High-risk drivers
SR-22 vs FR-44 in Florida: what they are and how long you need one
Short answer
Both are forms your insurance company files with the state to prove you carry liability coverage. An SR-22 proves at least 10/20/10 and usually follows a serious violation or an uninsured crash. An FR-44 proves at least 100/300/50 and follows a DUI conviction. Neither is a type of insurance by itself; it's a filing attached to your policy.
Side by side
| SR-22 | FR-44 | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical reason | Crash without insurance, license suspension, serious violations | DUI conviction |
| Bodily injury per person / per crash | $10,000 / $20,000 | $100,000 / $300,000 |
| Property damage | $10,000 | $50,000 |
| Usual length | 3 years from the suspension date | at least 3 years from reinstatement |
| Who files | Your insurer, electronically | Your insurer, electronically |
Your court order or FLHSMV letter sets the exact dates, so go by that.
How to get one, step by step
- Read the letter from FLHSMV or the court. It says which filing you need and for how long.
- Tell David which filing and the date. Not every carrier files FR-44s; he checks which of his carriers will file for your situation.
- Buy the policy. The filing is attached to a policy with at least the required limits. The insurer sends it to the state electronically.
- Confirm it's on file, then reinstate your license with FLHSMV and pay any reinstatement fees.
- Keep the policy active for the whole period. Set autopay or pay in full.
What happens if the policy lapses
Your insurer must tell the state. Your license can be suspended again and the clock can restart. Pay in full or set autopay. If you're switching insurers, make sure the new filing is in place before the old policy ends.
Don't own a car?
You can still need the filing to get your license back. A non-owner policy with an SR-22 or FR-44 is usually the cheapest way to do it. It covers you when you drive a car you don't own and carries the filing. See non-owner car insurance.
Getting the best price
- Shop more carriers than usual. Prices for drivers with a filing vary more between carriers than for any other driver.
- Look at the non-standard carriers. Bristol West, National General and Kemper are built for these situations.
- Keep the record clean from here. Each clean year lowers what the old event weighs.
- Pay in full if you can. It removes the risk of a lapse and often lowers the price.
FAQ
Does the state charge for the filing?
FLHSMV doesn't; insurers may charge a small filing fee.
Can I switch insurers while I have an FR-44?
Yes, as long as the new filing is in place before the old policy ends.
Does an FR-44 make insurance more expensive?
The DUI itself raises the price, and the higher limits add cost. Shopping matters more here than anywhere.
I moved to Florida with an SR-22 from another state. What now?
Florida filings follow Florida rules. Tell David which state required it and he'll check what's needed.
When can I drop the filing?
When the required period ends, per your FLHSMV letter. Your insurer can then remove it, and your policy continues without it.
Your policy’s wording decides what’s covered. David can walk you through yours.