FR-44 and SR-22 are both certificates of financial responsibility, but they aren’t the same requirement — and filing the wrong one won’t satisfy a court or FLHSMV order. Here’s a full comparison.
What they have in common
Both FR-44 and SR-22 are filed electronically by your insurance carrier to prove you carry required liability coverage. Neither is a standalone insurance product — both attach to a standard auto policy. Both are typically required for a set period, often three years, and both require continuous, uninterrupted coverage.
Where they differ
| Factor | SR-22 | FR-44 |
|---|---|---|
| Required liability limits | Florida’s standard minimums | Higher than standard minimums |
| Common trigger | Uninsured driving, license reinstatement, certain moving violations | DUI/DWI conviction |
| States that use it | Most states use SR-22-equivalent forms | Only Florida and Virginia use FR-44 |
| Typical cost impact | Moderate increase | Larger increase, due to higher limits + risk |
Why Florida uses FR-44 instead of SR-22 for DUI cases
Florida’s legislature set higher required coverage limits specifically for DUI-related cases, and created the FR-44 form to track compliance with those higher limits. Other violations that require proof of financial responsibility, but don’t carry the same higher-limit requirement, use the standard SR-22 form instead.
Which one do you need?
Check your official notice from the court or FLHSMV — it will specify FR-44 or SR-22 by name. If your case involves a DUI or DWI conviction, expect FR-44. If it involves driving without insurance or certain other violations, SR-22 is more common. When in doubt, we can help confirm which applies based on your notice.
Can you have both at different points?
Yes. Some drivers first need an SR-22 for one violation, and later require an FR-44 if a DUI conviction occurs. Each filing is assessed independently against its own triggering violation and timeline.
Shopping for either
Not every carrier offers FR-44 or SR-22 filings, and pricing for both varies significantly between insurers. Comparing multiple quotes is the most reliable way to find an affordable policy either way.
Next steps
Not sure which filing your notice requires? Text us a photo or summary of your notice and we’ll help you confirm it, or get a free quote once you know which coverage you need.
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