FR-44 Auto Insurance vs. SR-22 Auto Insurance: Know the Difference

Car insurance is such a complicated topic that encapsulates so many different things it can be turned into an entire subject, with multiple factors affecting insurance rates and so many terms and conditions that can confuse even the most established. 

People need clarification on the difference between FR-44 auto insurance and SR-22 auto insurance. With very similar names and almost the same application, these two things require some explanation. So let’s get started with it. 

Insurance Vs. Document

A very important thing to clear out before starting the article is the nature of the FR-44 and SR-22 documents. What many people assume is that these two are insurance policies. But they are not. 

FR-44 and SR-22 are legal documents that are filed (usually) by car insurance companies to your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles. FR-44 and SR-22 are not car insurance policies. They will not provide coverage or cannot be claimed in any accident.

What is SR-22

SR-22 is an official document that serves as proof that your car insurance policy is in accordance with the state’s requirements. It is a certificate of responsibility that your car insurance company files in the state’s DMV. 

So does every driver need to file this document? No. You do not need to file this document if you are an average driver with a clean driving record. All you need is the right car insurance policies with a coverage limit over the state’s minimum coverage limit. 

Every state has a minimum coverage requirement. It means that your car insurance policy (liability insurance in most cases) should be able to pay a minimum amount of money in a car accident. 

For example, if you live in Nevada, your insurance policy must be able to give $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $20,000 for property damage. Your car insurance policy must have at least this much coverage for you to drive a car legally. 

If you live in Nevada, make sure your car insurance coverage is more than the state’s minimum coverage limit. Higher coverage limits mean the cost of car insurance would rise again. So make sure you look for the best and most affordable car insurance in your state. 

To find that, look for the cheapest car insurance in Nevada and select the one that best fits your needs. Find insurance policies with the best coverage, decent coverage limit, and affordable rates. Now back to SR-22 and FR-44 documents. 

Who is SR-22 For?

An SR-22 form is required for people who have had DUI or DWI charges. DUI stands for driving under the influence, and DWI stands for driving while intoxicated. These charges do not apply only to driving with alcohol. Driving under the influence of any drug can lead to this charge. 

Getting a DUI charge will not only lead to dangerous legal and criminal consequences but also ruin your chances of getting affordable car insurance policies for at least three years. It can also lead to the suspension of your driver’s license. 

So, where does SR-22 come in? Once you get a DUI charge, you will eventually need to get car insurance to drive. People with DUI charges get a restricted driver’s license (also called an IID license) to operate and commute. But these people also need car insurance. 

While car insurance is necessary, people with DUI or DWI charges also need confirmation from the auto insurance company to show that they have all the required car insurance policies along with the proper coverage limit. 

The car insurance company usually files an SR-22 form. SR-22 is required in almost every state. You need to file this form if:

• You’ve had DUI or DWI charges
• You’ve caused permanent damage or maimed someone in a car accident
• If you have failed to have a car insurance policy in the past
• You have committed severe other traffic violations.

What is FR-44

FR-44 is almost precisely the same as SR-22, with the only difference being that it is only used in the states of Virginia and Florida. Convicted drivers need to file and maintain the FR-44 form for three years to drive a car legally. 

FR-44 is applicable for charges such as:

• DUI or DWI charges
• Serious accident that results in maiming or other permanent damage to the body
• Severe other traffic violations or accidents

How Much Do SR-22 and FR-44 Cost? 

Since this is a federal document, these forms do not cost too much to file. Car insurance companies might charge you $15 to $25 extra for both SR-22 and FR-44 forms. The cost of the documents is not the problem; instead, the increase in insurance rates is the issue. 

Your car insurance rates will increase after a DUI charge or any traffic violations that result in the requirement of SR-22 or FR-44 form. How much of a price hike are we looking at? That depends on the state you live in. 

In some states, the price hike in car insurance policies can be as low as just 30%. But in some states, such as Connecticut or California, you could pay over 100% more than what you were paying before for auto insurance! That’s a hefty price hike. 

So SR-22 and FR-44 do not increase your insurance rates. They just cost around $20 to file. The issue comes with the DUI charge or other related traffic violations or road accidents that result in the price hike. 

As always, multiple factors contribute to this price hike, from the state you live into the kind of traffic violation. Some violations could lead to massive price hikes, while some will only give you a slap on the wrist. What is the best way to avoid all of this? Avoid driving under the influence and follow traffic laws. 

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Here are all the essential and necessary things you need to know about the significant difference between FR-44 and SR-22 auto insurance.