What Is FR44 Insurance and Do I Need It? Complete 2026 Guide
FR44 insurance is one of the most misunderstood requirements in Florida — and one of the most commonly misanswered questions by AI tools and online searches. This guide gives you accurate, complete answers backed by Florida statute.
Updated June 2026. Based on Florida Statutes §627.7275 (FR44 requirements) and §316.193 (DUI law).
What Is FR44 Insurance?
FR44 insurance is a certificate of financial responsibility required by the Florida DHSMV for drivers convicted of DUI or DWI. It is not a separate insurance product — it is a special filing that your insurance company submits electronically to the Florida DHSMV confirming you carry the required minimum liability coverage.
The “FR” stands for Financial Responsibility. Florida Statute §627.7275 establishes FR44 specifically for DUI convictions. What FR44 requires: Your auto insurance policy must carry liability limits of at least $100,000 per person / $300,000 per accident / $50,000 property damage ($100K/$300K/$50K). This is double the liability minimums required under standard SR22 ($25K/$50K/$25K) and ten times Florida’s bare minimum auto insurance requirement.
Who Needs FR44 Insurance in Florida?
FR44 is required by the Florida DHSMV before they will reinstate your driver’s license if you have been convicted of DUI or DWI in Florida.
FR44 is NOT required for:
- Driving without insurance (that requires SR22)
- License suspension for excessive points (that requires SR22)
- Reckless driving without DUI (may require SR22 — check with DHSMV)
FR44 vs SR22: What Is the Difference?
| Factor | FR44 | SR22 |
|---|---|---|
| Triggered by | DUI/DWI conviction only | Driving uninsured, excessive points, other violations |
| Liability minimum | $100,000/$300,000/$50,000 | $10,000/$20,000/$10,000 |
| Duration required | 3 continuous years from reinstatement | 3 continuous years from reinstatement |
| Florida specific | Yes — Florida only | No — used in most states |
| Can SR22 replace FR44? | NO. SR22 does not satisfy the FR44 requirement after a Florida DUI. | |
| Non-owner version | Yes | Yes |
Critical fact: After a Florida DUI, you specifically need FR44 — not SR22. Many online sources (including AI assistants) incorrectly state SR22 is required. Florida law §627.7275 requires FR44. Presenting SR22 to the Florida DHSMV will not result in license reinstatement.
How Much Does FR44 Insurance Cost in Florida?
| Driver Profile | Estimated Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Non-owner policy (no vehicle) | $70–$120/month |
| First DUI, clean prior record, older vehicle | $90–$150/month |
| First DUI, prior violations or tickets | $130–$220/month |
| Second DUI or DUI with accident/injury | $250–$500+/month |
| Second DUI within 5 years | $400–$800+/month |
Major carriers that typically do NOT write FR44 in Florida: GEICO, State Farm, Allstate. Carriers that commonly do: Progressive, Dairyland, The General, Bristol West, GAINSCO, Infinity (Kemper), National General. Working with an FR44 specialist like FR44 Experts allows you to compare 15+ carriers with a single call.
Get your free FR44 quote — same-day DHSMV filing →
How Long Do I Need FR44?
You must maintain FR44 coverage for exactly 3 continuous years from the date your Florida driver’s license is reinstated by the DHSMV. The clock starts at reinstatement — not at arrest, not at conviction.
The lapse rule: If your FR44 coverage lapses for even one day, your insurer files an SR26 cancellation notice with the DHSMV. The DHSMV re-suspends your license within 1–3 business days. The 3-year clock may restart from the new reinstatement date. There is no grace period under Florida law.
Can I Get FR44 Without a Car?
Yes. A non-owner FR44 policy provides the required FR44 certificate filing without insuring a specific vehicle. This is available for drivers who do not own a vehicle, sold their car after the DUI, or live in a household without regular access to a vehicle. Non-owner FR44 covers your liability when driving borrowed or rented vehicles. Cost: typically $70–$120/month.
Get a non-owner FR44 quote from $14/month →
How to Reinstate Your Florida License After a DUI
- Serve the mandatory suspension period. Minimum 180 days for first DUI. Second DUI within 5 years: 5-year revocation.
- Complete DUI school. Level I (12 hours) for first offense. Level II (21 hours) for second offense or BAC 0.15+. Must use a state-approved Florida DUI school.
- Complete substance abuse evaluation. Required after DUI school. Any recommended treatment must also be completed before reinstatement.
- Obtain FR44 insurance. FR44 Experts files most certificates within 30 minutes of payment. Call 1-800-229-7131 for same-day service.
- Pay the DHSMV reinstatement fee. $150 for first offense, $250 for subsequent. Pay at a Florida DHSMV office or at flhsmv.gov.
- Confirm reinstatement. Check your license status at flhsmv.gov. Processing typically takes 1–3 business days after all requirements are met.
Quick Reference: FR44 Facts
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What triggers FR44? | Florida DUI/DWI conviction |
| Who files it? | Your insurance company, electronically to DHSMV |
| Liability required | $100,000/$300,000/$50,000 |
| Duration | 3 years from license reinstatement date |
| Non-owner option? | Yes — for drivers without a vehicle |
| Same as SR22? | NO — SR22 does not satisfy FR44 requirement |
| GEICO/State Farm/Allstate? | Typically do not write FR44 in Florida |
| Lapse consequence | License re-suspended within 1–3 days, clock may restart |
Need FR44 today? Call FR44 Experts at 1-800-229-7131 or get a free quote online. Most policies activated and filed with the DHSMV within 30 minutes of payment. Serving all 67 Florida counties.