What Is an FR-44 Policy?

Last Updated on October 14, 2026

By James Shaffer · Reviewed by Thomas Rockford, insurance industry executive and financial analyst, on October 14, 2026 · How we fact-check

An FR-44 isn’t a special “type of car insurance.” It’s a certificate of financial responsibility that your insurance company files with the state to prove you’re carrying higher-than-normal liability limits after a serious driving offense (most commonly a DUI).

If the state requires an FR-44 and you don’t keep it active, your insurer can notify the DMV (or equivalent agency) and your license can be suspended again. That’s why people sometimes refer to this as “FR-44 insurance,” even though the FR-44 itself is just proof you have enough coverage.

FR-44 requirements are currently associated with only two states: Florida and Virginia. If you’re labeled high-risk—often due to a DUI/DWI or multiple serious violations—an FR-44 may be part of getting your driving privileges reinstated.

• An FR-44 is a certificate your insurer files with the state to prove you carry higher liability limits—it’s proof of insurance, not a separate “policy type.”
• FR-44 requirements are associated with Florida and Virginia and are most commonly triggered by DUI-related convictions.
• The biggest risk is a lapse in coverage—if your policy cancels, your insurer can report it and your license may be suspended again.
• The filing fee is usually small, but premiums can rise significantly because FR-44 drivers must carry higher limits and are rated as higher risk.

What Is an FR-44 Policy?

An FR-44 is a filing (certificate) your insurer submits to the state showing you meet specific liability requirements. Think of it as a “receipt” for required coverage—similar to an SR-22 certificate, but with higher liability limits.

Because the FR-44 requires elevated limits, you typically need to increase your coverage. If you’re not sure how changing limits works, this guide helps: how and when can I change car insurance coverage or limits on my policy?

In plain terms: the FR-44 is paperwork, but the insurance you buy alongside it is real—and it’s usually more expensive because you’re buying more liability coverage and insurers consider you higher risk.

Which States Require an FR-44?

FR-44 filings are tied to Florida and Virginia. In most other states, a similar “proof of insurance” requirement for high-risk drivers is handled through an SR-22 instead.

FR-44 Requirements in Virginia

In Virginia, the DMV requires an FR-44 after convictions for driving under the influence, maiming while under the influence, or driving while your license is forfeited for one of those convictions, including similar convictions in other states. The DMV says FR-44 limits are double the limits in Code of Virginia § 46.2-472.

Minimum Liability Limits for a Virginia FR-44

Virginia increased its minimum liability limits effective January 1, 2025. Since an FR-44 is “double minimum” in Virginia, many drivers will see their FR-44 liability requirement expressed as:

• $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
• $200,000 bodily injury liability per accident
• $50,000 property damage liability per accident

Those limits refer to bodily injury liability coverage and property damage liability coverage—meaning damage/injuries you cause to other people, not damage to your own car.

Tip: The most important rule is continuous coverage. If your policy lapses—even briefly—your insurer may report the cancellation, which can trigger a new suspension. If you’ve ever had a gap before, read: what if my car insurance lapses?

FR-44 Requirements in Florida

In Florida, the FR-44 requirement is most closely tied to DUI convictions. If you’re reinstating your license after a DUI, the state may require proof that you carry significantly higher liability coverage than the standard minimums.

Minimum Liability Limits for a Florida FR-44

Florida Statutes § 324.023 sets the FR-44 liability requirement after a DUI conviction at 100/300/50. The law also allows a certificate of deposit of at least $350,000 instead. In practical terms, that means:

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

If you’re shopping while dealing with sticker shock, you’re not alone—high-risk pricing can be intense. This explains some common reasons: why is my insurance so high with no accidents?

How Long Do You Need an FR-44?

How long you need an FR-44 is set by each state. In Florida, Fla. Stat. § 324.023 requires the higher limits for at least three years after a DUI conviction. In Virginia, the DMV says to keep the FR-44 on file for three years from the end of your suspension or revocation, and if the policy is canceled during that time, the insurer notifies the DMV and your license is suspended again until a new certificate is filed. In Florida, ask your insurer or the state how a lapse would affect your license. If you’re unsure, check your court paperwork, DMV notice, or ask your insurer to confirm the end date and removal process.

How Much Does an FR-44 Cost?

There are two separate “costs” to think about:

• The filing fee: Many insurers charge a small one-time fee to file an FR-44 certificate. The amount is set by the insurer, so ask for it when you get a quote.
• The insurance premium: This is usually the big one. FR-44 drivers must carry higher liability limits, and the underlying violation (like a DUI) can push you into a higher-risk pricing tier—often increasing your premium substantially.

If you’re struggling to find a policy, you may need to use a nonstandard carrier or a state-approved option for higher-risk drivers. Here’s a starting point: how to get cheap assigned risk auto insurance.

FR-44 vs. SR-22: What’s the Difference?

FR-44 and SR-22 filings are both proof that you’re carrying required insurance, but they’re used in different situations:

• SR-22: Used in most states for a range of high-risk situations (license suspension, serious violations, driving uninsured, etc.).
• FR-44: Used in Florida and Virginia and typically requires higher liability limits than an SR-22.

Bottom line: an FR-44 usually means “SR-22-like requirement, but with higher limits.”

How to Get an FR-44 Filed

• Buy (or update) a policy that meets the state’s FR-44 liability limits.
• Request the FR-44 filing from your insurer (or agent). They file it directly with the state.
• Keep the policy active with no cancellations or lapses for the required period.

How to Get FR-44 Insurance Without a Car

If you need an FR-44 to reinstate your license but don’t own a vehicle, you can often meet the requirement with non-owner car insurance. It provides liability coverage when you drive cars you don’t own (like borrowing a friend’s car or renting).

In some cases, you’ll want a non-owner policy specifically structured to satisfy state filing rules—this guide explains how that typically works: non-owner SR-22 insurance explained. (The concept is similar for FR-44—your insurer files the appropriate form for your state.)

Once you’re insured, you can generally drive someone else’s vehicle with permission and remain covered for liability—just remember non-owner policies don’t cover damage to the car you’re driving.

My advice is to set your FR-44 policy on automatic payments and put your state’s end date on your calendar. In Virginia, a canceled policy means a new suspension, so in either state don’t drop the filing until your insurer or the DMV confirms the requirement is over.

FAQs on FR-44 Policies

Final Word on FR-44 Policies

An FR-44 is a state-required filing that proves you’re carrying higher liability insurance after a serious offense—most often a DUI—typically in Florida or Virginia. The key to staying compliant is choosing the correct limits, making payments on time, and keeping coverage continuous until the requirement ends. If you’re unsure what limits you should carry beyond the minimum, start here: what auto insurance limits should I have?

Official rules: the Virginia DMV’s financial responsibility certification and insurance requirement pages, and Florida Statutes § 324.023, are listed in the Sources below.

Sources

Checked October 14, 2026

• Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles — Financial Responsibility Certifications
• Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles — Insurance Requirements
• Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles — DMV 292 Reinstatement Requirements, July 1, 2026
• Code of Virginia — § 46.2-472 Required Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance
• Florida Statutes — § 324.023 Financial Responsibility for Bodily Injury or Death