SR22 vs FR44: What’s the Difference?
If you’ve recently been told you need to file an SR22 or FR44, you’re probably wondering what that even means — and why it’s going to cost more. Let me walk you through the difference between the two, what they’re for, and how they affect your insurance and driving future.
What Is an SR22 or FR44?
Table of Contents
- 1 What Is an SR22 or FR44?
- 2 What Triggers an SR22 or FR44 Requirement?
- 3 SR22 vs FR44: Key Differences
- 4 How Much More Expensive Is FR44?
- 5 Insurance Filing Process: Step-by-Step
- 6 How Long Do You Need to Carry SR22 or FR44?
- 7 What Happens If You Move?
- 8 Real-World Example (Virginia Case)
- 9 Compliance Checklist
- 10 Frequently Asked Questions
- 11 Final Thoughts
Let’s clear this up first: neither SR22 nor FR44 is a type of insurance policy. They’re actually certificates filed by your insurance company with your state’s DMV to show that you carry the legally required amount of auto liability coverage.
- SR22: Filed in most states. It proves that a driver labeled “high risk” has the state’s minimum insurance.
- FR44: Only used in Florida and Virginia. It’s like an SR22 but with much higher liability coverage.
What Triggers an SR22 or FR44 Requirement?
| Offense Type | SR22 States | FR44 States (FL & VA) |
|---|---|---|
| DUI / DWI | ✅ Required | ✅ Required |
| Driving without insurance | ✅ Required | ❌ Usually SR22 only |
| Multiple traffic violations | ✅ Required | ❌ Usually SR22 only |
| Driving with suspended license | ✅ Required | ✅ Required |
| Drug-related vehicular charges | ⚠️ Possibly | ✅ Required |
| Refusing a breathalyzer (implied consent) | ✅ In many states | ✅ Required |
SR22 vs FR44: Key Differences
| Feature | SR22 | FR44 |
|---|---|---|
| States Used | Most states | Only Florida and Virginia |
| Main Use Case | DUI, uninsured driving, license issues | DUI, DWI, drug-related offenses |
| Insurance Limits | State minimum required | At least double the state minimum |
| Premium Impact | Moderate increase | Significantly higher |
| Length of Filing | 1–3 years (typical) | 3 years (standard) |
| Filing Fee | $15–$50 | $15–$50 |
| Policy Type | Owner, non-owner, owner-operator | Same options available |
How Much More Expensive Is FR44?
FR44 insurance is expensive — not because of the form itself, but because of what it requires.
In Florida, for example:
| Coverage Type | SR22 Minimum | FR44 Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily Injury (per person) | $10,000 | $100,000 |
| Bodily Injury (per accident) | $20,000 | $300,000 |
| Property Damage | $10,000 | $50,000 |
Premiums for FR44 policies can double or triple depending on your violation history, location, and age.
Insurance Filing Process: Step-by-Step
Here’s what you need to do:
- Get a quote from an insurer that offers SR22 or FR44 filing.
- Purchase a policy with the correct coverage limits.
- Pay the filing fee (usually $15–$50).
- The insurer files the certificate with your state DMV electronically.
- You receive confirmation from the DMV, and your license may be reinstated.
⚠️ If your policy cancels or lapses, your insurer files an SR26 or FR46 — which notifies the DMV and may suspend your license again.
How Long Do You Need to Carry SR22 or FR44?
| Violation Type | Typical Duration |
|---|---|
| First-time DUI | 3 years |
| Multiple DUIs | 5 years |
| Driving uninsured | 3 years |
| Suspended license | 1–3 years |
You must keep your coverage active and uninterrupted the entire time. Even one missed payment could restart the countdown.
What Happens If You Move?
If you move to a different state:
- You’re still required to maintain the SR22 or FR44 from your previous state if that’s where the violation occurred.
- If the new state doesn’t use FR44 (like moving from Florida to California), you still need a policy that meets your original state’s liability requirements.
Real-World Example (Virginia Case)
A 2022 report from the Virginia DMV showed a 15% increase in FR44 filings over the previous year — largely due to increased DUI checkpoints and enforcement of implied consent laws. That same year, average premiums for FR44 policyholders rose to $2,800 annually, compared to $1,400 for standard liability coverage.
Compliance Checklist
✅ Know which form you need (SR22 or FR44)
✅ Find an insurer who offers filing in your state
✅ Verify you meet coverage limits for your state
✅ Set up auto-pay to avoid lapses
✅ Stay insured for the full duration
✅ Ask your DMV when you’re eligible to remove the filing
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can you switch insurance companies with an SR22 or FR44?
A: Yes — but your new insurer must file the certificate immediately to avoid a coverage lapse.
Q: Can you get SR22 or FR44 without owning a car?
A: Yes. It’s called non-owner insurance and is available in both forms.
Q: Does an FR44 cancel automatically when the 3 years are up?
A: No. You must request that your insurer file a termination form (SR26 or FR46) and confirm with the DMV that you’re cleared.
Final Thoughts
Both SR22 and FR44 are bureaucratic headaches — but they don’t have to be a disaster. Understanding the difference helps you shop smarter, avoid penalties, and get your license back with less stress.
FR44 comes with heavier costs and stricter rules, but it also signals that the offense was more serious. Stay on top of it, and in a few years, you’ll be driving without any labels again.
