What is FR44 insurance in Florida?

FR-44 insurance in Florida is required by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles after a conviction for DUI or DWI. If your driver’s license is suspended, you’ll need this insurance to get a limited hardship license or regain your full driving privileges.

The minimum coverage levels for FR-44 liability insurance are higher than what’s normally required of Florida drivers. Combined with your now riskier driving record, your new coverage levels are likely to at least double your insurance premiums.

Plus, Florida law prohibits making monthly payments on FR-44 policies. So your budget will also take the hit of paying in full upfront for either a 6-month or full-year policy, depending on your insurer.

Florida FR-44 Insurance vs Standard Coverage

As a “no-fault” state, Florida allows its residents to drive legally without bodily injury liability insurance. However, Florida’s no-fault law is limited—it doesn’t apply when an injured victim’s medical bills and/or lost income exceed $10,000, or if the injuries are considered “permanent” under Florida law. In these cases, a victim can sue an at-fault driver for losses.

Drivers are required to provide a minimum level of financial coverage when any accident with injuries occurs. If the at-fault driver has no bodily injury insurance, they’re required to post a bond equal to the state’s minimum coverage amount. This changes with an FR-44, however. An FR-44 requires a driver to carry bodily injury liability insurance.

Other Key Things to Know About Florida FR-44 Insurance

If you file an FR-44 form, you will need to maintain your higher coverage for about three years. Your insurance company must file your FR-44 directly with the state, certifying that you have an active policy with the required coverage. If your policy is cancelled or you allow it to lapse through nonpayment, your insurer will have to inform the state of Florida and your license will be suspended. You will also have to begin the three-year coverage period all over again to get your license reinstated.

For violations other than a DUI or DWI, Florida requires the SR-22 form that is used by most states. An SR-22 form only requires the same level of coverage as safe drivers. Florida is the only state besides Virginia that uses Form FR-44—and its higher required coverage levels—for DUI/DWI convictions.