Drivers in Florida and Virginia may have to submit an FR-44 to their DMV to get their license reinstated after a serious traffic offense. Contrary to popular belief, FR-44 insurance in Florida is not insurance. It is a proof that a driver meets the state’s minimum coverage requirements for car insurance.
FR-44s, though you may not have heard of them, aren’t the only ones. There are many other forms, including SR-22s, SR-50s, that are similar.
What is “FR44 insurance?”
An FR-44 is a proof of insurance. An order from a judge to obtain an FR-44 may be issued. Or, you may receive a letter by mail informing you that the form and the corresponding level insurance are necessary before your license can again be reinstated. This could be due to a DUI conviction, another traffic violation, or because you have been caught driving without insurance.
You must send proof of insurance to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles in order to satisfy the FR44 requirement. Although there is a fee, getting an FR44 is easy.
If you don’t have car insurance, this could be a problem. You will need to search for a car insurer that is willing to provide you with insurance. You may not be eligible for insurance through a traditional provider or local provider depending on your conviction.
FR-44 vs SR-22
SR-22s and FR-44s are very similar. Both require that drivers submit proof to the FLHSMV that the required minimum amount of car insurance is in place. Both forms are used after a DUI or serious traffic violation. However, there are some key differences.
FR-44s can only be used in Virginia or Florida. If you are from another state, however, an FR-44 may still be required if a Virginia judge or Florida judge requires it. You could lose your registration and license if you fail to comply. If you are not convicted of a more serious offense, Florida uses the form FR-444. However, an SR-22 can sometimes be obtained if you request it.
The most significant difference between the forms is that FR-444s require you purchase twice the state’s minimum liability limit. Florida drivers must have a 100/300/50 insurance policy to meet the requirements of an FR-444. This policy covers the following coverage limits:
- $100,000 per person to cover bodily injury
- $300,000.00 per accident for bodily Injury
- $50,000 for property damage per accident
The standard Florida requirements apply to a 10/20/10 policy. Therefore, the FR-44 significantly increases the amount you need.
Across the country, there are many other variations of SR-22s and FR-44s.
- SR-19 is required in Texas and California, but the use of it in each state is slightly different.
- California: Submitted to the DMV to verify that the at-fault driver wasn’t insured at the time the accident occurred. Primarily used so the victim can receive uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
- Texas: Monthly payment agreement between an at fault driver and an injured party, where the at-fault driver wasn’t properly insured. It is legally binding and submitted to the DMV
- SR-21: This is used to verify that a driver was actually insured before an accident that caused $1,000 or more in property damage or bodily injuries
- SR-22A: A similar SR-22 to a regular SR-22, but requires six months of insurance prepaid at a given time
- SR-50: This verifies financial responsibility in cases where a driver is convicted of at least two moving violations within a year or a DUI.
Florida insurance costs – FR-44
There are many insurance companies that charge different amounts for filing an FR-44. You may need to pay an additional $15-35 for most cases. The FR-44 fee is minimal in comparison to the cost of upgrading a policy or obtaining one as a first driver with high risk drivers.
An FR-44 will also increase your insurance costs by the amount you need. The minimum coverage insurance required to fulfill an FR-44 is likely to be twice the amount required by Florida drivers. There are many factors that will affect the amount you pay.
An FR-44’s true cost is determined by the reason it was put in place. If you have been convicted for DUI, it is your conviction that will increase the average price of your auto insurance premium more than the FR-44.
Insurance companies may be able to see evidence of DUI convictions as a sign of repeat or high-risk driving behavior. Driving while intoxicated is still a major cause of death on America’s roads. This correlates with a high number of insurance claims each and every year. Drivers convicted of DUI may face higher insurance premiums if they need an FR-44.
FAQ
What length of time do I need to have a Florida FR-444?
The minimum time that most drivers need to keep an FR-44 is three year. You may need it for a longer time if your offense is not your first DUI.
How can I obtain FR-44 insurance for Florida?
To verify that your insurance meets the requirements of the FR-444 form, you will need to call your insurance provider. You will need to locate a provider that will insure you. Not all providers will. This form may be required by many national providers when you apply for a quote.
What is the cost of SR-22 insurance in Florida?
An SR-22 and an FR-44 do not constitute insurance. They are just proof that you have the required insurance. A one-time fee will be charged to send an SR-22/FR-44 to the FLHSMV. This typically costs between $15 and $35.
Can an FR44 be issued from another state?
Virginia is the only state that regularly issues FR-44s. Most states use SR-22s as an alternative to FR-44s. Drivers are not required to buy more coverage than the minimum state liability limits. Remember that the Florida FR 44 requirements will likely be applicable even if you move to a different state.
Florida, where can I get cheap FR44 insurance?
If you are a high-risk driver looking for affordable insurance, it is important to compare rates and shop around. Every insurance company weighs your driving history and personal information differently. You might be penalized by one company while another may not charge you as much.