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By Ross Martin
Updated October 4, 2022
Edited By Beth Swanson

Table of contents:

  1. What is FR-44 insurance?
  2. Where are FR-44s required?
  3. Getting an FR-44 without a car
  4. Additional resources

FR-44 car insurance defined

An FR-44, also known as an FR44, is a certificate proving a driver is carrying active liability insurance at or in excess of the legal minimum. The "FR" stands for “financial responsibility.”

Liability requirements for an FR-44 certificate are higher than the state minimum or SR-22 requirements. An FR-44 is not actually a form of car insurance, but proof of car insurance. A driver's location and driving history will determine whether or not they need an FR44 filing for insurance.

This relatively common insurance requirement can be brought about by a citation like a DWI or DUI, a driving-without-insurance violation, a collision resulting in substantial property damage, a citation for driving with a suspended license,or as a result of gathering too many license points.

An FR-44 is not actually a form of car insurance, but proof of car insurance.

In which states are FR-44s required for insurance?

States in which FR-44s are commonly required are Florida and Virginia. FR-44s are similar to SR-22s, another common car insurance requirement. 

Learn more about FR44 insurance requirements in specific states:

How to get an FR-44 without a car

If you don’t own a vehicle, acquiring proof of car insurance coverage can be tricky. One of the best options is non-owners car insurance. A non-owner auto insurance policy is what it sounds like: a liability-only policy for people who do not own a vehicle but want insurance. If you’re borrowing a friend’s vehicle and get into an at-fault accident, you could use this coverage to pay for any damages you cause.

This policy only provides liability coverage: the damage you do to other people and their property. Liability-only coverage provides no physical protection for the motor vehicle you are driving.

A non-owner policy is not only a solution for lifting an FR-44 requirement. It can be a good way to limit your premiums while you’re waiting for a violation to fall off your insurance record. Non-owner policies tend to be cheaper than standard policies, as they provide only liability coverage.

Non-owner car insurance can be hard to find. Most online resources will require you to enter vehicle information in order to get car insurance quotes. If you’re interested in getting a quote or policy for non-owner coverage, contact The Zebra's insurance agency.

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RECENT QUESTIONS

What do I do if I don't have a car but am required to have an SR22 and an ignition interlock?

You should be able to purchase a non-owners insurance policy and have an SR22 attached to that policy to meet the state requirement. It would be impossible to install an interlock device if you don't have a vehicle so I would recommend contacting your probation officer or attorney to discuss your options.
Apr 27, 2017 Leawood, KS

Failure to submit a breathalyzer's impact on car insurance rates?

This can be tricky to answer. In Maine, they have a law called Implied Consent.
Aug 17, 2018 Bangor, ME

My son got a DUI, I will be selling the vehicle & removing him from my GEICO policy. Do I need to report it?

If you choose to repair the damage to your son's car using your insurance, you will need to file a claim and tell your insurer what happened. The claim will impact your rates, but removing your son will not impact your rates as much as leaving him on the policy.
Sep 9, 2019 Las Vegas, NV

I got a DUI in California

California is one of the strictest states when it comes to DUI/DWI violations. This will stay on your insurance and driving record for 10 years.
Mar 8, 2018 San Diego, California
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Ross MartinManager, Content Quality

Ross joined The Zebra as a writer and researcher in 2019. As a licensed insurance agent, he specializes in writing insurance content to help shoppers make informed decisions.

Ross holds a master's degree from Royal Holloway, University of London and has a background in copywriting and education. As a former teacher, he applies his educational skills to explain insurance concepts in ways that consumers can understand.

Ross's work has been cited by The New York Times, Axios, Investopedia, The Simple Dollar, The Balance, Car and Driver and Fox Business. He has been quoted by CNET, I Drive Safely and Kin Insurance. 

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About The Zebra

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