When people in Florida and Virginia need to reinstate their license, they often ask, what’s the difference between SR22 and FR44 insurance? These are the only states with two types of license reinstatement certificates. An SR22 insurance certificate is for non-alcohol-related motor vehicle violations. The FR44 insurance certificate is for DUI or DWI violations.
When you’re eligible for reinstatement, you’ll contact an insurance provider to buy an SR22 or FR44 certificate. The certificate is attached to your auto insurance policy if you own a vehicle. When you don’t own a car, the certificate is attached to a non-owner SR22 or FR44 insurance policy. UltraCar Insurance will gladly help you file your SR22 or FR44 certificate if your current insurance company doesn’t offer high-risk insurance.
Why is there a difference between SR22 and FR44 insurance?
In all fifty states, you have to file an SR22 certificate or its equivalent to reinstate your license. Every state has penalties with increasing severity for:
- Driving without a license
- Uninsured driving
- Excessive points
- At-fault accidents
- DUI/DWI violations
Florida and Virginia require an FR44 certificate to be filed for DUI-related license reinstatement. Drunk or impaired driving presents significant potential for deadly consequences. Unfortunately, people with DUI/DWI violations will likely repeat the behavior. Therefore, the state requires higher liability coverage for DUI insurance. FR44 insurance premiums are increased to provide adequate compensation to parties injured in a DUI accident. Another reason for the higher payments is to act as a deterrent to future drunk driving.
Florida and Virginia insurance coverage requirements
Another difference between SR22 and FR44 insurance is the minimum liability coverage requirement. The insurance coverage you’ll need after a DUI conviction is considerably higher. Coverage requirements for SR22 insurance are somewhat higher than for standard insurance. FR44 coverage requirements are significantly higher, and premiums are usually double the cost.
Florida SR22 FR44
- Standard and SR22 insurance minimum liability coverage: 10/20/10
- FR44 insurance minimum liability coverage: 100/300/50
Virginia SR22 FR44
- Standard and SR22 insurance minimum liability coverage: 30/60/20
- FR44 insurance minimum liability coverage: 60/120/40
Florida HSMV / Virginia DMV
Information on SR22 and FR44 insurance in Florida and Virginia is available on their state websites:
- Florida HSMV: Florida license suspension, revocation and reinstatement, and Florida DUI administrative suspension laws.
- Virginia DMV: Comprehensive details about reinstating driving privileges in Virginia.
More about SR22 and FR44 insurance in Florida and Virginia
Florida articles:
Virginia articles:
UltraCar Insurance specializes in Florida and Virginia high-risk auto insurance. Our licensed agents can answer all your questions and whether you need SR22 or FR44 insurance. We’ll find you the lowest rate possible and quickly file your certificate. Get low-cost quotes in minutes by phone, or start an online quote now!
