FR44 Insurance Florida 2026 — The Complete Guide to Everything FR44
FR44 Insurance in Florida: The Only Guide You’ll Need
FR44 insurance is Florida’s mandatory high-risk auto insurance certificate required after a DUI conviction. This comprehensive guide covers everything — what FR44 is, what it costs, how to get it, how long you need it, and how to survive the 3 years without going broke. Updated for 2026.
What Is FR44 Insurance?
FR44 is a certificate of financial responsibility filed electronically with the Florida DHSMV. It proves you carry 100/300/50 liability limits — 10x the state minimum (10/20/10) — and is required for 3 consecutive years after a DUI conviction. Unlike SR22 (used in 48 other states), FR44 is specific to Florida and Virginia only.
FR44 Insurance Costs in 2026
| Driver Profile | Monthly Cost | 3-Year Total |
|---|---|---|
| First DUI, clean record otherwise | $150-$250 | $5,400-$9,000 |
| First DUI, 1+ accident | $200-$350 | $7,200-$12,600 |
| Second DUI | $250-$450 | $9,000-$16,200 |
| DUI with injury/property damage | $350-$700 | $12,600-$25,200 |
| Under 21 DUI | $200-$400 | $7,200-$14,400 |
| Non-owner FR44 | $50-$150 | $1,800-$5,400 |
How to Get FR44 Insurance: Step by Step
- Get quotes from 3-5 FR44 carriers — Use a broker who works with multiple FR44 carriers or shop directly with Progressive, Dairyland, Bristol West, Infinity, and Direct General
- Choose a policy and pay the down payment — Typically 1-2 months premium upfront
- Carrier files FR44 electronically with DHSMV — Same-day filing available from most carriers
- Verify the filing is active — Check at services.flhsmv.gov/dlcheck/ or call DHSMV at (850) 617-2000
- Reinstate your license — Online or at any Florida DMV. Pay reinstatement fee ($150-$500)
- Maintain continuous coverage for 3 years — No lapses allowed. Set up auto-pay.
FR44 Requirements at a Glance
- Liability limits: 100/300/50 minimum
- Duration: 3 consecutive years from reinstatement date
- Filing method: Electronic only (FRVIS system)
- Lapse penalty: 3-year clock resets to zero
- States requiring FR44: Florida and Virginia only
- Non-owner option: Available — $50-$150/month
FR44 vs SR22: Quick Comparison
| Feature | FR44 | SR22 |
|---|---|---|
| Trigger | DUI/DWI only | Various violations |
| Liability minimum | 100/300/50 | 10/20/10 (FL minimum) |
| States | FL & VA only | All 50 states |
| Monthly cost | $150-$700 | $80-$200 |
| Duration | 3 years | Varies (1-5 years) |
Top 10 FR44 Questions Answered
- Can I get FR44 without a car? Yes — non-owner FR44 available. Full guide here.
- What happens if my FR44 lapses? 3-year clock resets to zero. No grace period. Full guide here.
- How long after a DUI can I drive? Usually 30-90 days hard suspension, then hardship license possible with FR44.
- Does FR44 cover rental cars? Yes, permissive use extends to rentals. Full guide here.
- Can FR44 be removed early? No. 3 years exactly, no exceptions. Recovery guide here.
- Which carriers offer FR44? Progressive, Dairyland, Bristol West, Infinity, Direct General, and others. Full carrier list.
- Does a boating BUI require FR44? Yes — identical to road DUI. Full guide here.
- Does FR44 cover other drivers? Generally yes for permissive users. Full guide here.
- Can I get FR44 monthly payments? Yes — most carriers offer monthly billing. Payment guide here.
- How do I avoid FR44 scams? Verify carrier/agent licenses, never pay via apps. Fraud guide here.
Bottom Line
FR44 insurance in Florida is expensive and unavoidable after a DUI — but it’s temporary. The 3 years will pass. The key strategies: shop multiple carriers, consider non-owner FR44 if you don’t need a car, set up auto-pay to prevent lapses, and never cancel your policy without new coverage already in place. Our team at FR44 & SR22 Experts has helped 50,000+ Florida drivers through the FR44 process since 2010. Call 1-800-229-7131 for a free quote.