Updated May 2026
What Is FR-44 Insurance (FL and VA) Insurance?
FR-44 is not insurance itself—it's a certificate your insurer files with the Florida DMV or Virginia DMV certifying you carry at least double the state's minimum liability coverage. Florida and Virginia replaced SR-22 with FR-44 specifically for DUI offenses because standard minimums proved inadequate for high-risk drivers. Your insurer files the FR-44 electronically once you purchase qualifying coverage, and the state monitors continuous coverage for the entire filing period, typically three years from your conviction date.
- You're convicted of DUI in Tampa with a BAC of .12. Florida requires FR-44 filing with minimum limits of 100/300/50—double the standard 25/50/10 minimums. You purchase a policy meeting those limits. Your insurer charges a one-time $25 filing fee and submits the FR-44 electronically to the Florida DHSMV. You must maintain that coverage continuously for three years from your conviction date, not your filing date, or face immediate suspension.
- You're convicted of a second DUI in Richmond within five years. Virginia requires FR-44 with 60/120/40 minimums—double the standard 30/60/20. Your insurer files FR-44 and charges $50. Because it's a second offense, Virginia extends your filing period to five years and requires an ignition interlock device during your restricted license phase. Your premium increases roughly 80% over standard rates due to the DUI and doubled coverage requirements combined.
- Your car was impounded after your DUI arrest in Virginia and you sold it rather than pay impound fees. You don't own a vehicle but need FR-44 to reinstate your license and qualify for a restricted license. You purchase non-owner FR-44 insurance, which provides the required 60/120/40 liability when you drive borrowed or rental cars. Monthly cost runs $80 to $150. Once you buy a vehicle again, you'll need to switch to standard FR-44 coverage on that specific car.
How Much Does FR-44 Insurance (FL and VA) Insurance Cost?
FR-44 filing adds $15–$50 one-time to your policy. The bigger cost is the coverage itself: expect $150–$350/month for FR-44-compliant liability in Florida or Virginia after a DUI, compared to $90–$140/month for standard coverage with a clean record.
- DUI conviction date and BAC level—higher BAC or refusal cases trigger steeper increases
- Number of prior offenses—second DUI doubles filing period to five years in Virginia
- Coverage limits beyond FR-44 minimums—100/300/50 costs less than 250/500/100
- Vehicle type and value—newer cars cost more to insure even with liability-only FR-44
- Zip code and county—Miami-Dade and Norfolk rates run 20–30% higher than rural Florida or Virginia counties
- Continuous coverage history before DUI—a lapse before conviction compounds the risk score
See How Much You Could Save
Get personalized fr-44 insurance (fl and va) insurance quotes in minutes.
Who Needs FR-44 Insurance (FL and VA) Insurance?
You need FR-44 if you were convicted of DUI, DWI, or refusal in Florida or Virginia and want to reinstate your license or qualify for a restricted license during suspension. It's required whether you own a car or not—non-owner FR-44 satisfies the filing requirement if you sold your vehicle or never owned one. Without FR-44 on file, the DMV will not process your reinstatement application or issue a hardship license.
Check your conviction paperwork or DMV suspension notice—it will specify FR-44 if required. If it says SR-22, you're in the wrong state or the offense wasn't DUI-related. Contact a high-risk insurer that writes FR-44 policies before your reinstatement hearing or restricted license application deadline. Filing takes 24–48 hours once you purchase coverage, so don't wait until the day before your court date.