If you’ve been convicted of a serious driving offense like a DUI in Florida or Virginia, you’ll need an FR-44 certificate to prove you have the required high-liability insurance coverage. This certificate isn’t insurance itself but a document filed by your insurer with the state’s DMV to show you meet the heightened liability limits. In Florida, you’ll need $100,000 bodily injury coverage per person, $300,000 per accident, and $50,000 property damage coverage. In Virginia, the requirements are $60,000 bodily injury per person, $120,000 per accident, and $40,000 property damage, increasing in 2025. You’ll need to maintain this coverage for at least three years to keep your driving privileges. If you’re facing this situation, understanding the specifics of FR-44 insurance can help you navigate the process and guarantee you remain compliant with state laws. Continuing on will provide more details on how to obtain and maintain this necessary certificate.
What Is FR-44 Insurance?
An FR-44 is a certificate that proves you carry active liability insurance at or in excess of the legal minimum, particularly in cases where you’ve been convicted of a serious driving offense.
It stands for “financial responsibility” and isn’t a form of car insurance itself, but rather proof that you have the required car insurance. This certificate is mandated by the state to guarantee you meet higher liability coverage limits than the standard minimum.
FR-44 certificates are only issued in Florida and Virginia, and they’re often referred to as “DUI insurance” due to their common requirement after a DUI or DWI conviction. This requirement is in place to ensure high-risk drivers have adequate financial responsibility to cover potential damages, typically reflecting higher liability coverage limits than the state minimum or SR-22 requirements.
Why Is FR-44 Insurance Needed?
If you’ve been convicted of a serious driving offense, such as a DUI, you’ll likely need to obtain an FR-44 insurance certificate.
In both Florida and Virginia, a DUI conviction mandates an FR-44 to reinstate your driving privileges. This includes operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) exceeding the legal limit, which comes with hefty fines, license suspension, and the requirement for higher liability coverage.
Driving on a suspended or revoked license due to a DUI or similar violation also necessitates an FR-44 in Virginia.
Offenses involving serious injury or death while driving may also require this certificate. Additionally, individuals with repeated serious traffic violations may need an FR-44 to guarantee they maintain the necessary financial responsibility.
The FR-44 guarantees high-risk drivers carry sufficient insurance to protect others on the road, often resulting in higher insurance premiums and strict compliance requirements to avoid further license issues. Additionally, similar to Non-Owner SR-22 Insurance(#), FR-44 serves as proof of financial responsibility to the state.
FR-44 Requirements in Florida
In Florida, a conviction for a serious driving offense, such as a DUI, triggers the need for an FR-44 insurance certificate to reinstate your driving privileges.
The primary reason you need an FR-44 is if you have been convicted of a DUI or DWI, as this offense categorizes you as a high-risk driver.
The insurance coverage requirements for an FR-44 in Florida include liability insurance with minimum limits of $100,000 for bodily injury or death per person per accident, $300,000 for bodily injury or death to more than one person per accident, and $50,000 for property damage per incident.
These limits are considerably higher than those for an SR-22.
To obtain an FR-44, you must purchase a policy that meets these requirements, and your insurance company will file the FR-44 form with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV).
This certification typically lasts three years, during which continuous coverage is mandatory to avoid additional penalties. Additionally, a DUI conviction can remain on your driving record for years, impacting insurance rates and high-risk driver classification.
FR-44 Requirements in Virginia
When you’re convicted of a serious driving offense in Virginia, such as driving under the influence or driving on a suspended license, you’ll need to obtain an FR-44 insurance certificate to reinstate your driving privileges.
The reasons for needing an FR-44 in Virginia include driving on a suspended or forfeited license, driving under the influence of intoxicants or drugs, maiming under the influence, and violating any federal, state, or local law similar to these offenses.
You must maintain liability coverage of at least $60,000 for bodily injury per person, $120,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $40,000 for property damage.
These limits must be at least double the state minimum. The FR-44 certificate must remain on file for at least three years, and continuous coverage is mandatory to avoid penalties, including license suspension.
Any lapse in coverage can result in severe consequences, including higher fines and extended FR-44 coverage time.
Obtaining and Maintaining FR-44 Insurance
To obtain and maintain an FR-44 insurance certificate in Virginia, you need to take several precise steps.
First, contact your current insurer to see if they offer FR-44 insurance. If they don’t, shop around for companies that do, inquiring about their experience with FR-44 forms and their customer service.
Compare policy terms, additional fees, and any available discounts to guarantee the company can file the FR-44 form with the state DMV.
Once you find a suitable policy, purchase car insurance with the required heightened liability limits. Your insurance company will file the FR-44 form electronically with the state’s DMV.
Guarantee continuous coverage for the required period, typically three years, as any lapse can result in license suspension.
Keep records of the FR-44 certificate and proof of insurance, and follow up with your insurer and DMV to confirm all requirements are met.
Notification from the state will indicate when the FR-44 requirement is no longer needed.
Conclusion
If you’re facing the reality of an FR-44, know that it’s a strict measure to guarantee you’re insured adequately. You need it after serious offenses like a DUI in Florida or Virginia. In both states, it requires higher-than-minimum liability coverage. Maintain this coverage continuously for at least three years to keep your license. Your insurance provider will handle the filing, but you must comply to avoid severe penalties. Stay insured, stay compliant, and stay on the road.
