Buying FR-44 Auto Insurance: What You Need To Know in 2024

If you’ve ever been in an accident, you know how quickly things can go south. However, getting behind the wheel after having too many drinks could get you in serious trouble.

Most states have specific auto insurance coverage requirements for drivers considered high risk. For example, Florida and Virginia require an FR-44 form for drivers who need to prove their financial responsibility. In most cases, a driver must file an FR-44 certificate for auto insurance after receiving a DWI or DUI conviction.

Keep reading to learn more about FR-44 insurance and why a state would require a driver to carry it.

What is FR-44 insurance? 

FR-44 is not a type of insurance. Instead, an FR-44 is a form that specific drivers must submit in their states after being considered high risk. These individuals are often guilty of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

A driver’s insurance company typically submits an FR-44 form. The document is proof that the individual in question has the financial means via auto insurance to cover damages they cause on the road.

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Who needs an FR-44 certificate?

Most drivers in Florida and Virginia don’t need to submit an FR-44 form, but you may have to do so if you:

• Harmed or injured one or more people while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Caused property damage while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Were caught driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol during a traffic stop
• Were caught driving with a suspended license or without a license
• Violated specific state or federal laws similar to those listed above

In Florida and Virginia, drivers must carry an FR-44 certificate for at least three years. Additionally, FR-44 drivers may have to reinstate their driver’s licenses after anywhere from a few weeks to six months.

An FR-44 certificate typically costs around $15 to $50, but you may only have to submit the form once if you don’t switch auto insurance providers. However, the actual cost of an FR-44 form comes when you pay for your auto insurance, which will be higher than normal.

To get an FR-44 certification through an auto insurance company, you must purchase certain coverage levels higher than most states’ minimum liability requirements.

How much coverage do you need for an FR-44 form?

FR-44 forms require you to purchase certain amounts of auto insurance, but there are differences between Florida and Virginia.

According to Virginia laws, a driver who is required to submit an FR-44 certificate must have an auto insurance policy with limits that exceed the state’s minimum requirements for coverage, including:

• $60,000 for bodily injury liability per person
• $120,000 for bodily injury liability per accident
• $40,000 for property damage liability

Alternately, Florida drivers with an FR-44 certificate must carry much higher liability coverage levels than Virginia.

These higher rates are a symbol of financial responsibility. They also serve as adequate protection for any driver who finds themselves in a severe car accident involving two or more vehicles.

Florida FR-44 insurance requirements include:

• $100,000 for bodily injury liability per person
• $300,000 for bodily injury liability per accident
• $50,000 for property damage liability 

If you find that you need an FR-44 form, you should speak with a representative from your current insurance provider to see how much your car insurance rates would be. Some companies will keep you on and offer coverage meeting your state’s requirements for a reasonable price, while others may drop you altogether.

How much does FR-44 auto insurance cost?

FR-44 car insurance rates are more expensive than standard car insurance rates because high-risk drivers must pay for coverage based on their risk profile. The higher your liability coverage levels are, the higher your rates will be.

FR-44 insurance in Virginia and FR-44 insurance in Florida will vary in price based on several factors, including:

• Age
• Gender
• Marital status
• Driving history
• Credit history
• Car make and model
• Coverage type
• Coverage levels
• ZIP code

The table below compares average annual rates with different insurance companies between drivers with clean driving records and drivers who need FR-44 coverage.

As you can see, rates for FR-44 insurance can hike rates by thousands of dollars a year. If you choose higher coverage levels, you may pay even more for coverage after filing an FR-44 form. 

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Can I find cheap FR-44 coverage?

No matter your circumstances, you’ll pay more for FR-44 coverage than for standard auto insurance. However, you may be able to find rates that work with your budget if you shop online and compare quotes from multiple companies.

Some companies are known for offering inexpensive FR-44 coverage to drivers in Florida and Virginia. In Virginia, some of the best companies for cheap FR-44 insurance include:

• Geico
• State Farm
• Progressive
• USAA
• Travelers

In comparison, the following companies offer the cheapest FR-44 insurance in Florida:

• Geico
• USAA
• State Farm
• Progressive
• MetLife

To find cheap FR-44 insurance in Florida and Virginia, compare rates before making a final decision. Don’t go with a company listed above just because it made it on a list of options for cheap FR-44 coverage — you may find that a different company in your area is willing to offer you a much better deal.

What’s the difference between FR-44 and SR-22 insurance?

You may hear people use FR-44 and SR-22 insurance interchangeably, but there are a few differences between the two.

While people most often need FR-44 certificates after a conviction for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, states typically require SR-22 certificates under the following circumstances:

• You were driving without proper auto insurance.
• You were driving with a suspended license.
• You received too many traffic citations in a short period.
• You did not pay court-ordered fines or child support.

In states other than Florida and Virginia, drivers convicted of a DUI or DWI may have to file an SR-22 with their state. Still, SR-22 insurance differs from FR-44 coverage and may come with different rates for auto insurance.

FR-44 Auto Insurance: The Bottom Line

If you need to file an FR-44 certificate in Florida or Virginia, you can expect your car insurance rates to go up. You may have to wait after reinstating your driver’s license before searching for proper coverage, but once you do so, shop online and compare quotes from multiple auto insurance providers.

Annual or monthly payments for FR-44 insurance in Florida and Virginia vary based on several personal factors. So you won’t know how you’ll pay for coverage until you do some research based on your unique circumstances.

Your insurance provider may be willing to keep you as a policyholder. If this is the case, it may be your best move to keep your policy and increase the limits as necessary. However, shopping online and comparing rates from multiple companies is always a good idea before making any commitments.

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