Florida Insurance

Best Companies for FR-44 Filing

After a Florida DUI you'll likely need an FR-44, which forces much higher liability limits (100/300/50). Here's what it is, which kinds of companies file them, and how to avoid overpaying.

Eddie Ezekiel

Published Jun 14, 2026 · 3 min read

Updated Jun 16, 2026

Image credit: Photo by Siebe Leenders on Unsplash

A DUI in Florida doesn't end at the courthouse. Before the state hands your license back, you'll almost certainly need an FR-44, and it forces you to carry far more liability insurance than the average driver. Here's what an FR-44 really is, the kinds of companies that will file one, and how to find coverage without paying more than you have to.

What an FR-44 actually is

An FR-44 is a certificate of financial responsibility your insurance company files with the state (in Florida, through FLHSMV) to prove you carry the required liability coverage after a serious offense, most often a DUI. It isn't a type of insurance you buy. It's a filing your insurer adds to a policy that already meets the higher limits.

FR-44 vs SR-22

	SR-22	FR-44
Where it's used	Most states	Florida and Virginia only
Usual trigger	No insurance, tickets, license issues	DUI or serious alcohol/drug offense
Coverage required	State minimum liability	Much higher (Florida: 100/300/50)

An FR-44 is essentially a higher-stakes SR-22.

How long you'll need it

In Florida, you typically have to keep an FR-44 on file for three years. The coverage has to stay continuous the entire time.

Which companies file FR-44 in Florida

Not every insurer will file an FR-44, and the cheapest one is highly individual, so think in terms of two groups rather than a single 'best' company:

High-risk and non-standard specialists built around drivers who need SR-22/FR-44 filings, such as Dairyland and The General, plus independent agencies that broker high-risk policies.
Major carriers that file FR-44 in Florida, including Progressive and GEICO, which will often write these policies at competitive rates.

Because a DUI can double your premium or more, the 'best' FR-44 company is simply the one that will file your FR-44 at the lowest total price for your record and vehicle. That's different for everyone, which is why shopping matters more here than almost anywhere else in insurance.

How to choose without overpaying

Confirm the company will actually file the FR-44 in Florida before you get attached to a quote.
Make sure the quote meets the full 100/300/50 limits, not the standard minimums.
Ask about any filing fee (usually small, around $15 to $25).
Compare the total annual cost, not the monthly teaser, and weigh price against the company's claims reputation.

Frequently asked questions

How much does FR-44 insurance cost?

The filing itself is cheap (often $15 to $25). The expensive part is the DUI-driven premium increase plus the higher 100/300/50 limits FR-44 requires. Expect to pay significantly more than a standard policy, with big differences between insurers.

Is FR-44 more expensive than SR-22?

Usually yes, because FR-44 requires much higher liability limits than an SR-22, which only requires the state minimum.

Can I switch insurers while I have an FR-44?

Yes, but the new insurer must file the FR-44 for you and your coverage can't lapse during the switch. Line up the new policy before canceling the old one.

What happens if my FR-44 lapses?

Your insurer reports it to the state, your license can be suspended again, and the three-year filing period can start over.

The bottom line

FR-44 is a high-cost, high-limit requirement, but the price swings enormously between insurers, so treat it as a shopping problem, not a fixed bill. Confirm your exact requirements with FLHSMV, then compare both high-risk specialists and major carriers before you commit.

Last reviewed: Jun 16, 2026

Sources & references

FLHSMV

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