SR-22 vs. FR-44 Auto Insurance: Costs & Requirements in 2026
The main difference between SR-22 vs. FR-44 auto insurance is that FR-44 coverage has stricter requirements that raise rates higher than SR-22 insurance. FR-44 car insurance averages $292 per month or $3,500 a year. Virginia and Florida are the only two states that issue FR-44 certificates.
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Insurance and Finance Writer
Karen Condor is an insurance and finance writer who has degrees in both journalism and communications. She began her career as a reporter covering local and state affairs. Her extensive experience includes management positions in newspapers, magazines, newsletters, and online marketing content. She has utilized her research, writing, and communications talents in the areas of human resources, f...
Karen Condor
Managing Editor
Aleksandra J. Churlinov holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature and a Master of Science in Marketing Management. Over the past six years, Aleks has focused on the insurance sector, working on a range of content, including business, auto, and life insurance. In April 2025, she stepped into the role of Managing Editor, where she now leads a team of talented insurance writers. ...
Aleksandra J. Churlinov
Licensed Insurance Broker
Zach Fagiano has been in the insurance industry for over 10 years, specializing in property and casualty and risk management consulting. He started out specializing in small businesses and moved up to large commercial real estate risks. During that time, he acquired property & casualty, life & health, and surplus lines brokers licenses. He’s now the Senior Vice President overseeing globa...
Zach Fagiano
Updated April 2026
The biggest difference between SR-22 vs. FR-44 auto insurance is that FR-44 certificates raise rates more than SR-22 certificates.
- FR-44 certificates are only issued in Florida and Virginia
- SR-22 and FR-44 certificates must be held for several years
- Holders of SR-22 and FR-44 will be labeled high-risk by insurers
Are FR-44 and SR-22 the same? While state laws require either a certificate after specific high-risk violations, FR-44 holders are required to carry coverage above the state minimum.
FR-44 certificates are also assigned only to DUI or DWI offenders, while SR-22 auto insurance certificates are assigned for several different driving offenses in addition to DUIs and DWIs.
Read on to learn more about the differences between FR-44 and SR-22 car insurance, from average rate increases to who needs to carry these certificates.
Need to find affordable insurance as a high-risk driver? Compare quotes with our free tool to find the best deal in your area.
Difference Between SR-22 and FR-44 Insurance
Both SR-22 and FR-44 certificates show that drivers have the required insurance in their state, but FR-44s are only issued in Florida and Virginia.
FR-44 Virginia and Florida requirements also mandate higher car insurance coverage limits than SR-22s. Get More Details: Best Auto Insurance Companies in Virginia
Another major difference between the two auto insurance types is that FR-44 filings often result in a major rate increase, as FR-44’s are assigned to DUI and DWI offenders. Learn about DUI and DWI charges in our guide: DUI vs. DWI
SR-22 insurance filings, however, can also be assigned for other offenses, such as insurance lapses, so the rate increase may be more moderate.
SR-22 vs. FR-44 Auto Insurance Comparison| Key Factors | SR-22 | FR-44 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Impact | Moderate rate increase | High rate increase |
| Coverage Limits | State minimum limits | 2x minimum limits |
| Filing Fee | $15–$50 filing fee | $15–$50 filing fee |
| Filing Type | Insurance certificate | Insurance certificate |
| Minimum Liability | Meets state minimum | Above state minimum |
| Risk Level | High-risk classification | High-risk classification |
| State Scope | Required in 46 states | Florida and Virginia |
| Term Length | 2–5 years (varies) | Minimum 3 years |
| Trigger Events | DUIs & other violations | DUI/DWI convictions |
| User Status | License reinstatement | Court-ordered filing |
| Who Needs it | Broad driver eligibility | Narrow eligibility |
While there are some similarities between the two insurance certificates, FR-44s are often more serious than SR-22s.
Drivers with an FR-44 will be ordered by the court to file it as part of their DUI or DWI case, whereas SR-22 drivers must file the certificate to reinstate their licenses for a range of offenses.
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Cost of SR-22 vs. FR-44 Insurance Coverage
One of the biggest differences between the impact SR-22 and FR-44 have on auto insurance is the rate increase.
While both SR-22 and FR-44 certificate filings will increase car insurance costs, FR-44 will see a 50-100% rate increase, compared to 20-60% for SR-22.
FR-44 drivers purchasing high-risk auto insurance, therefore, could have rates that are thousands of dollars higher than SR-22 drivers’.
Filing fees for FR-44 certificates are also higher at $50, compared to a $15 filing fee for SR-22 certificates.
SR-22 & FR-44 Insurance Rate Increases by Driving History
As stated before, drivers may be required to obtain SR-22 certificates for a variety of violations, including at-fault accidents and insurance lapses.
Therefore, the cost increase can vary widely for SR-22 drivers, with rates ranging from an average of $1,200 per year for a driver with a clean record to $3,000 per year for a driver with a prior at-fault accident.
SR-22 drivers with a DUI or DWI will see the highest average car insurance rates of $2,400 per year.
Related: Cheap Auto Insurance After a DUI
However, this is still lower than the average DUI or DWI annual premium for a FR-44 holder, which is an average of $3,500 per year.
Required Coverage Under SR-22 vs. FR-44 Insurance
Drivers must carry their state’s minimum insurance to fulfill the requirements of SR-22 insurance and reinstate their licenses.
The FR-44 insurance requirements for drivers, however, require that drivers have liability insurance coverage amounts exceeding their state’s standard requirements.
Lenders will require both FR-44 and SR-22 drivers to carry full coverage if a vehicle is under lease.
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For example, a Florida driver who has to get an SR-22 certificate will need 10/20/10 of liability insurance.
A Florida driver with a FR-44 certificate, on the other hand, will need 100/300/50 for liability insurance. This will drive up costs, even if Florida drivers take care to shop with the best auto insurance companies in Florida for affordable rates.
SR-22 vs. FR-44 Auto Insurance: Coverage Requirements by State| State | SR-22 Limits | FR-44 Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 25/50/25 | N/A |
| Alaska | 50/100/25 | N/A |
| Arizona | 25/50/15 | N/A |
| Arkansas | 25/50/25 | N/A |
| California | 15/30/5 | N/A |
| Colorado | 25/50/15 | N/A |
| Connecticut | 25/50/25 | N/A |
| Delaware | 25/50/10 | N/A |
| Florida | 10/20/10 | 100/300/50 |
| Georgia | 25/50/25 | N/A |
| Hawaii | 20/40/10 | N/A |
| Idaho | 25/50/15 | N/A |
| Illinois | 25/50/20 | N/A |
| Indiana | 25/50/25 | N/A |
| Iowa | 20/40/15 | N/A |
| Kansas | 25/50/25 | N/A |
| Kentucky | 25/50/25 | N/A |
| Louisiana | 15/30/25 | N/A |
| Maine | 50/100/25 | N/A |
| Maryland | 30/60/15 | N/A |
| Massachusetts | 20/40/5 | N/A |
| Michigan | 50/100/10 | N/A |
| Minnesota | 30/60/10 | N/A |
| Mississippi | 25/50/25 | N/A |
| Missouri | 25/50/25 | N/A |
| Montana | 25/50/20 | N/A |
| Nebraska | 25/50/25 | N/A |
| Nevada | 25/50/20 | N/A |
| New Hampshire | 25/50/25 | N/A |
| New Jersey | 25/50/25 | N/A |
| New Mexico | 25/50/10 | N/A |
| New York | 25/50/10 | N/A |
| North Carolina | 30/60/25 | N/A |
| North Dakota | 25/50/25 | N/A |
| Ohio | 25/50/25 | N/A |
| Oklahoma | 25/50/25 | N/A |
| Oregon | 25/50/20 | N/A |
| Pennsylvania | N/A | N/A |
| Rhode Island | 25/50/25 | N/A |
| South Carolina | 25/50/25 | N/A |
| South Dakota | 25/50/25 | N/A |
| Tennessee | 25/50/25 | N/A |
| Texas | 30/60/25 | N/A |
| Utah | 25/65/15 | N/A |
| Vermont | 25/50/10 | N/A |
| Virginia | 30/60/20 | 60/120/40 |
| Washington | 25/50/10 | N/A |
| West Virginia | 25/50/25 | N/A |
| Wisconsin | 25/50/10 | N/A |
| Wyoming | 25/50/20 | N/A |
The three liability insurance numbers you see displayed refer to the bodily injury and property damage amounts required by the state.
The Florida requirement of 10/20/10, for instance, means a driver needs $10K of bodily injury liability per person, $20K of bodily injury liability per accident, and $10K of property damage.
Premium Impact by State-Mandated SR-22 & FR-44 Coverage
SR-22 and FR-44 certificates will generally impact only the cost of state-mandated coverages: bodily injury and property damage liability. See more: Auto Insurance Requirements by State
Other state-mandated coverages vary by state, such as uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, and may have no impact.
SR-22 vs. FR-44 Auto Insurance: Coverage Limits & Cost Impact| Policy Details | SR-22 | FR-44 | Rate Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| BI Per Accident | State minimum | Higher limits | +20-60% |
| BI Per Person | State minimum | Higher limits | +20-60% |
| Liability Limits | State minimum | 2x minimum | +20-60% |
| Medical Payments | If required | If required | No impact |
| Personal Injury | If required | If required | No impact |
| Proof of Filing | Filing required | Filing required | $15-50 fee |
| Property Damage | State minimum | Higher limits | +20-60% |
| Uninsured Motorist | If required | If required | No impact |
| Underinsured Motor | If required | If required | No impact |
The liability price increase will vary by state and driver, but SR-22 and FR-44 drivers can expect a significant price hike after filing.
SR-22 or FR-44 drivers should shop around to see if they can get a more affordable rate in their state. Shop for affordable car insurance quotes today by entering your ZIP in our free quote tool.
State Laws Determine How Long Drivers Carry SR-22 or FR-44
Car insurance rates will remain high for as long as drivers need to carry an SR-22 or FR-44 certificate.
SR-22 holders will need to carry the certificate for 3 to 5 years in most states, depending on the offense.
Texas has the lowest minimum requirement of 2 years for SR-22 certificate holders, so drivers can get cheaper coverage from top Texas auto insurance companies more quickly.
FR-44 holders will need to carry the certificate for a minimum of three years in Virginia and Florida after a DUI or DWI.
SR-22 vs. FR-44 Auto Insurance: Filing Term by State| State | SR-22 Term | FR-44 Term |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 3–5 years | N/A |
| Alaska | 3–5 years | N/A |
| Arizona | 3 years | N/A |
| Arkansas | 3 years | N/A |
| California | 3 years | N/A |
| Colorado | 3–5 years | N/A |
| Connecticut | 3–5 years | N/A |
| Delaware | 3–5 years | N/A |
| Florida | 3 years | 3 years |
| Georgia | 3–5 years | N/A |
| Hawaii | 3–5 years | N/A |
| Idaho | 3–5 years | N/A |
| Illinois | 3 years | N/A |
| Indiana | 3–5 years | N/A |
| Iowa | 3–5 years | N/A |
| Kansas | 3–5 years | N/A |
| Kentucky | 3–5 years | N/A |
| Louisiana | 3–5 years | N/A |
| Maine | 3–5 years | N/A |
| Maryland | 3–5 years | N/A |
| Massachusetts | N/A | N/A |
| Michigan | N/A | N/A |
| Minnesota | 3–5 years | N/A |
| Mississippi | 3–5 years | N/A |
| Missouri | 3–5 years | N/A |
| Montana | 3–5 years | N/A |
| Nebraska | 3–5 years | N/A |
| Nevada | 3 years | N/A |
| New Hampshire | 3–5 years | N/A |
| New Jersey | 3–5 years | N/A |
| New Mexico | 3–5 years | N/A |
| New York | N/A | N/A |
| North Carolina | 3–5 years | N/A |
| North Dakota | 3–5 years | N/A |
| Ohio | 3–5 years | N/A |
| Oklahoma | 3–5 years | N/A |
| Oregon | 3–5 years | N/A |
| Pennsylvania | N/A | N/A |
| Rhode Island | 3–5 years | N/A |
| South Carolina | 3–5 years | N/A |
| South Dakota | 3–5 years | N/A |
| Tennessee | 3–5 years | N/A |
| Texas | 2 years | N/A |
| Utah | 3–5 years | N/A |
| Vermont | 3–5 years | N/A |
| Virginia | 3 years | 3 years |
| Washington | 3–5 years | N/A |
| West Virginia | 3–5 years | N/A |
| Wisconsin | 3–5 years | N/A |
| Wyoming | 3–5 years | N/A |
If an SR-22 or FR-44 commits another driving violation during these time periods, their time period will likely be extended further.
The shorter the time period a driver needs to hold a certificate, the sooner they can get back on track to securing lower car insurance rates.
Who Needs SR-22 or FR-44 Insurance
How do I know if I need SR-22 or FR-44 car insurance? You will need to get an FR-44 certificate if you are a Virginia or Florida resident who has been convicted of a DUI or DWI.
If you live in Virginia or Florida and have been convicted of a driving offense other than a DUI or DWI, such as driving without auto insurance, then you will likely need an SR-22 certificate.
Not sure whether you need to file an SR-22 or an FR-44 certificate? The DMV will let you know when you reinstate your license after a violation.
If you need an SR-22 or FR-44 certificate, you will have to pay the filing fee for your insurance company to submit the certificate.
Not every insurance company will insure high-risk drivers who need an SR-22 or FR-44 certificate, so drivers might need to find a new insurance company if they have a serious violation on their record.
SR-22 vs. FR-44 Auto Insurance: When Each Is Required| Situation | SR-22 Required | FR-44 Required |
|---|---|---|
| At-Fault Accident | ✅ | ❌ |
| DUI (FL or VA) | ❌ | ✅ |
| DUI (Other States) | ✅ | ❌ |
| License Suspended | ✅ | ❌ |
| Minor Violations | ❌ | ❌ |
| Multiple Violations | ✅ | ❌ |
| Reckless Driving | ✅ | ❌ |
| Uninsured Driving | ✅ | ❌ |
Not every violation will require a driver to secure an SR-22 or FR-44 certificate; minor violations, such as traffic tickets, do not.
If drivers do need to obtain an SR-22 or FR-44 certificate, it is important to avoid any further violations that would raise rates even more.
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How to Save Money on SR-22 vs. FR-44 Car Insurance
Finding affordable SR-22 vs. FR-44 auto insurance can be trickier, as drivers who need these certificates are considered high-risk drivers.
Insurance companies charge high-risk drivers the most because they are more likely to file future claims.
However, there are a few things that you can do to secure the cheapest FR-44 insurance or SR-22 insurance. Related: Cheap Auto Insurance for High-Risk Drivers
For example, SR-22 and FR-44 drivers can check with their insurance company to see which auto insurance discounts they can apply for. Other things high-risk drivers can do to try to lower rates include:
- Choose Safe Cars: Affordable cars with high safety ratings will be the cheapest to insure.
- Increase Deductibles: Raising your deductible to a higher out-of-pocket amount will lower your monthly premiums.
- Reduce Coverage: Older models may not require full coverage if you’ve paid off the loan and the policy costs more than the vehicle is worth.
Of course, the best thing you can do to secure a lower rate is shop around for quotes to see if a cheaper company is available.
Get quotes from the best companies in your area by entering your ZIP in our free quote tool. It will compare SR-22 or FR-44 insurance quotes from companies in your area to find the cheapest coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between SR-22 and FR-44 insurance?
Confused about the SR-22 vs. FR-44 meaning? Both are certificates that prove high-risk drivers have the required state insurance to drive. SR-22 certificates are required for several offenses, such as uninsured driving, in multiple states, but FR-44 certificates are issued only to DUI or DWI offenders in Florida and Virginia.
When are you required to file an SR-22 or FR-44?
Your state DMV will let you know if you need to file an SR-22 or FR-44 to reinstate your license after a driving offense. You will often need one after an offense like reckless driving, impaired driving, or uninsured driving.
Is FR-44 more expensive than SR-22?
Yes, an FR-44 costs more to file than an SR-22 certificate. Why is FR-44 insurance so expensive? An FR-44 requires drivers to carry liability auto insurance limits above the state minimum, raising insurance costs.
How long do I have to have FR-44 insurance in Florida?
You will need to have FR-44 insurance for at least three years in Florida. Facing high rates after an FR-44 filing? To shop for affordable insurance in your state today, compare quotes with our free tool.
How much is FR-44 insurance a month?
FR-44 insurance averages $292 per month or $3,500 a year.
Is a SR-22 full coverage?
No, SR-22 is not full coverage auto insurance. An SR-22 certificate is proof that you are carrying the state minimum insurance.
How can I check the status of my SR-22?
You can contact your state DMV or your insurance provider to see the status of your SR-22 certificate.
What happens if you don’t pay your SR-22?
If you don’t pay your SR-22 auto insurance, your insurance will lapse. This could result in license suspension, fines, and more. Shop for insurance within your budget today by entering your ZIP code in our free quote tool.
How long do you stay on SR-22?
SR-22 limits range from 3 to 5 years in most states. Texas is the only state that requires a minimum of two years.
See More: What to Do If You Can’t Afford Your Auto Insurance
Is SR-22 permanent?
No, an SR-22 is not permanent. Once the state- or court-imposed time limit is up, you can have it removed from your insurance.
Can someone drive my car if I have an SR-22?
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