Brandon, 32, Orlando — first DUI
Pre-DUI rate was $108/month for full coverage. National carrier non-renewed after the DUI. Compared 3 specialist carriers and locked in FR-44 coverage at $285/month with same-day filing.
Compare Florida FR-44 plans — the higher-liability filing required after DUI convictions in Florida and Virginia.
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Quick note for drivers needing FR-44 filing after DUI
Florida is one of only two states (with Virginia) that uses FR-44 instead of SR-22 for DUI cases. FR-44 requires higher liability limits (100/300/50) and is filed for 3 years from the date of conviction.
An FR-44 in Florida is a higher-liability version of the standard SR-22 Certificate of Financial Responsibility — required specifically after DUI convictions. Florida and Virginia are the only two states in the US that use FR-44; everywhere else, DUI cases use SR-22.
Where SR-22 requires only state-minimum liability (10/20/10 in Florida), FR-44 requires 100/300/50 — $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident in bodily injury, plus $50,000 in property damage. This is a substantial coverage increase that drives premium higher than standard SR-22.
FR-44 must be maintained for 3 years from the date of conviction. Any lapse in coverage during this period triggers automatic notification to FLHSMV and almost always results in license re-suspension and an extended FR-44 requirement.
Most carriers file the FR-44 electronically within 24 hours of policy activation, often same-day if you sign up before mid-afternoon.
FR-44 requires significantly higher liability than SR-22 — $100k/$300k bodily injury and $50k property damage. This is the main driver of higher FR-44 premiums vs SR-22.
Florida's standard no-fault PIP requirement still applies — $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection coverage.
Your insurer is legally required to notify FLHSMV if your policy lapses, cancels, or non-renews during the 3-year FR-44 period.
FR-44 in Florida costs significantly more than standard SR-22 due to the higher liability requirement (100/300/50 vs state minimums). A driver who paid $78/month for liability before the DUI might pay $245–$385/month for FR-44 coverage afterward — a 200–390% increase.
Specialist carriers (Progressive, The General, Direct Auto) typically offer the most competitive FR-44 rates. Standard national carriers may decline coverage entirely or quote 30–50% above specialists.
| Scenario | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First DUI, age 30+, clean prior record | $245–$345/mo | Most common FR-44 scenario in Florida. |
| First DUI, age under 25 | $345–$485/mo | Younger drivers face larger surcharges on top of FR-44 minimum. |
| Second DUI within 7 years | $385–$565/mo | Specialist carriers only; standard carriers typically non-renew. |
| DUI plus at-fault accident | $345–$465/mo | Multiple violations stack rate increases. |
The key difference between FR-44 and SR-22 is the liability requirement. SR-22 requires state-minimum liability (10/20/10 in Florida) — about $30,000 in total coverage. FR-44 requires 100/300/50 — $450,000 in total coverage. This 15x difference in coverage drives the premium difference.
FR-44 is triggered specifically by DUI convictions in Florida (and Virginia). Other violations that would require SR-22 in most states — driving without insurance, repeat moving violations, license suspension for unpaid tickets — still require SR-22 in Florida, not FR-44. The trigger violation determines which filing is required.
FR-44 must be maintained for 3 years from the conviction date. The 3-year clock cannot be paused by surrendering your license — if you reinstate during this period, the FR-44 requirement resumes. Maintaining continuous coverage is critical.
Paying the full 6-month or 12-month premium upfront often saves 8–15% versus monthly billing — and reduces lapse risk.
Some Florida carriers credit completion of state-approved DUI programs beyond what's required by court.
Most carriers offer a small discount for automatic monthly payments — and it eliminates lapse risk during the 3-year FR-44 period.
National carriers often quote 30–50% above specialists for FR-44 coverage, or decline entirely. Always include 2–3 specialists in your comparison.
Florida allows this, but the FR-44 requirement returns the moment you reinstate. The 3-year clock doesn't pause. For most people, maintaining continuous FR-44 coverage is cheaper long-term.
FR-44 requires 100/300/50 — minimum liability doesn't satisfy the requirement and won't satisfy the court. The higher liability is non-negotiable.
Illustrative cases based on common situations. Names and details changed for privacy.
Brandon, 32, Orlando — first DUI
Pre-DUI rate was $108/month for full coverage. National carrier non-renewed after the DUI. Compared 3 specialist carriers and locked in FR-44 coverage at $285/month with same-day filing.
Yvette, 38, Fort Lauderdale — first DUI
Original carrier quoted $445/month for FR-44. Compared 4 specialists and found The General at $245/month with paid-in-full discount, saving $200/month for identical 100/300/50 coverage.
Actively underwrites FR-44 cases in Florida and files same-day. Reasonable rates for first-time DUI.
Aggressive pricing for FR-44 and post-DUI profiles, though customer service ratings are mixed.
Florida-active specialist with local service centers and reliable FR-44 filing.
Florida DUI cases require FR-44, not SR-22. SR-22 with minimum liability doesn't satisfy the court requirement and can extend your suspension.
FR-44 requires 100/300/50 — not the state minimum. Carrying less doesn't satisfy the filing requirement.
Even a one-day lapse during the 3-year FR-44 period triggers automatic FLHSMV notification and almost always results in license re-suspension.
Paid-in-full discounts of 8–15% are standard, and you eliminate lapse risk.
Specialists (Progressive, The General, Direct Auto) typically offer rates 30–50% below national carriers willing to write FR-44.
Some carriers begin reducing the surcharge during the FR-44 period if no additional violations occur.
Get fr-44 insurance options in Florida starting from $245/mo.
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