FR-44 coverage limits explained
A plain look at why the FR-44 in Virginia requires liability above the standard state minimum, who sets those limits, and how to confirm the current figures.
An FR-44 requires you to carry liability coverage at limits higher than the standard Virginia state minimum, and those higher limits are set by the state. The FR-44 is not a separate policy. It is a certificate your insurer files with the Virginia DMV after a DUI or DWI to prove your policy meets that higher floor. Because the exact figures can change and are set by Virginia, this guide explains how the limits work rather than listing dollar amounts. Always confirm the current required limits with the Virginia DMV or your agent before assuming a number you saw elsewhere still applies.
- The FR-44 requires liability coverage above the standard Virginia state minimum.
- Those higher limits are set by the state of Virginia, not by your insurer.
- The FR-44 is a certificate filed with the DMV, not a separate insurance policy.
- An FR-44 follows a DUI or DWI, while the SR-22 covers non-DUI offenses at the state minimum.
- The filing typically lasts about three years and must stay active with no lapse.
- Because figures can change, confirm the current required limits with the Virginia DMV.
What FR-44 coverage limits actually mean
Coverage limits are the most money your insurance will pay toward a claim. Liability limits cover injuries and property damage you cause to other people in a crash. Every driver in Virginia must carry at least a basic state minimum. The FR-44 raises that floor. It requires you to carry liability at limits higher than the standard minimum, and the state sets exactly how much higher. The FR-44 itself is only the proof that your policy meets that higher requirement.
This is why people sometimes feel confused after a DUI. They already had insurance, so it seems strange to be told they need more. The FR-44 does not ask for a special product. It asks for a regular liability policy carried at elevated limits, then has your insurer certify that fact to the Virginia DMV. Understanding that distinction makes the rest of the process far easier to follow, because the form is simply confirming a number your policy already meets.
Why Virginia requires higher limits
The higher limits exist because of how Virginia treats serious offenses. A DUI or DWI signals greater risk on the road, so the state asks affected drivers to carry more protection for the people around them. The extra coverage is not a penalty in the usual sense. It is a way to make sure that if a future crash happens, there is more money available to cover the harm to others. The FR-44 is the tool the state uses to verify that protection is in place.
Because the goal is public protection, the limits are set by Virginia rather than chosen by you or your insurer. You cannot satisfy the FR-44 by carrying only the basic minimum, even if that minimum met the law before your conviction. The state has decided that drivers who need an FR-44 must carry more, and the filing exists to confirm that you do. If you want the broader picture, see what is FR-44 insurance.
The FR-44 is a certificate, not a policy
One of the most common misunderstandings is that the FR-44 is its own kind of insurance you buy on top of a normal policy. It is not. The FR-44 is a certificate. Your insurance company files it electronically with the Virginia DMV, and it states that your existing liability policy meets the higher limits the state requires. You still buy one ordinary auto policy. The FR-44 simply rides along with it as proof to the state.
This matters when you think about limits, because the limits live on your policy, not on the form. The form does not add coverage by itself. It confirms the coverage your policy already carries. So when the state requires higher limits for an FR-44, what that really means is that the policy behind the filing must be written at those higher limits. To see how the paperwork reaches the state, read about the FR-44 filing process.
How FR-44 limits differ from the SR-22
The FR-44 and the SR-22 look similar, but their limits are not the same, and mixing them up can cause real problems. The SR-22 is used for non-DUI offenses, such as driving without insurance, and it proves only that you carry the standard state minimum. The FR-44 is used specifically for DUI and DWI convictions, and it proves you carry liability above that minimum. The defining difference between the two forms is the level of coverage they certify.
If you have a DUI or DWI in Virginia, the FR-44 with its higher limits is the correct filing, and an SR-22 will not satisfy the DMV. Filing the wrong form, or carrying only minimum limits when higher ones are required, can leave your case unresolved. Because the stakes are high, it helps to work with an agent who handles both forms and knows which one your situation calls for, so the limits on your policy match what the state expects.
Who sets the required limits
The required FR-44 limits are set by the state of Virginia. They are written into how the state administers high-risk filings, and they apply to every driver who needs an FR-44, regardless of which insurance company they use. Your insurer does not choose the figure, and neither do you. The carrier simply writes your policy at or above the level the state requires and then certifies that level on the filing it sends to the Virginia DMV.
Because the state controls the numbers, they can be reviewed and changed over time. A figure that was correct in the past may not match what is required today. That is why this guide does not list specific dollar amounts. The most reliable approach is to confirm the current required limits directly with the Virginia DMV, or to let your agent confirm them for you, so the policy is written to today’s standard rather than an outdated one.
This guide intentionally does not list specific dollar amounts for FR-44 limits. The required figures are set by Virginia and can change. Always confirm the current required liability limits with the Virginia DMV, or ask your agent to confirm them, before relying on any number.
Owner versus non-owner FR-44 limits
The higher limits apply whether you own a vehicle or not. An owner policy insures a specific car and carries the elevated liability the FR-44 requires. A non-owner policy covers you as a driver when you operate a vehicle you do not own, and it meets the same higher Virginia limits. The level of liability the state requires does not drop just because you do not own a car. Both paths must reach the same elevated floor to satisfy the filing.
A non-owner FR-44 is usually the most affordable way to comply, because it does not insure a particular vehicle. It still files the certificate with the DMV and still carries the higher limits, so it meets the requirement in full. If you do not own a car, this option lets you satisfy the FR-44 without paying for coverage on a vehicle you do not have, while keeping your liability at the level Virginia asks for.
Why you might want even higher limits
The FR-44 sets a floor, not a ceiling. You are required to meet the state’s higher limits, but you are allowed to carry more if you choose. Some drivers do, because liability limits protect their own finances as well as other people. If you cause a serious crash and the damages exceed your limits, you can be personally responsible for the difference. Carrying limits above the required minimum can reduce that exposure, though it usually raises the premium.
Whether higher-than-required limits make sense depends on your situation, including your assets and your comfort with risk. There is no single right answer, and you are never obligated to go beyond what the FR-44 requires. The point is simply that the FR-44 figure is a starting line set by the state. You can meet it exactly, or you can choose to carry more for added protection. Your agent can walk through the trade-offs without pressure.
How higher limits affect your premium
Higher liability limits generally cost more than the basic minimum, so part of the price you see after a DUI reflects the elevated FR-44 coverage. The larger driver of the increase, though, is usually the conviction itself, since insurers rate a DUI as serious. We avoid quoting a single number, because the real price depends on your full record, your location, and the carrier you end up with. Price varies by carrier, which is why shopping matters.
The good news is that the impact tends to be highest early and to ease as the conviction ages, especially if you keep steady, lapse-free coverage. Because each carrier prices a DUI differently, the same required limits can cost very different amounts from one company to the next. We shop multiple carriers to find a qualifying policy at the right limits for a competitive price, rather than accepting the first quote that meets the requirement.
FR-44 limits compared with the state minimum
The table below sets the FR-44 liability requirement next to the ordinary state minimum so the relationship is easy to see in one place. It does not list dollar figures, because those are set by Virginia and can change. Instead it shows how the two requirements relate, who they apply to, and where to confirm the current numbers, which is the part that stays reliable over time.
Use this as a quick reference, then confirm the exact current figures with the Virginia DMV or your agent before you rely on them. The main thing to remember is that the FR-44 floor sits above the standard minimum, and the state controls how far above it goes.
| Feature | State minimum | FR-44 requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Liability level | The basic Virginia floor | Higher than the basic floor |
| Who sets it | The state of Virginia | The state of Virginia |
| Who it applies to | Most Virginia drivers | Drivers after a DUI or DWI |
| Proof required | None beyond the policy | An FR-44 filed with the DMV |
| Related SR-22 | Matches the state minimum | Not used for FR-44 cases |
| Confirm figures with | The Virginia DMV | The Virginia DMV |
This table does not list dollar amounts because the required limits are set by Virginia and can change. Confirm the current figures with the Virginia DMV or your agent.
Keeping your limits in force without a lapse
Meeting the higher limits once is not enough. You must keep them in force for the entire FR-44 period, which in Virginia is typically about three years. The no-lapse rule is strict. A lapse, a cancellation, or even a missed payment can lead the DMV to re-suspend your license, and the roughly three-year clock can restart from the beginning. That makes steady, on-time coverage at the required limits one of the most important parts of the whole process.
The practical advice is simple. Do not drop your coverage or reduce your limits below the required level until you have confirmed the FR-44 requirement is truly over. Pay on time, and contact your agent right away if you think a payment might be late. For more on the timeline and what ends it, see how long you need FR-44 insurance in Virginia and our overview of Virginia FR-44 auto insurance.
How we help with the right limits
We are a licensed Virginia agency that handles FR-44 filings every day. We confirm the current required limits, write your policy at or above that level, and file the FR-44 with the DMV so the proof reaches the state correctly. Whether you need an owner policy or a non-owner FR-44, we make sure the liability matches what Virginia requires today, not an outdated figure, and we keep an eye on the details that trip people up, like renewals and the no-lapse rule.
Because price varies by carrier, we shop multiple companies so the higher limits cost you as little as possible. We will explain your options in plain terms, including whether carrying more than the required limit makes sense for you, and we do it without judgment. The goal is a policy that meets the FR-44 floor, stays in force, and clears the path back to a full license.
We file with the Virginia DMV the same day, with or without a car. Free quote from a licensed Virginia agent.
Frequently asked questions
Does the FR-44 require higher coverage than a normal policy?
Yes. The FR-44 requires liability coverage above the standard Virginia state minimum. The state sets the higher limits, and your policy must meet them. The FR-44 itself is the certificate that proves your policy carries that higher level.
What are the exact FR-44 limit amounts in Virginia?
The exact figures are set by the state and can change over time, so this guide does not list them. The most reliable step is to confirm the current required limits with the Virginia DMV or ask your agent to confirm them for you.
Who decides the FR-44 coverage limits?
The state of Virginia decides the required limits. Your insurer does not choose them, and neither do you. The carrier writes your policy at or above the state’s level and certifies that level on the filing it sends to the DMV.
Is the FR-44 a separate insurance policy?
No. The FR-44 is a certificate, not a policy. Your insurer files it with the Virginia DMV to prove your existing liability policy meets the higher limits. You buy one ordinary auto policy, and the FR-44 rides along as proof.
How are FR-44 limits different from SR-22 limits?
The FR-44 requires liability above the state minimum and is used after a DUI or DWI. The SR-22 proves only the state minimum and is used for non-DUI offenses. The level of coverage each certifies is the key difference.
Do non-owner FR-44 policies use the same limits?
Yes. A non-owner FR-44 must meet the same higher Virginia limits as an owner policy. It covers you as a driver when you operate a vehicle you do not own, and it is usually the most affordable way to comply.
Can I carry more than the required FR-44 limits?
Yes. The FR-44 sets a floor, not a ceiling. You can choose higher limits for added protection, which can reduce your personal exposure in a serious crash, though it usually raises the premium. You are never required to go beyond the state’s level.
Will the higher limits make my insurance more expensive?
Higher limits generally cost more than the minimum, but the larger price driver after a DUI is usually the conviction itself. Price varies by carrier, so we shop multiple companies to find a qualifying policy at the right limits for a competitive rate.
What happens if my coverage drops below the required limits?
Falling below the required limits, or letting the policy lapse, can lead the DMV to re-suspend your license, and the roughly three-year period can restart. Keep your limits at the required level and pay on time until the requirement is fully over.
How do I confirm the current required limits?
Confirm the current figures directly with the Virginia DMV, or let your agent confirm them for you. Because the state can change the numbers, checking the present requirement is safer than relying on an amount you saw somewhere else.
Written by FR44 Insurance of Virginia
Reviewed by a licensed Virginia insurance agent. Last reviewed June 2026. Meet our team.
We make sure your limits meet Virginia's FR-44 rule
We confirm the current required limits, write your policy to meet them, and file the FR-44 with the DMV. Owner or non-owner, we shop carriers so the higher coverage costs you as little as possible.