Had a recent accident or traffic conviction? You might’ve heard about an FR-44 requirement, but have no idea what it entails.
Read on and you’ll learn everything you need to know about:
Contrary to what most drivers think, the FR-44 is not a form of insurance, though it’s commonly referred to as DUI insurance.
Instead, an FR-44 is a form that has to be completed to show financial responsibility (“FR”) and proof of insurance coverage. In addition, the FR-44 form is only needed after a severe offense. Though similar to an SR-22 form, there are some vast differences.
Drivers required to have an FR-44 form have been responsible for a serious accident, conviction, or severe traffic violation. As such, it’s one that responsible drivers want to avoid.
The FR-44 insurance form is only required in Florida and Virginia, and will be necessary after violations such as:
Once you’ve been involved in a serious accident or convicted of a severe driving offense, your license will likely be suspended. In order to get your license reinstated and legally drive again, you’ll need to complete the FR-44 insurance form.
At your court hearing, you’ll be told you need an FR-44. Call your insurance agent right away to begin the filing process for your insurance form and reinstate your license.
In many situations, your Virginia or Florida DMV is able to submit a same-day electronic FR-44 insurance form. Of course, this will depend on the hours your local DMV keeps, along with the day of the week or whether it’s a holiday.
For those drivers who are required to have an FR-44 form, but don’t have a vehicle, proving financial responsibility in order to regain your license is slightly more challenging.
Non-owners car insurance is a great solution for drivers who need auto insurance alongside a FR-44. While it can be difficult to find a carrier who offers this type of coverage, there are insurance companies who offer non-owners car insurance.
In both Virginia and Florida, if you’re convicted of any of the violations from above, an FR-44 is typically required for three years. Always double check with your local court or DMV to determine exactly how long your FR-44 needs to be on file.
It’s important to know that if your auto insurance lapses prior to the end of the FR-44 requirement, your license could be suspended.
When you’re required to have an FR-44 insurance form to legally drive a vehicle, part of the financial responsibility requirement is that you’ll need more than the typical minimum car insurance coverage.
In Florida, FR-44 holders have a minimum requirement of $100K/$300K for bodily injury and $50K for property damage.
In Virginia, FR-44 holders have a minimum requirement of $50K/$100K for bodily injury and $40K for property damage.
When you’re required to complete an FR-44 form, you can expect roughly $15 - $25 in filing charges. The real cost increase will be seen in your car insurance premium.
While your auto insurance policy is dependent on a number of variables — including location, marital status, age, and driving history — an FR-44 requirement means you’re considered a high-risk driver.
Due to an increase in minimum liability coverage as well as an overall premium increase, you’ll see a significant increase in your rates. Shop around for insurance discounts to help decrease your payment.
You may have also heard of the SR-22 insurance form and wonder how it differs from FR-44 requirements.
Though similar, SR-22 forms are used to ensure financial responsibility for drivers who have less severe driving convictions than those who are required to get an FR-44 form. Often, an SR-22 may be used for a first offense or an accident deemed less severe than one that would require an FR-44.
Additionally, drivers who need an SR-22 form also need less insurance coverage than those who have an FR-44 form.
While an FR-44 insurance form isn’t something any of us wishes for, it’s a requirement for those convicted after severe accidents or traffic violations. Now you have a better idea of what happens when you’re required to get an FR-44 form.
If you need help finding the best car insurance coverage for the best price, start by speaking to a SimplyIOA agent at 833.872.4467 or get an auto insurance quote online now.