SR22 vs FR44 Insurance — Complete Comparison Two different financial responsibility filings, two different situations. Here is exactly what each one is, when you need it, how they differ, and what the
Two different financial responsibility filings, two different situations. Here is exactly what each one is, when you need it, how they differ, and what they cost.
SR22 and FR44 are both certificates of financial responsibility — documents your insurance company files with your state’s motor vehicle agency proving you have the required minimum auto insurance. They are NOT separate insurance policies. They are filings attached to a regular auto insurance policy. But the two filings are meaningfully different in when they apply, where they apply, and what coverage levels they require.
Some drivers need both SR22 and FR44 simultaneously. This happens when:
Both are certificates your insurance company files with the state, but an FR-44 proves much higher liability limits. Florida and Virginia require an FR-44 after a DUI conviction: 100/300/50 in Florida and 100/200/50 in Virginia. An SR-22 proves standard minimums, such as 10/20/10 in Florida and 50/100/25 in Virginia.
Only Florida and Virginia use the FR44 form. Both states require FR44 after a DUI/DWI conviction. All other states that require financial responsibility filings use the SR22 form. If you get a DUI in Florida or Virginia but hold an out-of-state license, your home state may require SR22 (not FR44) — check with your DMV.
Yes, significantly. In Florida, FR44 requires 100/300/50 liability limits ($100K per person, $300K per accident, $50K property damage) — 4x higher than typical SR22 minimums. In Virginia, FR44 requires 100/200/50. Non-owner FR44 in Florida: $50–$100/month vs $25–$75/month for SR22. Owner FR44: $150–$350/month vs $70–$290/month for SR22. The higher limits drive the cost difference.
If you move from Florida to an SR22 state, you'll need to cancel your Florida FR44 and file a new SR22 in your new state. The requirement transfers — you don't get to skip it. However, your new SR22 will have lower coverage limits and likely lower premiums. Contact us before moving so we can coordinate the transition without a coverage gap.
It depends on your state. How long you keep an SR-22 depends on your state and why it was required, so check the date on your state's notice. Florida requires the FR-44 for three years from the date your driving privilege is reinstated. Virginia requires 3 years for FR44. The requirement period is set by the state DMV, not the insurance company.
Both are available as non-owner policies. Non-owner FR44 is required in Florida/Virginia if you don't own a vehicle but need to reinstate your license after a DUI. Non-owner SR22 is available in all SR22 states. Non-owner policies are cheaper than owner policies because no vehicle is insured — they provide liability coverage when driving borrowed or rented vehicles.
FR44 is DUI-specific — it's only required after DUI/DWI in Florida and Virginia. SR22 can be required for many non-DUI offenses: reckless driving, driving without insurance, multiple moving violations, license suspension, at-fault accidents without insurance, DUI in non-FR44 states. If your offense isn't DUI-related and you're not in FL/VA, you likely need SR22, not FR44.