How to Get FR44 Insurance to Meet State Requirements
Understand and acquire the mandatory FR44 insurance filing. This guide helps you meet state requirements for financial responsibility and driving eligibility.
FR44 insurance is a requirement for drivers who have committed serious driving infractions. It serves as a certificate of financial responsibility, demonstrating higher liability insurance coverage. This mandate is a necessary step for regaining and maintaining driving privileges.
Understanding FR44 Insurance
An FR44 is a certificate of financial responsibility required by certain states, primarily after convictions for serious driving offenses such as driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI). It is not an insurance policy itself, but rather a filing or endorsement attached to an existing or new auto insurance policy. Its purpose is to prove a driver carries significantly higher liability coverage limits than standard state minimums.
This requirement differs from standard auto insurance policies by mandating elevated coverage amounts and necessitating direct electronic filing with the state by the insurance provider. The FR44 also differs from an SR22 filing, a more common certificate of financial responsibility across many states. While both prove financial responsibility, an FR44 involves much higher liability limits and is associated with more severe violations, particularly those involving alcohol or drugs.
For instance, FR44 liability limits for bodily injury per person might be $100,000, per accident $300,000, and for property damage $50,000. The insurance company must notify the state immediately if the policy is canceled or lapses, underscoring the accountability associated with an FR44.
Gathering Your FR44 Requirements
The initial step in addressing an FR44 mandate involves confirming requirements set forth by the court or the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Individuals can obtain this information by reviewing court documents, directly contacting the relevant DMV office, or consulting a legal advisor if details are unclear. This step ensures the correct type and amount of coverage are pursued.
FR44 requirements involve significantly higher liability coverage limits. For example, common requirements include bodily injury liability of $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident, along with $50,000 for property damage liability. These numbers represent the maximum amounts the insurance policy will pay for injuries to individuals, total injuries per accident, and damage to others’ property, respectively.
The duration for which an FR44 is required is determined by the state or court and lasts for three years from the date driving privileges are reinstated. Any lapse in coverage during this time could result in additional penalties. Some states may also impose other conditions or require additional documentation, such as completion of particular programs, before an FR44 can be issued and maintained.
Obtaining FR44 Coverage
Acquiring an auto insurance policy that complies with FR44 requirements involves steps. Not all insurance providers offer FR44 filings, so it is necessary to seek out companies that specialize in high-risk auto insurance or have experience with these types of mandates. Contact multiple insurers to compare quotes and policy options tailored to the FR44 filing.
When requesting quotes, communicate the need for an FR44 filing to prospective insurers. Provide personal and vehicle information, including details about the driving infraction that led to the FR44 requirement. Once a suitable policy is selected, the initial premium payment is required to activate coverage.
The insurance company is responsible for electronically filing the FR44 certificate directly with the state’s DMV or court. The individual does not handle this filing themselves. After filing, the policyholder should receive confirmation from their insurer that the certificate has been submitted, and retain copies of policy documents as proof of compliance.
Maintaining FR44 Compliance
Maintaining continuous FR44 coverage for the entire mandated period is important. A lapse in coverage can lead to consequences, including immediate suspension of driving privileges and vehicle registration. Such an occurrence may also result in additional fines or an extension of the required FR44 period, potentially resetting the compliance timeline.
To prevent lapses, make timely premium payments and ensure policy renewals are processed in advance of their expiration dates. Setting up automatic payments or reminders can help ensure continuity of coverage.
At the conclusion of the mandated FR44 requirement period, three years, the state is notified by the insurance provider, and the requirement is lifted. While the FR44 obligation ends, individuals may choose to maintain higher coverage limits, especially if their driving record remains a factor in insurance premiums. Keeping organized records of FR44-related documents and communications throughout the compliance period is good practice.