If you’ve been ordered to file proof of financial responsibility after a driving violation, you may be wondering: do I need an FR44 or an SR22? The distinction matters — in Florida, the answer is typically FR44. This guide explains exactly how these two filings differ, when each applies, what they cost, and how to get the right one filed with the Florida DHSMV the same day.

Quick Answer: What’s the Difference?

FR44 is required in Florida for DUI-related offenses. SR22 is used for non-DUI violations in most other states. The key difference: FR44 requires higher liability coverage limits than SR22 — specifically $100,000/$300,000/$50,000 compared to Florida’s standard minimum of $10,000/$20,000/$10,000 for SR22.

FR44 vs SR22: Side-by-Side Comparison

Category	FR44	SR22
Primary Use	DUI/DWI convictions	Non-DUI violations (license suspension, at-fault accident without insurance, excessive points)
States That Require It	Florida and Virginia only	48 states + DC (most states)
Minimum Liability Coverage	$100,000 bodily injury per person / $300,000 per accident / $50,000 property damage	$10,000 bodily injury per person / $20,000 per accident / $10,000 property damage (FL state minimum)
Filing Duration	3 years (Florida)	3 years (Florida); varies by state (1-5 years)
Filing Method	Electronic (DHSMV e-filing)	Electronic (DHSMV e-filing)
Filing Fee	$15-$25 (varies by carrier)	$15-$25 (varies by carrier)
Monthly Premium Increase	Significant (2x-5x standard rates due to DUI + higher liability limits)	Moderate (25%-50% increase from standard rates)
Non-Owner Policy Available?	Yes — FR44 non-owner policy available if you don’t own a vehicle	Yes — SR22 non-owner policy available
Who Files It?	Your insurance company files electronically with DHSMV	Your insurance company files electronically with DHSMV

Why Does Florida Use FR44 Instead of SR22 for DUIs?

Florida passed legislation requiring the FR44 endorsement specifically for DUI offenses because the state wanted higher financial accountability from DUI-convicted drivers. The logic: if you’ve demonstrated impaired judgment behind the wheel once, the state wants to ensure you carry enough insurance to cover serious accidents — hence the $100,000/$300,000 limits (5x higher than standard minimums).

Only Florida and Virginia use the FR44 system. Every other state handles DUI-related insurance requirements through SR22 filings — which, in those states, may also carry elevated coverage requirements depending on the severity of the offense.

When Do You Need Which?

You Need FR44 in Florida If:

• Convicted of DUI (first offense or subsequent)
• Refused a breathalyzer/chemical test (Florida’s implied consent law)
• Convicted of DUI with property damage or bodily injury
• Court-ordered following a DUI-related license suspension

You Need SR22 in Florida If:

• License suspended for excessive points (non-DUI)
• At-fault accident without insurance
• Caught driving without valid insurance
• Habitual Traffic Offender (HTO) designation (non-DUI)
• Child support delinquency (in some cases)

Cost Comparison: FR44 vs SR22 Premiums

The cost difference is substantial. Here’s what to expect in Florida:

Cost Factor	FR44	SR22
Base Premium Increase (from standard)	100%-400% increase	25%-50% increase
Monthly Premium (Typical Range)	$80-$300/month	$50-$125/month
Annual Premium (Typical Range)	$960-$3,600/year	$600-$1,500/year
Filing Fee	$15-$25 (one-time)	$15-$25 (one-time)
Minimum Down Payment	Often 20-30% of 6-month premium	Often 15-25% of 6-month premium

FR44 premiums are driven up by two factors simultaneously: (1) the DUI conviction itself, which flags you as high-risk regardless of filing type, and (2) the elevated liability limits ($100K/$300K/$50K) which cost more than state minimums. With an SR22, you’re paying for the violation risk but at lower coverage limits.

What Happens If You Let FR44 or SR22 Coverage Lapse?

This is critical — do not let either filing lapse. In Florida:

• Your insurance company is legally required to notify the DHSMV if your FR44/SR22 policy cancels or lapses
• The DHSMV will immediately suspend your driver’s license upon receiving the cancellation notice
• To reinstate: you must purchase a new FR44/SR22 policy, pay the reinstatement fee ($150 for DUI-related suspensions), and potentially serve additional suspension time
• The 3-year filing clock resets — a lapse means you start the 3-year requirement over

Can You Have Both FR44 and SR22 Simultaneously?

No — and you wouldn’t need to. An FR44 policy satisfies all the requirements of an SR22 plus the higher liability limits. If you need both (rare scenario: DUI conviction plus a separate non-DUI suspension), a single FR44 filing covers both requirements.

FR44 vs SR22: Which Costs More Over 3 Years?

Let’s run the numbers using typical Florida rates:

3-Year Cost	FR44	SR22
Monthly Premium (Mid-Range)	$180/month	$85/month
36-Month Total Premium	$6,480	$3,060
Filing Fee x1	$20	$20
Total 3-Year Cost	~$6,500	~$3,080

The FR44 costs roughly 2x more over the 3-year filing period — primarily due to higher liability limits and the DUI conviction’s impact on premiums. However, rate reductions typically kick in after 12-18 months of clean driving, so your actual 3-year total may be lower if you maintain a clean record.

FR44 vs SR22: How to Get the Best Rate

1. Compare multiple carriers. Not all insurance companies offer FR44 filings, and rates vary dramatically between those that do. Shop 10-15 carriers to find the best rate.
2. Ask about non-owner policies. If you don’t own a vehicle, a non-owner FR44 policy costs significantly less than a standard owner policy — typically $25-$75/month vs. $100-$300/month.
3. Maintain continuous coverage. A single lapse resets your 3-year clock and notifies the DHSMV. Never let your policy cancel.
4. Bundle with other insurance. If you need renters, homeowners, or motorcycle insurance, bundling with the same carrier can reduce your FR44 premium by 10-20%.
5. Take a defensive driving course. Some carriers offer a discount for completing a state-approved defensive driving or DUI education program.
6. Improve your credit score. Florida allows credit-based insurance scoring. Better credit = lower premiums, even with a DUI.

Which States Use FR44?

Only Florida and Virginia use the FR44 filing system. All other states handle DUI insurance requirements through SR22 (with potentially elevated coverage minimums depending on the state and offense severity). If you move to Florida from another state with a DUI, you’ll need to convert to an FR44. If you move from Florida to another state, you’ll need to check that state’s requirements — most will accept the FR44 for the remainder of your Florida filing period, then transition you to their system.

FR44 vs SR22: Quick Decision Guide

Your Situation	Filing You Need
DUI in Florida	FR44
DUI in Virginia	FR44
DUI in any other state	SR22 (check your state’s requirements)
License suspended for too many points (FL)	SR22
At-fault accident without insurance (FL)	SR22
Habitual Traffic Offender in Florida (non-DUI)	SR22
Moving from another state with an existing SR22 for DUI	Convert to FR44 when establishing Florida residency

FAQs

Is FR44 more expensive than SR22?

Yes — typically 2x to 3x more expensive. FR44 requires higher liability limits ($100K/$300K/$50K vs. $10K/$20K/$10K) and is triggered by a DUI, which carries the highest risk rating.

Does Florida use SR22 at all?

Yes — for non-DUI violations. SR22 is used in Florida for license suspensions related to excessive points, uninsured accidents, habitual traffic offender status, and other non-DUI infractions.

Can I get FR44 without owning a car?

Yes. A non-owner FR44 policy provides liability coverage when you drive a borrowed or rented vehicle. It costs significantly less than a standard owner policy — typically $25-$75/month.

How long do I need FR44 in Florida?

3 years from the date of conviction or license reinstatement, whichever comes later. If your policy lapses during this period, the clock resets.

What happens after 3 years of FR44?

After 3 years of continuous FR44 coverage, the filing requirement is removed. Your insurance company notifies the DHSMV, and you can switch to a standard policy. Your rates should decrease, though the DUI will remain on your driving record and may affect premiums for several more years.

Need FR44 insurance in Florida? Get a free quote from myfloridafr44.com — same-day DHSMV e-filing, rates from $14/month, and coverage from 15+ A-rated carriers. No credit check required. Over 50,000 Florida drivers served since 2010.