FR-44 Auto Insurance (2024)

You may have heard about SR-22 insurance, but not every state requires it. If you live in Virginia or Florida, you might be required to get FR-44 insurance after serious traffic violations.

You’ll likely need to submit an FR-44 form before you can get your license reinstated, and failing to do so can result in fines and further license suspension. Needing FR-44 insurance can result in rates up to 66% higher than standard policies, but regularly submitting the forms is the only way to continue driving legally.

While your insurance will cost more, getting an affordable policy isn’t impossible. Most major insurance companies will work with drivers who need FR-44 insurance. Learn more about FR-44 insurance below, then compare companies to find the best coverage rates for your needs.

What is an FR-44 form?

Although you might hear it referred to as insurance, FR-44 is not a type of coverage. Instead, it’s a certificate you must submit to your DMV to prove that you meet the insurance requirements in your state.

FR-44s are very similar to SR-22 certificates but require more coverage. They’re also available in fewer states — only Florida auto insurance and Virginia auto insurance laws require FR-44 certificates as another type of proof of financial responsibility.

Virginia is one of the few states that doesn’t require a minimum amount of insurance, but its FR-44 requirements are relatively steep. Virginia drivers need the following insurance to satisfy an FR-44 requirement.

• Bodily injury liability — $60,000 per person
• Bodily injury liability — $120,000 per accident
• Property damage liability — $40,000 per accident

Florida has minimum insurance laws but requires much more coverage to satisfy an FR-44 certificate. Floridians must carry the following.

• Bodily injury liability — $100,000 per person
• Bodily injury liability — $300,000 per accident
• Property damage liability — $50,000 per accident

When you need FR-44 insurance, you’ll probably receive a notification in your mailbox. If the Florida or Virginia DMV requests an FR-44 certificate from you, you’ll need to submit proof of your insurance before you can drive again. However, you can’t submit the forms yourself. Instead, you’ll need an insurance representative to submit FR-44 forms on your behalf.

Drivers who must meet FR-44 insurance requirements usually need to do so for three years. You must maintain your coverage during that period, as your time will restart if your coverage lapses.

When are FR-44 certificates required?

There are a variety of reasons that the Florida or Virginia DMV might demand FR-44 insurance from you. These include:

• DUI/DWI charge
• Repeat traffic offenses
• Causing an accident when you’re driving without insurance
• Causing too many accidents
• Serious infractions, like reckless driving
• Skipping child support payments
• After a license suspension or revocation
• Hardship licenses, which allow you to drive with a suspended license so you can go to work

No matter what reason causes you to need a FR-44 certificate, you must follow your state’s laws. However, you don’t need to handle everything by yourself. It’s helpful to familiarize yourself with your state’s FR-44 laws, but your insurance company will know exactly what you need.

How do you get FR-44 insurance?

FR-44 requirements might feel complicated, but getting what you need is relatively easy, especially when you already have coverage. If you already have a policy, you should speak with a representative from your company. They’ll be able to set up the FR-44 insurance that you need. There is a risk that your company will drop you as a customer, but most will continue to work with you.

If you don’t have insurance, finding FR-44 coverage is as easy as finding a standard policy. When you apply for coverage, let the company know you’ll need FR-44 insurance. Your rates will be higher, and you might see a few rejected applications, but finding coverage shouldn’t be too challenging.

How much does FR-44 insurance cost?

Getting FR-44 insurance is simple, but you’ll have to pay higher rates. Insurance rates are higher for drivers who need a FR-44 certificate because they represent a higher risk for future claims.

You’ll also see increased rates for whatever reason you need FR-44 insurance in the first place. For example, cheap auto insurance with a DUI is especially difficult to find.

Finally, you’ll have to pay a monthly fee for filing an FR-44 form. Every company is different, but most charge between $15 and $25. It’s important to let your company know when you no longer need FR-44 insurance, so your monthly fees stop.

How do you get FR-44 insurance without car insurance?

Drivers who need FR-44 insurance usually have their license suspended until they can prove their financial responsibility. That means you’ll need to purchase car insurance if you don’t have an existing policy. That’s easy enough when you own a car, but it can be much more difficult to get your license back when you don’t own a car.

When you need FR-44 insurance without a vehicle, you should consider a non-owner car insurance policy that will allow you to prove financial responsibility and reinstate your license.

Non-owner insurance covers you when you drive someone else’s vehicle. FR-44 non-owner insurance comes with another perk: It’s cheaper than a standard policy.

Find the Right FR-44 Insurance Today

Getting FR-44 insurance is a hassle no one wants to deal with, but it’s not as tricky as you might think. Rates will be higher, but you must meet FR-44 insurance requirements in Florida or Virginia. Driving without FR-44 insurance will have serious consequences, so it’s best to maintain your coverage.

One of the most critical steps in finding affordable coverage is comparing quotes. Make sure to look at as many companies as possible to ensure you get the best rates.