If you have been told that you need an SR-22 or FR-44 filing in Virginia, you may have questions about what it means, how it affects your auto insurance, and what you need to do to satisfy Virginia’s financial-responsibility requirements.
An SR-22 or FR-44 is not a separate type of auto insurance policy. It is a certificate of financial responsibility filed by an insurance company to verify that you have the required automobile liability coverage.
What Is an SR-22 in Virginia?
An SR-22 is a financial responsibility certificate that may be required in certain license, registration, insurance, or driving-related situations. The filing verifies that an eligible auto insurance policy meeting the applicable Virginia requirements is in force.
What Is an FR-44 in Virginia?
An FR-44 is another financial-responsibility filing used in Virginia for certain serious driving convictions, including qualifying alcohol- or drug-related offenses. FR-44 requirements generally involve higher liability limits than an SR-22.
What Is the Difference Between an SR-22 and FR-44?
The main differences are the circumstances that trigger filing and the required liability limits. For Virginia policies effective on or after January 1, 2025, the statutory minimum auto liability limits are $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. An FR-44 generally requires limits equal to twice the applicable minimum, or $100,000/$200,000/$50,000 under the current minimums.
How Do You Get an SR-22 or FR-44 Filing?
If the Virginia DMV or a court tells you that a filing is required, contact an insurance agent or company that can handle the filing. Tell the agent whether you need an SR-22 or an FR-44 and provide any available DMV or court documentation. The insurance company generally submits the certificate to the DMV.
How Long Must You Maintain the Filing?
The required period depends on the reason for the filing. In many situations, proof of financial responsibility must remain in effect for three years, but individual requirements can vary. Confirm your exact beginning and ending dates with the Virginia DMV.
What Happens if the Policy Is Canceled or Lapses?
Continuous coverage is especially important while a filing is required. If coverage ends during the required period, the insurer may be required to notify the DMV. A lapse could affect driving privileges and may require additional steps before reinstatement.
What if You Do Not Own a Vehicle?
Depending on the circumstances, a person who does not own a vehicle may be eligible for an operator or non-owner policy that can support the required filing. If you own a vehicle, different requirements may apply. Be accurate about vehicle ownership and regular access to the vehicle when requesting coverage.
Does an SR-22 or FR-44 Make Insurance More Expensive?
The filing is only one part of the rating and underwriting process. The violation, lapse, suspension, conviction, or other events that led to the filing may affect eligibility and premium. Rates and underwriting rules vary by insurance company.
Do All Insurance Companies Offer These Filings?
No. Insurance companies have different underwriting guidelines and may not accept every filing situation. An independent insurance agency can help review available options based on your circumstances.
Have Questions?
Oberryman Insurance Agency can help Virginia drivers review auto insurance options and determine whether an insurer can provide the required SR-22 or FR-44 filing. When contacting our agency, please let us know which filing has been requested and have any DMV or court documentation available for review. If you live in Northern Virginia or elsewhere in Virginia, call Oberryman Insurance Agency at 703-986-0468 to discuss your insurance needs.
Insurance coverage, eligibility, filing availability, limits, underwriting, and requirements vary by insurance company, policy, state, and individual circumstances. This article is provided for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Confirm your specific licensing and financial-responsibility requirements with the Virginia DMV or appropriate legal counsel.
