DUI programs, ignition interlock devices, etc.).

Step 5: Maintain Coverage Without Any Lapse

Your FR-44 policy must remain active and in force for the full required period. Even a single day without coverage triggers immediate notification to the state and license suspension.

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How Much Does FR-44 Insurance Cost?

The FR-44 form itself costs only the filing fee. The real expense is the increased premium required to maintain the mandated high-limit coverage after a DUI conviction:

Factors that influence FR-44 premium:

• Age and prior driving record
• Specific violation (first DUI vs. repeat)
• Vehicle type and value
• Current credit score (in states where credit is a rating factor)
• Gap in insurance history
• Whether an ignition interlock device is installed

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Non-Owner FR-44 Policies

If you do not own a vehicle but still need to drive — a rental car, a family member's vehicle, or an employer's vehicle — a non-owner FR-44 policy provides the required liability coverage without being tied to a specific vehicle.

Non-owner policies are also useful for drivers who are between vehicles or who rely primarily on public transportation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which states require FR-44?

Only Florida and Virginia require FR-44. Every other state uses SR-22 for financial responsibility filing after DUI or serious violations.

Can any insurance company file an FR-44?

No. Not all insurers offer FR-44 filing services. You may need to work with a high-risk or non-standard insurer that specializes in drivers with DUI convictions. Shopping multiple carriers is recommended.

Does FR-44 appear on my driving record?

The FR-44 filing itself is an administrative requirement — it doesn't appear as a violation. However, the DUI conviction that triggered it will appear on your driving record for several years and impact your premiums.

What happens if my insurance is cancelled while I need FR-44?

Your insurer is legally required to notify the state DMV immediately upon cancellation. Your license is suspended the same day. You must reinstate coverage promptly and may need to pay additional reinstatement fees.

Can I switch insurance companies while under FR-44?

Yes, but there must be zero gap in coverage. Your new insurer must file the FR-44 before you cancel with your old one. Even a single-day gap triggers suspension. Coordinate the switch carefully.

Is FR-44 required for a first DUI offense in Florida?

Yes. Florida requires FR-44 for all DUI convictions, including first offenses. The 3-year requirement begins at the date of license reinstatement.

Does FR-44 cover passengers in my vehicle?

FR-44 specifies minimum liability limits — what your insurer pays for injuries and damages to others. It does not directly cover your own passengers' injuries (that requires PIP, MedPay, or the passenger's own health insurance).

Will an ignition interlock device reduce my FR-44 insurance cost?

In some cases, yes. Several Florida and Virginia insurers offer modest discounts for voluntary installation of an ignition interlock device, viewing it as a risk-reduction measure. Ask your insurer directly.

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Key Takeaways

• FR-44 is required only in Florida and Virginia following DUI/DWI convictions
• FR-44 is not insurance — it's a form your insurer files certifying you carry high-limit coverage
• Florida FR-44 requires 100/300/50 liability (ten times the normal bodily injury minimum)
• Virginia FR-44 requires 100/200/50 liability (exactly double the 50/100/25 minimum)
• The requirement lasts 3 years in both states (Florida: from reinstatement; Virginia: from when you would otherwise be eligible for a license)
• A single day's lapse in coverage triggers immediate license suspension
• Expect insurance premiums to increase 50–300% above pre-conviction rates
• Non-owner FR-44 policies are available for drivers without vehicles

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Important Disclaimer

This guide provides general information about FR-44 requirements in Florida and Virginia based on publicly available statutory and DMV sources. This is not legal or insurance advice. Requirements can change based on court orders, legislative updates, and DMV policy, and individual circumstances vary.

Always verify your specific FR-44 requirements with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) or Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your situation.

Last verified: September 2026

Sources: Florida Statute 324.023 (FR-44 Requirements), Florida DHSMV, Virginia Code §§ 46.2-316(C), 46.2-472 and 18.2-266, Virginia DMV, Insurance Information Institute