Accidents on the road come with consequences. If you live in Virginia and are considered a high-risk driver, you may need to secure an SR-22 or FR-44 form. SR-22 and FR-44 forms are certificates of financial responsibility that the Commonwealth of Virginia requires high-risk drivers to file with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.1
Here’s what you need to know about FR-44 and SR-22 insurance in Virginia, including how to compare quotes and policy options.
Cheapest companies for SR-22 insurance in Virginia
If you need to take on an SR-22, you’ll want to shop around to see which insurer can offer you the best possible rate.
The following table outlines the average monthly quotes from different auto insurance companies for drivers with SR-22 requirements.
What are SR-22 and FR-44 insurance in Virginia, and when do you need them?
Many drivers confuse SR-22 and FR-44 forms with traditional car insurance. But they aren’t actually car insurance. Each form acts as a certificate of financial responsibility.
“They are proof that you have the required levels of auto insurance liability coverage required by the state,” says Mark Friedlander, director of corporate communications at the Insurance Information Institute.
SR-22 requirements in Virginia
Virginia requires an SR-22 for drivers who have the following violations:
Driving without car insurance
Experiencing an uninsured motor vehicle suspension
Having unsatisfied judgments
Falsifying insurance certification
Getting a suspended license after a conviction for various offenses — including voluntary manslaughter while operating a motor vehicle and leaving the scene of an accident
The minimum coverage requirements for SR-22 drivers in Virginia are:
$25,000 per person in bodily injury liability
$50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability
$20,000 in property damage liability
FR-44 requirements in Virginia
Drivers who have the following violations need an FR-44:
Driving while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or intoxicants
Maiming while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or intoxicants
Driving after having your driver’s license forfeited for a conviction or a finding of “not innocent” in the case of a juvenile
Violation of any federal law or law of any other valid local or state ordinance similar to those listed above. This also applies to Virginia drivers if the incident occurs out of state.
The minimum liability requirements for FR-44 drivers are double those of an SR-22 driver because of the more serious nature of the infractions:
$50,000 per person in bodily injury liability
$100,000 per accident in bodily injury liability
$40,000 in property damage liability
How to get SR-22 and FR-44 insurance in Virginia
If you need to file an SR-22 or FF-44 certificate in Virginia after a severe motor violation, you’ll receive an order from the court.
Follow these steps to get SR-22 or FR-44 insurance in Virginia:
Inform your insurer and secure coverage. The first step is purchasing auto insurance from a company that will file an SR-22 or FR-44 certificate for you. If you already have insurance, let your insurer know and make sure it offers SR-22 and FR-44 insurance filing.2 Some companies don’t offer high-risk insurance.
Pay your fees. You typically need to pay a small filing fee to your insurer and a reinstatement fee to the Virginia DMV following license suspension.
File certificate through your insurer. Your car insurance company will file your certificate on your behalf with the Virginia DMV.
Maintain coverage. Don’t let your coverage lapse during the required time you need to maintain your SR-22 or FR-44 certificate.
How long are an SR-22 and FR-44 required in Virginia?
How long you have to maintain your SR-22 or FR-44 depends on which type you need to file.
The SR-22 requirement lasts for three years, and you may need to pay a reinstatement fee, if applicable. FR-44 insurance also has a three-year requirement, but incurring additional DUI charges can add to this timeline. Following the three-year period, the FR-44 won’t be on your record, provided you’ve maintained a good driving record.
How much is SR-22 and FR-44 insurance in Virginia?
Drivers with an SR-22 or FR-44 typically face higher insurance rates, though exactly how much you’ll pay depends on the severity of the incident that led to the filing.
Virginia drivers with a past DWI or DUI conviction — who would need FR-44 insurance — pay average rates of $180 per month for liability and $290 for full coverage. For comparison, Virginia drivers with clean records pay $112 per month for liability and $180 for full coverage.
Cheapest insurance companies in Virginia with SR-22 or FR-44 by city
Car insurance rates will vary in Virginia by ZIP code and city due to rates of crime, vehicle theft, and accidents, as well as population density and other risks.
Review the table below to see the average cost of a liability-only policy after filing an SR-22 in Virginia, depending on what city you live in.
How SR-22 and FR-44 insurance affects driving record and future rates in Virginia
Your car insurance rate will most likely increase significantly during the period when you have to file an SR-22. After you no longer have an SR-22, your rates should return to normal.
To help offset this increase in cost, here are some things you can do to potentially lower your auto insurance premiums:
Increase your deductible. A deductible is the amount of money you pay out of pocket before your insurance company pays for any damages or injuries. By increasing your deductible, you can lower your monthly premium since you’re agreeing to take on more risk.
Get multiple quotes. Always compare quotes from different insurance companies before renewing your policy or signing up for a new one. This way, you can find the best deal on your auto insurance without compromising coverage. You can use an insurance comparison tool to make shopping around for the best deal easier. Generally, you want to get at least three quotes before making a decision.
Bundle your policies. If you need multiple insurance policies, like home and auto policies, consider bundling them with one insurer. Most insurance companies offer bundling discounts that can help you save on both policies.
Maintain good credit. In many states, including Virginia, insurance companies can use credit scores to determine premiums. Maintaining a good credit score can help you get lower rates on your auto insurance.
Ask for discounts. Many auto insurers offer discounts for various reasons, such as being a safe driver, having anti-theft devices installed in your car, or being a student with good grades.