SR22 vs FR44: Full Comparison — What’s the Difference?

If you received a DUI in Florida or Virginia, you have probably been told you need FR44 instead of SR22. Most people have never heard of FR44 — here’s a complete comparison of the two certificates and what FR44 means for your costs.

What Is FR44?

FR44 is a certificate of financial responsibility used exclusively in Florida and Virginia for DUI convictions. It works exactly like SR22 in terms of mechanism — your insurance company files it with the state DMV, and they are required to notify the DMV if your coverage lapses.

The critical difference between FR44 and SR22 is not the certificate itself but the liability coverage limits it requires. FR44 mandates significantly higher minimum liability coverage than a standard SR22.

FR44 vs SR22: Coverage Requirements

This is where FR44 becomes significantly more expensive than SR22.

In Florida, a standard SR22 (for non-DUI violations) requires the state minimum of $10,000 per person and $20,000 per accident for bodily injury. An FR44 for DUI requires $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $50,000 for property damage — ten times the standard minimums.

In Virginia, a standard SR22 requires $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident. An FR44 for DUI requires $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident, plus $40,000 for property damage.

These higher required minimums are the main reason post-DUI insurance in Florida and Virginia is dramatically more expensive than in other states — you are required to carry much more coverage, not just a higher-risk surcharge.

Which States Require FR44?

Only two states — Florida and Virginia — use FR44 certificates. All other states use SR22 (or in a few cases their own state-specific financial responsibility filing systems).

In both Florida and Virginia, FR44 is required specifically for DUI convictions. Non-DUI violations in these states still use standard SR22. This is an important distinction — if you have a reckless driving or uninsured driving violation in Florida or Virginia, you need SR22, not FR44.

How Much More Does FR44 Cost Compared to SR22?

FR44 is substantially more expensive than SR22 in equivalent states, for two reasons. First, you are required to carry much higher liability coverage limits. Second, the DUI conviction that triggers FR44 is the most severe violation for insurance pricing purposes.

In Florida, post-DUI FR44 insurance typically costs $250 to $500 per month or more depending on your driving history and the insurer. Compare this to a standard Florida SR22 for a non-DUI violation which typically costs $155 to $315 per month.

In Virginia, post-DUI FR44 insurance typically costs $280 to $500 per month compared to $160 to $320 for a standard non-DUI SR22.

The practical impact is that a Florida or Virginia DUI will cost you more in insurance premiums over a 3-year FR44 requirement than the same DUI would cost in almost any other state.

How Long Is the FR44 Requirement?

The FR44 requirement duration mirrors the standard SR22 duration in each state. In both Florida and Virginia the FR44 requirement for a DUI is 3 years from the date of conviction or license suspension.

The same rules that apply to SR22 apply to FR44 — any lapse triggers a new license suspension and potentially resets the 3-year clock. Set up autopay immediately and never miss a payment.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Here is how SR22 and FR44 compare across every key dimension.

States that use it: SR22 is used in 44 states plus DC. FR44 is used only in Florida and Virginia for DUI.

Who needs it: SR22 is required for DUI, uninsured driving, reckless driving, too many points, and other violations. FR44 is required specifically for DUI convictions in Florida and Virginia.

Minimum liability required: SR22 requires the state’s standard minimum liability. FR44 requires significantly higher minimums — up to 10x the standard in Florida.

Cost: SR22 typically adds $50 to $150 per month to your premium. FR44 typically adds $150 to $350 per month or more due to the higher required coverage.

Duration: Both typically last 3 years.

Filing mechanism: Both are filed electronically by your insurer with the DMV. Same process, same monitoring commitment.

Frequently Asked Questions

This article is for educational purposes only. SR22 requirements vary by state and individual circumstances. Always confirm your specific requirements with your state DMV and consult a licensed insurance professional. SR22 Insurance Guide does not sell insurance and is not a licensed insurance agent.