Most states require drivers to submit proof of financial responsibility with an SR-22 form after a major driving incident, such as a DUI or repeated reckless driving episodes. Only Florida and Virginia require drivers who receive a DUI or suspended license charge to submit a different type of proof known as an FR-44.
These states still employ SR-22 reporting for violations such as reckless driving or operating a vehicle without insurance.
In this guide, you will learn about the key differences between the two different forms and what steps are involved in the filing process.
What are the Key Similarities and Differences between SR-22 and FR-44?
The main differences include:
- FR-44s tend to appear when drivers have faced a DUI violation, whereas the SR-22 can have less severe reasons.
- Only Florida and Virginia require drivers with DUI violations to submit an FR-44.
- The FR-44 can have higher minimum coverage requirements.
Their similarities include:
- Both can span several years. Drivers must hold a valid insurance policy for the entire period, even if they no longer drive or move to a different state.
- Making mistakes can result in your filing period receiving an extension.
- Both types of filing requirements will usually cause insurers to increase your premiums to account for the additional risk they take when insuring you.
Which States Do Not Require an SR-22 or FR-44?
Almost every state in the United States requires high-risk drivers to submit proof of minimum auto insurance. The following 12 states do not require either filing:
- Delaware
- Kentucky
- Maryland
- Minnesota
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- West Virginia
Which States Require an FR-44?
Only two states, Florida and Virginia, have an FR-44 requirement for drivers who have received a DUI or drug-related motor vehicle violation. These states believe that drivers who have incurred such a violation have higher risk than drivers who have received lesser violations.
This form requires your insurer to certify that you hold a certain level of liability coverage for the entirety of the reporting period. Failure to maintain an adequate insurance policy can result in the suspension or revocation of your license, even if you no longer own a vehicle.
In such cases, a non-owners policy can make more sense if you do not plan to own another vehicle for the remaining reporting period.
What Insurance Minimum Does Florida Require for an FR-44?
Florida uses both the SR-22 and FR-44 forms. Florida requires drivers to submit SR-22 reports for the following violations:
- Excessive license points.
- Reckless driving.
- Driving without adequate liability insurance.
- Child support nonpayment license suspension.
The FR-44 form is used for DUIs. Both forms cost about $25 to file, but the major cost increase will come from the higher premiums you will likely pay.
According to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Department, drivers who are convicted of a DUI must obtain proof that they have at least $100,000/$300,000 of bodily injury liability insurance coverage. Additionally, drivers must have at least $50,000 of property damage liability coverage or combined single limits of $350,000.
Usually, drivers must submit proof of coverage for 3 years from the date on which their license was reinstated by FHSMV. If you have been convicted of a DUI in Florida, you may also have ignition interlock device requirements.
Find Cheap SR-22 Auto Insurance Quotes
What Insurance Minimum Does Virginia Require for an FR-44?
According to the Virginia DMV, this filing is required for drivers who have any of the following convictions on their criminal record:
- Driving under the influence of either alcohol or other types of drugs
- Driving with a forfeited driver’s license
- Maiming while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Violating any other relevant federal, state, or local ordinances
The minimum coverage requirements in Virginia for an FR-44 are double the amount of those required by an SR-22. These coverage minimums are:
- $60,000/$120,000 of bodily injury liability coverage
- $40,000 of property damage liability coverage
Is an SR-22 or FR-44 an Insurance Policy?
No, neither of these forms is insurance. Instead, these forms must be filed by your insurer to prove to the authorities that you have adequate insurance coverage.
Note that an FR-44 will likely involve higher costs than its counterpart. This higher cost stems from the higher liability minimums required under state law.
Find Affordable FR-44 or SR-22 Insurance Today
If you have received either an SR-22 or FR-44 filing requirement, SR-22 Adviser’s partner can help. Get a fast online quote today to get started.