A DUI conviction changes a lot of things in a hurry, and your insurance is usually near the top of that list. If you’re staring at an FR-44 requirement for the first time, here’s what’s actually going on and what to do next — no lectures, just the facts.
Why a DUI triggers FR-44 specifically
Florida is one of only two states that uses the FR-44 form (Virginia’s the other), and it’s tied specifically to DUI and DWI convictions. The court or the FLHSMV requires your insurer to file it, confirming you carry liability coverage above Florida’s usual minimums for a set period — typically three years.
It’s worth saying plainly: this isn’t a punishment on top of your insurance. It’s the state’s way of making sure a driver with a serious conviction on record carries enough coverage to protect other people on the road.
What changes about your policy
Two things shift immediately. First, your required liability limits go up. Second, your premium reflects the added risk your insurer now sees in your file. Both are baked into any FR-44 quote you’ll get — this isn’t something you can negotiate away, but it is something you can shop around.
See what FR-44 coverage actually costs for your situation.
Get a Free QuoteGetting your license back
For a lot of people, FR-44 isn’t just about staying legal going forward — it’s the missing piece for license reinstatement. Once your policy is active with the right coverage, your insurer files the FR-44 certificate electronically, and that filing typically clears the way for reinstatement (alongside any other court-ordered conditions, like a DUI program).
What if this isn’t your first DUI?
Repeat convictions usually mean longer suspension periods and sometimes stricter conditions from the court. The FR-44 filing itself works the same way, but it’s worth double-checking your specific requirement with your court notice, since second and third offenses can carry different terms.
Steps to take right now
- Confirm your exact requirement and dates from your court or FLHSMV notice
- Complete any required courses or conditions tied to reinstatement
- Compare FR-44 quotes from carriers that actually write these policies
- Activate your policy and confirm the FR-44 filing gets submitted
- Keep coverage continuous for the full required period — no exceptions
Frequently asked questions
Does FR-44 cost more than a regular DUI policy in another state? It can, since Florida’s required limits are higher than the standard SR-22 minimums used elsewhere. See our FR-44 vs. SR-22 breakdown for specifics.
How long will my rate stay elevated? Typically for your three-year FR-44 period, though many drivers see gradual improvement as the conviction becomes more distant and their record stays clean.
Can I switch insurers after a DUI? Yes — as long as your new policy and FR-44 filing start before your old one ends, to avoid any lapse.
Does everyone with a DUI need FR-44? Most DUI convictions in Florida trigger it, but your specific court order is the definitive answer for your case.
Moving forward
A DUI doesn’t have to mean months of confusion about insurance. Florida FR-44 Auto Insurance specializes in exactly this situation — comparing carriers, explaining the requirement in plain English, and getting your filing submitted correctly the first time.
Let's get your FR-44 coverage sorted out today.
Get a Free QuoteRelated reading: Florida DUI Insurance Guide and Florida DUI Insurance Explained.
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