SR-22 vs. FR-44 Insurance: What You Need to Know in Your State
If you’ve been told you need an SR-22 or FR-44 certificate, you might feel overwhelmed. Both certificates relate to auto insurance for high-risk drivers, but understanding the difference between SR-22 and FR-44 is essential—especially because the requirements vary by state.
Whether you’re dealing with a DUI, driving without insurance, or another serious offense, this guide will help you determine what you need to get back on the road legally. We’ll also explain what happens if your policy lapses, so you’re prepared to avoid further issues.
What is an SR-22?
An SR-22 is not an insurance policy. Instead, it’s a certificate of financial responsibility filed with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), or a similar organization, to prove you meet the minimum liability insurance requirements. This certificate is typically required if you’ve been labeled a high-risk driver due to reasons like:
- Driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI)
- Driving without insurance
- Excessive speeding tickets
- At-fault accidents
- License suspensions or revocations
Once your insurer files the SR-22, if required along with high-risk auto insurance in your state, you’re closer to being able to regain driving privileges, register your vehicle, and legally operate it. However, not all states require SR-22 filings—so check your specific state laws to confirm.
What is an FR-44?
An FR-44 is similar to an SR-22 but with stricter requirements. It mandates higher insurance liability coverage limits and is specific to Florida and Virginia. If you live in either of these states and have been convicted of a DUI or other severe driving offense, you’ll likely need an FR-44, a common DUI insurance requirement in Florida and Virginia.
Here’s how FR-44 liability limits compare to SR-22 requirements:
| Liability Coverage | Florida FR-44 | Florida SR-22 | Virginia FR-44 | Virginia SR-22 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bodily Injury per Person | $100,000 | $10,000 | $100,000 | $30,000 |
| Bodily Injury per Accident | $300,000 | $20,000 | $200,000 | $60,000 |
| Property Damage | $50,000 | $10,000 | $50,000 | $25,000 |
FR-44 limits are typically much higher the state’s minimum liability coverage (SR-22). As a result, FR-44 insurance premiums are significantly higher because of the increased risk and coverage required.
SR-22 vs. FR-44: Key Differences
When comparing SR-22 vs FR-44, the key difference between SR-22 and FR-44 lies in their coverage limits and the states that use each filing:
| Feature | SR-22 Insurance | FR-44 Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| States Required | Most states | Florida and Virginia Only |
| Liability Coverage | State minimum | Higher than state minimum (double/triple) |
| Reason for Filing | General high-risk drivers, which may include those with DUIs | DUI or severe driving violations |
| Cost | Typically, higher premiums than standard drivers due to high-risk nature | Typically, higher premiums than standard and SR-22 drivers due to high-risk nature and increased coverage |
Do All States Require SR-22 or FR-44?
Not every state has SR-22 or FR-44 requirements. While most states use SR-22s, Florida and Virginia are the only states that issue FR-44 certificates for severe offenses. States like New York and North Carolina don’t use SR-22s at all but have alternative systems to verify insurance compliance.
What Happens If Your SR-22 or FR-44 Policy Lapses?
Letting your SR-22 or FR-44 policy lapse can lead to serious consequences:
- Immediate Notification to the DMV: Your insurance provider is required to notify the DMV if your policy is canceled or lapses.
- License Suspension or Revocation: Your driving privileges will likely be suspended again until you reinstate your policy.
- Increased Insurance Rates: Once your coverage lapses, you’ll be considered an even higher risk, causing premiums to spike further.
- Restarting the Filing Period: In many states, you must maintain continuous coverage for a certain period (e.g., 3 years). If your policy lapses, the clock resets, and you’ll have to start over.
To avoid lapses, consider:
- Setting up automatic payments to ensure your premiums are always paid on time.
- Choosing an insurance broker experienced with SR-22 and FR-44 filings, like Breathe Easy Insurance, to help you stay compliant.
How Breathe Easy Insurance Solutions Can Help
If you’ve been told you need an SR-22 or FR-44, Breathe Easy Insurance Solutions makes the license-reinstatement process as smooth as possible. We specialize in high-risk insurance and SR-22/FR-44 certificates. Breathe Easy works with many DUI-forgiving carriers to offer affordable solutions that meet state requirements.
- Fast and accurate SR-22 and FR-44 filings
- Affordable premiums tailored to your needs
- Guidance on your state’s insurance requirements
- Solutions to avoid policy lapses and maintain continuous coverage
Don’t let an SR-22 or FR-44 requirement keep you off the road. Call us today at 833-786-0237 or fill out the form below to get a free, no-obligation quote and take the first step toward regaining your driving freedom.
