After a DUI/DWI license suspension, part of the reinstatement process includes filing a Florida FR44 insurance certificate with the state. FR44 insurance is also called Florida DUI insurance.
UltraCar Insurance helps you by surveying top-rated insurance companies to find the best rate and policy to suit your needs. Determining all the ins and outs of obtaining Florida FR44 insurance can be confusing. Our licensed agents can guide you through the process and complete an electronic filing of your FR44 certificate within 20 minutes.
Florida FR44 Requirements After a DUI
What’s the difference between SR22 and FR44 insurance? SR22 insurance in Florida is for non-alcohol-related traffic offenses. FR44 insurance is for DUI/DWI offenses.
You’ll want to keep your FR44 certificate in good standing without lapse to avoid another license suspension. At both initial policy issuance and at renewal, you’ll pay your FR44 premium in full for six months.
When Does Florida Require an FR44 Filing?
Florida requires an FR44 filing after certain DUI-related license suspensions. A DUI charge can include driving under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, prescription drugs, or over-the-counter drugs that impair your ability to drive safely.
Florida’s FR44 insurance program became law on October 1, 2007. The higher liability insurance requirements for FR44 filings went into effect in February 2008.
SR22 insurance in Florida is generally used for non-DUI-related violations. FR44 insurance is used after qualifying substance-related offenses and requires much higher liability limits.
Florida FR44 Form and Certificate Filing
A Florida FR44 form is the financial responsibility certificate your insurance company files with the state after certain DUI-related license suspensions. The form proves that your policy meets Florida’s higher FR44 liability requirements.
You do not usually file the FR44 certificate yourself. After you purchase a qualifying Florida FR44 insurance policy, your insurance company submits the certificate electronically to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
The FR44 certificate includes information such as:
- Driver’s name and policy information
- The insurance company issuing the policy
- Required Florida FR44 liability limits
- Policy effective date
- Case or sanction number
- Vehicle information, when the policy is attached to a specific vehicle
Fast filing matters because Florida may not proceed with license reinstatement until the FR44 certificate is accepted and all other requirements are met.
For a full overview of the reinstatement process, visit our Florida License Reinstatement Guide.
How Much Does Florida FR44 Insurance Cost?
Factors like age, gender, marital status, claims history, driving record, and where you reside determine your auto insurance rate. Florida’s already high standard auto insurance premiums will likely double when you have an FR44 requirement.
The minimum auto insurance coverage required for all Florida drivers is $10,000 in no-fault or personal injury protection (PIP) and $10,000 in property damage liability (PDL). After a DUI conviction, the state requires you to carry insurance with much higher liability coverage. Therefore, you can expect significantly higher premiums.
Minimum coverage requirements for Florida FR44 insurance increase as follows:
- $100,000 bodily injury per individual per accident
- $300,000 bodily injury per accident
- $50,000 property damage per accident
Other expenses associated with a DUI conviction include fines, fees, and the cost of installing a Florida ignition interlock device if required.
Learn more about FR44 insurance rates and cost factors.
Can You Make Monthly Payments on Florida FR44 Insurance?
Florida FR44 insurance differs from many standard auto insurance policies because owner and non-owner FR44 policies are typically issued on a six-month or twelve-month term.
In the past, Florida FR44 premiums were generally paid in full for a six-month term at initial policy issuance and at renewal. However, due to the cost, the rule changed to allow monthly payments, whether you have a six-month or twelve-month policy, which is extremely helpful for policyholders insuring a vehicle.
Owner and Non-Owner FR44 Certificates
Do you need Florida FR44 insurance but don’t own a vehicle? You can fulfill your FR44 requirement with a non-owner’s insurance certificate. A non-owner FR44 offers secondary liability insurance coverage if you drive a car you don’t own.
A non-owner FR44 policy does not insure a vehicle registered to you, but it can help you complete the FR44 filing requirement and move forward with license reinstatement if you do not own a car.
See our Florida Non-Owner FR44 page for more information. You can also obtain FR44 motorcycle insurance or a commercial auto insurance policy with an FR44 endorsement.
What Happens If Your Florida FR44 Policy Lapses?
You must keep your Florida FR44 insurance active for the full required filing period. Most drivers are required to maintain FR44 insurance for three years, although the exact requirement can depend on the circumstances of the case.
If your FR44 policy lapses, cancels, or is not renewed, your insurance company may notify Florida HSMV by filing an FR46 form. That notification can result in another suspension of your driver’s license.
A Florida FR44 lapse can also create additional problems, including:
- Additional reinstatement fees
- Delays in restoring driving privileges
- Higher future insurance premiums
- Problems obtaining insurance or registration
- Extended compliance issues with Florida HSMV
Before switching insurance companies or canceling a policy, make sure your new FR44 filing is active to avoid a coverage gap.
Florida FR44 Insurance in Major Florida Cities
UltraCar Insurance helps drivers find Florida FR44 insurance after DUI license suspensions throughout the state, including Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Tallahassee, Lakeland, Gainesville, Fort Myers, Daytona Beach, Port St. Lucie, Bradenton, Homestead, and surrounding Florida communities.
FR44 rates can vary by location, driving record, prior insurance history, vehicle ownership, and insurance company. A driver in Jacksonville may receive a different rate than a driver in Miami, Tampa, Orlando, or Fort Lauderdale, even with similar FR44 requirements.
If you need Florida FR44 insurance near you, UltraCar Insurance can compare available options and help complete the required certificate filing quickly.
What If You Move to Another State?
Florida owner and non-owner FR44 policies always have six-month terms. Most people must maintain this insurance for three years, even if they move to another state. No other state, except Florida and Virginia, issues FR44 certificates. And no insurance company can issue or process an out-of-state FR44 filing.
So, what happens to your FR44 if you move out of state? You should contact your insurance provider for advice before you move. If you stop paying your Florida FR44 insurance premiums, you’ll likely experience problems getting a driver’s license, auto registration, or insurance in your new state.
Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)
Details regarding Florida DUI and administrative suspension laws are on the Florida HSMV website.
Call UltraCar Insurance for a fast FR44 quote at an affordable rate. We compare rates and policies from several insurance companies to maximize your savings. Get a quote online now or call us today!
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NOTE: If you need SR22 insurance for a non-DUI-related violation, see Florida SR22 Insurance.
