FR-44 Insurance in Virginia
Virginia requires FR-44 insurance for 3 years after qualifying offenses. You must carry at least $50,000/$100,000 bodily injury and $40,000 property damage coverage. Common triggers include dui/dwi conviction (fr-44), driving without insurance, license suspension. Virginia uses FR-44 (not SR-22) for DUI convictions, requiring significantly higher coverage limits. Virginia's standard minimums are 25/50/20. Virginia also allows drivers to pay an uninsured motorist fee instead of carrying insurance.
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Overview
Virginia's DMV requires an FR-44 form for DUI convictions, which requires higher coverage limits than the standard SR-22: $50,000/$100,000 bodily injury and $40,000 property damage. Virginia is one of only two states (along with Florida) that uses the FR-44 form.
Key Facts
Minimum Coverage Requirements
What Triggers FR-44 Requirement
- DUI/DWI conviction (FR-44)
- Driving without insurance
- License suspension
- Serious traffic violations
Cost
How to File
Contact Your Insurance Provider
Call your current auto insurance company and request an FR-44 filing. Not all insurers offer FR-44 — if yours doesn't, you'll need to find a new provider. Compare quotes from multiple companies to find the best rate.
Purchase Required Coverage
Ensure your policy meets Virginia's minimum requirements: $50,000/$100,000 bodily injury and $40,000 property damage. UM/UIM coverage is also required.
Insurer Files FR-44 with the State
Your insurance company electronically files the FR-44 certificate with the Virginia DMV/motor vehicle agency. This usually takes 1-3 business days. You'll receive a confirmation copy.
Apply for License Reinstatement
Once the FR-44 is on file, complete your license reinstatement process including paying the reinstatement fee and any outstanding fines or court costs.
Maintain Continuous Coverage for 3 years
Keep your FR-44 insurance active for the full required period of 3 years without any lapses. Set up autopay to avoid missed payments. If your policy lapses, your insurer will notify the state and your license may be re-suspended.
What Happens If Coverage Lapses
If your FR-44 insurance lapses in Virginia, your insurer is required to notify the state DMV by filing an SR-26 form. This will likely result in immediate license suspension, potential fines, and a restart of the full FR-44 filing period (3 years). Avoid any gaps in coverage by setting up automatic payments.
Important Notes
Virginia uses FR-44 (not SR-22) for DUI convictions, requiring significantly higher coverage limits. Virginia's standard minimums are 25/50/20. Virginia also allows drivers to pay an uninsured motorist fee instead of carrying insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long do I need FR-44 insurance in Virginia?
- In Virginia, you typically need to maintain FR-44 insurance for 3 years. The clock starts from the date your FR-44 is filed with the state. Any lapse in coverage may reset this timeline.
- How much does FR-44 insurance cost in Virginia?
- The FR-44 filing fee itself is typically $15-$50. However, the real cost is the insurance premium increase — expect to pay $300-$800+ more per year than standard rates. Total additional cost over the filing period is typically $1,000-$3,000+. Shop around and compare quotes to find the best rate.
- What triggers FR-44 requirement in Virginia?
- Common triggers include: DUI/DWI conviction (FR-44), Driving without insurance, License suspension, Serious traffic violations. The specific requirement depends on the offense and may be determined by the court or DMV.
- What happens if my FR-44 lapses in Virginia?
- If your FR-44 policy lapses, your insurance company is required to notify the Virginia DMV. Your license will likely be re-suspended, and you may need to restart the entire FR-44 filing period from the beginning. You could also face additional fines and penalties.
- What are Virginia's minimum coverage requirements for FR-44?
- Virginia requires minimum coverage of $50,000 per person / $100,000 per accident for bodily injury and $40,000 for property damage. UM/UIM coverage is also required.
Video Guides
Take Action — Direct Links
- Virginia DMV — License Reinstatement
Official information about license reinstatement requirements in Virginia, including SR-22 filing instructions.
- Virginia Minimum Insurance Requirements
Insurance Information Institute — Virginia minimum coverage: $50,000/$100,000/$40,000.
- Compare SR-22 Insurance Quotes
Compare SR-22 insurance quotes from multiple providers to find the best rate.
More for Virginia
Suspension periods, IID requirements, penalties, and step-by-step reinstatement process.
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