In Florida and Virginia, an FR-44 is a certificate of financial responsibility that some drivers need to file after a license suspension for certain offenses.
coverage and file an FR-44 certificate with the DMV before you can get your license reinstated.
An FR-44 certificate is a form that your auto insurance company may need to file with the DMV after your license is suspended for a serious violation like
To get an FR-44 filing, your insurance policy limits will need to be at least twice as high as your state’s minimum coverage requirements.
Car insurance rates are significantly more expensive with an FR-44.
What is an FR-44?
If you have a suspended driver’s license, your state may require you to file an FR-44 certificate with the DMV to get your license reinstated. This is usually required after a conviction for driving under the influence (DUI), but the list of offenses that warrant an FR-44 varies by state.
This FR-44 certificate serves as proof that your car insurance coverage limits are higher than
—the amount of coverage you’ll need depends on your state’s laws.
Fact check: Although you’ll often hear the term “FR-44 insurance,” this is a misnomer. An FR-44 certificate proves that you have the right amount of insurance but it’s not actually a
, your auto insurance policy must meet the minimum liability limits listed above for three years. You will need your insurance company to file an FR-44 certificate with the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Department (FLHSMV).
If you end up with a suspended license and need to submit an FR-44, here are the steps you’ll need to follow:
Contact your insurance company: Inform your provider as soon as possible that you need an FR-44 certificate and ask if they will be able to file one on your behalf.
Shop for new car insurance (if necessary): If you don’t currently have car insurance, you’ll need to find a new provider. It can be difficult to find insurance as a high-risk driver and your rates will be high, but your best bet is to
, for example, you will lose that benefit after your conviction—increasing your insurance rate even more.
You may also need to raise your coverage limits to meet the FR-44 car insurance requirements in your state, and your insurance premium cost will go up accordingly.
Besides an insurance rate hike, there are several additional costs associated with filing an FR-44:
Fee
Description
Average charge in Florida and Virginia
FR-44 filing fee
Paid directly to your insurance company if they file the FR-44 on your behalf
$15 to $25
Suspended license reinstatement fee
Paid to the DMVFee amount may vary depending on the nature of your conviction
$175 to $220
Conviction fine
Outlined in your state lawsFine amount varies depending on the offense
First-time DUI conviction in Florida: At least $500
First-time DUI conviction in Virginia: At least $250
FR-44 insurance without a car
Even if you don’t own a vehicle, you may be required to file an FR-44 certificate after a license suspension in Florida or Virginia. To do this, you will need to purchase a
with the correct liability insurance limits and ask your new insurer to file an FR-44 certificate for you.
Keep up on your payment—or else: It may seem silly to purchase insurance if you don’t have a vehicle, but it’s important to keep up on your policy payments to get your driving privileges reinstated. Your license will be suspended again if you let your policy lapse or cancel your coverage.
FR-44 vs. SR-22
Many states—including Florida and Virginia—require certain drivers to file an
to get a suspended license reinstated. But FR-44 certificates are currently only in use in Florida and Virginia.
Here are the main differences between an FR-44 and an SR-22 in these two states:
Type of offense: State laws dictate which offenses require an FR-44 vs an SR-22. In both Florida and Virginia, SR-22 forms are necessary after a wider range of driving violations, including reckless driving and driving uninsured.
Coverage limits: FR-44 insurance requirements have higher coverage limits than you would with an SR-22 filing.
The filing requirements and fees may also be different, but it depends on your specific circumstances.
“I recently started looking for insurance. With my past ticket, I got rejected by several companies while others charged me extreme prices. My friend referred me to
after submitting an FR-44 form, your insurance provider will notify the DMV. As a result, the DMV may suspend your license and leave you with even more severe restrictions or fines.
How long do you need FR-44 insurance?
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In both Florida and Virginia, you typically need to carry FR-44 insurance for three years, but this may vary depending on the nature of your offense and your driving record history. Check with the DMV to be sure.