What Is FR-44 Insurance? Requirements and Details

An FR-44 is a document that certain states require before a driver can legally drive again after they’ve had a serious violation, such as a DUI. It proves that you are a financially responsible driver who carries liability limits higher than the state minimum.

You may need an FR-44 if you live in Florida or Virginia and have been convicted of a DUI or another serious violation. These are the only two states that use it, and the exact limits you must carry depend on your state.

What triggers an FR-44 requirement?

In Florida:¹

• A DUI conviction

In Virginia:²

• A DUI conviction

• Maiming someone while driving under the influence

• Driving after your license was forfeited for a conviction (or a guilty finding, for a juvenile)

• Similar offenses under federal, state, or local law

What are FR-44 required liability limits?

If your Virginia policy took effect before Jan 1, 2025, lower limits ($60,000 / $120,000 / $40,000) may still apply until your policy renews.²

How long do you need an FR-44?

The typical timeframe for an FR-44 is three years. The exact timeframe may depend on the type of violation, court order, or state FR-44 insurance requirements. 

If your car insurance policy lapses or is canceled during that time, you may have to pay a penalty, have your license suspended, or maintain the FR-44 longer. 

How much does an FR-44 cost?

You will pay a one-time fee of $15 to $25 to your insurance provider to file the form with the state.

You usually also have to pay fees to have your driver’s license reinstated. Costs could be up to $220 in Virginia³ and $130 in Florida for a DUI.⁴

If required, you will also incur the costs of taking a driver safety course.

How do you submit an FR-44?

The process for submitting an FR-44 is very similar to applying for a standard car insurance policy. 

The following steps will guide you through the process of obtaining an FR-44:

1. Verify the state-mandated coverage limits for your violation.

2. Search for an auto insurance company that offers FR-44 filings. If you don’t have a car, you can get a non-owner FR-44 policy. 

3. Pay your reinstatement fees, administrative fees, and your car insurance premium.

4. Ask your car insurance company to file the FR-44. 

It’s critical that you keep your policy active for the entire time you are required to have an FR-44, as the state could suspend your driver’s license for not complying with the law.

When you use Luva, you can find an insurance company that will meet your needs. Answer a few questions and Luva shows you carriers matched to your profile. For situations that need a specialist, Luva routes you to an agent who can take it from there.

In states other than Florida and Virginia, drivers with a DUI or other serious violation may need to file an SR-22 rather than an FR-44. 

An SR-22 and an FR-44 both serve the same basic purpose: to ensure drivers have adequate liability insurance coverage. FR-44 imposes stricter liability requirements that reflect the severity of the offenses it mandates.

Whether you need an FR-44 or SR-22, you’ll pay higher auto insurance premiums than if you didn’t need one.

If you're required to file an FR-44, expect your car insurance premiums to increase significantly. Not only are you paying for the violation itself, but you're also required to carry higher liability limits to satisfy state law.

DUIs and other serious driving offenses often result in major property damage, serious injuries, or fatalities, which is why insurers place these drivers in a high-risk category.

Interestingly, this risk isn’t concentrated where you might expect: Luva research on insurance shoppers shows that drivers in their late 20s and early 30s have the highest rates of DUIs and SR-22 filings at 5%, even higher than the youngest drivers.⁵

Because an FR-44 tags you as a high-risk driver, your coverage will naturally cost far more than a standard policy. Here’s how average premiums for drivers with a DUI compare to those with other violations.

A DUI or an SR-22 requirement can narrow your options, but it doesn't erase them. Luva compares carriers that work with high-risk drivers, so you can see what coverage is available to you.