If you’re a driver in Florida or Virginia, you may have heard of “FR-44 insurance.” An FR-44 is not an actual car insurance policy. It’s commonly called so, however, because it’s a certificate showing you meet a certain state-required coverage.
As a Florida driver, it’s important to know about the term “FR-44 insurance” because needing one can affect your ability to drive legally and can increase your premiums.
Read on to learn who needs “FR-44 insurance”, how it can affect your insurance premium, and how you can obtain one if required by the state.
Why does someone need an FR-44 form?
Most drivers don’t need an FR-44 form. This form applies to drivers in Florida and Virginia who’ve had serious driving offenses such as driving under the influence (DUI).
In the state of Florida, you’re required to hold an FR-44 if you’ve been convicted of driving under the influence and:
- Were found guilty of a DUI
- Entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere (neither admitted guilt nor disputes charges)
Your license and registration may be suspended if you don’t have an FR-44 form after being required to hold one, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).
FR-44 insurance requirements in Florida
With an FR-44 form, the minimum liability insurance limits are $100,000/$300,000/$50,000. Which means, your car insurance policy needs to cover liability for:
- $100,000 for bodily injury or death of a person
- $300,000 total per accident for injuries to two or more people
- $50,000 for property damage per accident
While previously, drivers who needed an FR-44 were required to pay their premiums in full for six months upfront, the State of Florida removed that requirement. This will allow drivers to make monthly payments on their insurance.
If you hold an FR-44 form, you will be required to maintain it for a period of three years.
How to get FR-44 insurance in Florida
Not all providers offer FR-44 filing services. At Infinity Insurance Agency, Inc. (IIA), we can help guide you through the FR-44 filing process. We work with insurance carriers who offer this filing service.
Individuals cannot file this form on their own. They need to work with a local Florida car insurance agency or insurance company that can file it for them. After filing for one, you’ll need to carry the certificate showing your policy meets the required minimum coverage.
You can contact Infinity Insurance Agency to get help comparing quotes for FR-44 coverage.
How much does FR-44 insurance cost?
Due to its relationship to a previous misdemeanor, having an FR-44 usually increases premium rates. Other factors such as the driver’s age, driving record, and location will affect your final rate.
Ways to decrease your overall premium include:
- Shopping around to find competitive rates
- Using safe-driving practices in order to improve your driving record going forward
- Taking a state-approved driving course: In some instances, these courses may lower your premium.
Work with an auto insurance agency like IIA, which has access to multiple carriers, and can better explain the options available to you.
Get a free quote for “FR-44 insurance” in Florida
If you need to submit an FR-44 form or have a DUI conviction in the state of Florida, one of our agents can help you start the process of finding the necessary insurance policy.
Call 1-855-478-3705 or get a free quote online.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long do I need to carry FR-44 insurance in Florida?
Most drivers need to maintain their FR-44 insurance for three years from the date of reinstatement of your driving privileges. Failure to do so can result in a license suspension or a request to restart the three-year period.
What's the difference between the FR-44 and SR-22 forms?
Both certificates show that you have the required level of financial responsibility.
In Florida, an SR-22 certificate may be required for driving violations such as driving recklessly or without insurance, while an FR-44 applies to drivers with a DUI.
A driver may need both, depending on their driving and infraction record.
Can I cancel my FR-44 insurance early?
You generally cannot cancel your “FR-44 insurance” before the required three-year period. After this period, talk to your insurer to verify whether you won’t need an FR-44 certificate going forward.
What happens if I miss a payment?
Missing a payment may come with serious consequences such as license suspension, cancellation of your coverage, and even a reset of the required three-year period.
Do I need FR-44 if I don't have a car?
If you’ve been convicted of a DUI in Florida or driving while intoxicated, you may still be required to obtain FR-44 insurance.
This is because a violation may take place even if the driver is not the owner of the vehicle.
Get An fr-44 Quote Now