Why FR44 Is Required After a DUI Conviction

A DUI conviction creates more than just court fines and a temporary license suspension. It also triggers insurance and compliance requirements that many drivers do not expect or fully understand.

One of the most confusing requirements involves FR44 insurance, which applies only in certain states and under specific circumstances. This blog explains the legal and insurance reasons behind this filing. Discover why an FR44 is required after a DUI conviction.

Understanding FR44 Insurance

FR44 auto insurance is not a separate insurance policy, even though many drivers assume it is. It is a state-required filing that proves you carry auto insurance with higher liability limits than standard policies require. Florida and Virginia currently require FR44 filings, and both states use this system to monitor high-risk drivers and enforce strict financial responsibility laws.

Courts and motor vehicle departments require FR44 filings after DUI or DWI convictions in states that use this system. The filing attaches directly to your auto insurance policy and stays active for a set period of time. If your insurance lapses or you cancel it, the insurer notifies the state immediately.

How a DUI Conviction Triggers FR44 Requirements

Now, let’s examine why an FR44 is required after a DUI conviction. Your past offense signals to your state that a driver presents a higher financial risk on the road. Alcohol-related offenses increase the likelihood of accidents, injuries, and property damage. Because of this risk, Florida and Virginia impose stricter insurance requirements before allowing a driver to keep or reinstate driving privileges.

FR44 requirements activate after conviction, not at the time of arrest. Once the court reports the DUI to the motor vehicle department, your state will issue a notice requiring proof of insurance through an FR44 filing.

Why States Require Higher Liability Limits With FR44

Standard auto insurance liability limits may not provide enough financial protection in serious accidents. The FR44 enables Florida and Virginia to require much higher bodily injury and property damage limits to reduce financial exposure. These limits ensure that injured parties receive compensation without relying on public assistance or lawsuits.

Higher limits also protect drivers from personal financial loss. Accidents involving alcohol often result in severe injuries, medical bills, and legal claims. By enforcing higher coverage limits, the state reduces unpaid damages and long-term financial harm tied to DUI-related crashes.

The Difference Between FR44 and SR22 Requirements

Many drivers confuse FR44 and SR22 filings, since both serve as proof of financial responsibility. But both differ in several ways, including their reach. While FR44 requirements apply only in Florida and Virginia, SR22 requirements apply in most states.

The two filings also differ in the required coverage amount. SR22 filings usually attach to policies with standard state minimum liability limits. FR44 filings require much higher liability limits, which reflect the increased risk associated with DUI convictions in those states.

Cost differences often follow these coverage requirements. SR22 insurance generally costs less because it does not mandate higher liability limits, even though the violation itself may increase premiums. FR44 insurance costs more because drivers must carry significantly more coverage, which raises the overall policy price beyond the filing fee itself. Understanding how FR44 and SR22 differ helps drivers file the correct form and meet state requirements.

How Long FR44 Insurance Is Required After a DUI

The length of time you must carry FR44 insurance depends on state law and the severity of the offense. Usually, drivers must have this coverage for three years following a conviction. The clock usually starts once your policy files the FR44 and your license becomes eligible for reinstatement.

However, if your policy cancels or lapses for any reason, the insurance company notifies the state immediately. The state then suspends your license, often without warning.

Reinstating your license after a lapse often costs more time and money than maintaining coverage. You may face reinstatement fees, extended FR44 requirements, and higher insurance costs. Continuous coverage protects your driving privileges and helps you move forward faster.

Cost Factors That Affect FR44 Insurance After a DUI

Several factors influence the final price of your FR44 insurance, including driving history, age, vehicle type, and location. The FR44 filing fee remains low, but the increased coverage drives most of the cost.

Drivers often assume they cannot find affordable FR44 insurance. In reality, agencies understand how to shop policies that meet state requirements without unnecessary extras. Working with experts who focus on high-risk drivers can significantly reduce long-term costs.

The Benefits of Obtaining FR44 Coverage

Although you may see FR44 insurance as a costly burden, it plays an important role in restoring your driving privileges after a DUI. In addition, maintaining FR44 coverage also protects your future.

It demonstrates responsibility and compliance with state laws. Over time, this consistency helps stabilize insurance costs and prevents further legal issues related to driving status.

How to Get FR44 Filed Correctly

Now that you know why FR44 insurance is so important, you may wonder, “How can I ensure that I file it correctly?” Start by finding an auto insurance policy that meets the higher liability limits required by your state. Your insurer must submit the FR44 filing to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles or the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. If you already have coverage, the policy may require a rewrite to match the FR44 limits and attach the filing correctly.

After the insurer files the FR44, you should confirm that the state has accepted it before assuming you can legally drive. The state may take time to process the filing, and a mismatch in your name, date of birth, or license number can trigger rejection. You also need to keep payments current as even a short lapse can trigger an immediate suspension.

If you do not own a vehicle, you may still need an FR44 filing to reinstate your license, depending on your state’s rules and your case details. You should choose a policy that matches how you drive today, since the wrong setup can cost more than it needs to. A specialist can help you file quickly, avoid paperwork problems, and stay compliant for the full requirement period.

Now that you understand why Florida and Virginia require FR44 insurance, you can avoid mistakes that can delay license reinstatement. Instead, make sure it is filed properly and maintain your coverage throughout its duration.

Serenity Group can help you secure compliant coverage quickly and affordably. Contact us today and take the next step toward driving again.