This page answers the most frequently asked questions about FR44 insurance in Florida — the questions that real drivers ask, organized by topic.

Basic FR44 Questions

What is FR44 insurance in Florida?
FR44 is a certificate of financial responsibility required by Florida DHSMV after a DUI conviction. It proves you carry elevated liability coverage: $100,000 per person / $300,000 per accident bodily injury liability plus $50,000 property damage — substantially higher than Florida’s standard auto insurance minimums.

Why does Florida use FR44 instead of SR22?
Florida uses SR22 for most license suspensions but created FR44 specifically for DUI convictions to require higher coverage. The “44” designation signals the elevated minimum — approximately double or triple the standard SR22 minimums in most states. Virginia also uses FR44 for DUI.

How long do I need FR44 in Florida?
3 years of continuous coverage from the date your license is reinstated. The clock starts at reinstatement — not at the arrest date or conviction date. Any lapse in coverage restarts the 3-year clock from the date of reinstatement after the lapse.

Is FR44 the same as insurance?
No. FR44 is a certificate — a filing your insurance company submits to DHSMV. The insurance policy itself (which meets FR44 coverage requirements) is the actual coverage. You buy the policy; the carrier files the FR44 certificate.

Cost Questions

How much does FR44 insurance cost in Florida?
Non-owner FR44: $14–$45/month depending on age, county, and carrier. Owner FR44 (for drivers who own a vehicle): $85–$300+/month. The wide range reflects variation by age, driving record, vehicle type, county, and which carrier writes the policy.

Why is FR44 more expensive than regular insurance?
FR44 requires higher liability coverage than standard Florida minimums. More coverage = higher premium. Additionally, a DUI conviction places you in the high-risk driver tier, which carriers price at 50–150% above standard rates regardless of the coverage level.

Is there a filing fee for FR44?
Yes — typically $15–$25, paid once to your insurer when the FR44 is set up. This is separate from your monthly premium and is a one-time administrative charge.

Can I reduce my FR44 cost?
If you don’t own a vehicle: switch to non-owner FR44 (dramatically cheaper). If you do own a vehicle: compare at least 3 carriers — pricing varies 30–50% for identical risks. Paying 6 months upfront saves 5–10%. Maintaining a clean record during the FR44 period improves rates at renewal.

Coverage and Policy Questions

What’s the difference between owner and non-owner FR44?
Owner FR44 insures a specific vehicle you own. Non-owner FR44 insures you as a driver of vehicles you don’t own (borrowed cars, rentals). Non-owner is available only if you don’t have a vehicle titled in your name and don’t regularly drive a household vehicle.

Does FR44 cover passengers in my car?
FR44 requires liability coverage, which covers injury to other people (other drivers, passengers in other vehicles, pedestrians). Your own passengers in an at-fault accident may be covered under bodily injury liability depending on the policy structure. Read your policy carefully for passenger coverage specifics.

What happens if my FR44 coverage lapses?
Your insurer immediately files an SR26 (cancellation notice) with DHSMV. Your license is suspended effective the lapse date. The 3-year FR44 clock restarts upon reinstatement. You’ll need to purchase a new FR44 policy, pay a new DHSMV reinstatement fee, and restart the 3-year requirement from zero.

Can I switch FR44 insurance companies?
Yes — you can switch carriers during your FR44 period as long as there is no gap in coverage. Purchase the new policy and confirm the new FR44 is filed with DHSMV before canceling the old one. Even one day without coverage triggers a lapse notification.

License Reinstatement Questions

What do I need to reinstate my license after a DUI in Florida?
1) Complete DUI school (Level I or II as ordered by court), 2) Complete any required substance abuse treatment, 3) File FR44 insurance with DHSMV, 4) Install ignition interlock device if required, 5) Pay DHSMV reinstatement fee ($150–$500). All conditions must be met before DHSMV will reinstate.

How long does it take to get my license back after a Florida DUI?
The suspension period itself varies (6 months to 18 months for first offense). After serving the suspension and meeting all requirements including FR44, DHSMV typically processes reinstatement within 24–48 hours of confirming all conditions are satisfied.

Can I get a hardship license while on FR44?
The FR44 requirement begins when your regular license is reinstated — not during a hardship license period. However, FR44 must be filed before DHSMV will issue the hardship license. Get FR44 first, then apply for hardship.

Special Situations

I got a DUI in Florida but I live in another state. Do I need FR44?
Yes. To restore your Florida driving privilege, you need Florida FR44 regardless of where you live. We file non-owner FR44 for out-of-state residents remotely. If your home state also suspended your license, you’ll need a home-state SR22 separately.

I got a second DUI. Does FR44 work differently?
The FR44 coverage requirement is the same ($100K/$300K + $50K PD). The insurance premium is significantly higher for a second DUI (150–300% above clean-record rates). Some standard carriers will decline coverage after a second DUI — you may need a non-standard (surplus lines) insurer. We work with carriers that accept second-offense DUI drivers.

My FR44 policy expired but I still need it for another year. What do I do?
Renew immediately — same carrier or new carrier, but do NOT let a single day lapse between the expired policy and the new one. Most FR44 insurers send renewal notices 30 days in advance. If you missed the renewal, purchase a new policy the same day you realize it lapsed and notify DHSMV.

Does completing DUI school reduce my FR44 requirement period?
No. DUI school completion is a prerequisite for license reinstatement — it doesn’t affect the 3-year FR44 period. The FR44 period is fixed by statute at 3 years from reinstatement, regardless of program completion.

Have a question not answered here? Contact us — we specialize in Florida FR44 and can answer any specific situation.