If you live in Virginia and have a conviction for a significant driving violation, the state may have required you to purchase SR-22 or FR-44 auto insurance coverage. In some cases, your current auto insurance provider may continue to provide coverage.

However, you may have to shop for new coverage if your car insurance company refuses to continue coverage.

As you search for SR-22 or FR-44 coverage, shop around and compare quotes to see which companies in your area offer the coverage you need at a price that works with your budget.

What is SR-22 insurance?

SR-22 insurance is a certificate of financial responsibility. The state may require you to obtain this proof of financial stability if you’re considered a high-risk driver.

In most cases, you’ll receive a court order if you need to get an SR-22. This order may mention one or more specific driving offenses and inform you that you must get SR-22 insurance.

If you’re unsure whether an SR-22 is required, you can contact your state’s department of motor vehicles for clarification.

Most states require an SR-22 if you have a conviction for any of the following driving violations:

DUI or DWI

• Too many traffic violations in a short period
• Driving without insurance
• Getting in an accident without proper insurance coverage
• Not carrying insurance on a vehicle registered in your name
• Unpaid child support

Some states allow drivers to get an SR-22 to cover all severe driving convictions, but others, like Virginia, require an FR-44 for specific violations.

What is FR-44 insurance?

Like an SR-22, an FR-44 is a document of financial responsibility. However, only Virginia and Florida require an FR-44 as a separate document from an SR-22.

While an SR-22 covers virtually all driving violations, FR-44 coverage deals specifically with DUIs or DWIs. While an SR-22 often carries the exact insurance requirements as a state’s minimum liability coverage, FR-44 insurance has stricter requirements for coverage.

How are SR-22 and FR-44 different?

SR-22 has a broad coverage span, while FR-44 only deals with DUIs and DWIs.

In Virginia, the state minimum liability coverage includes:

• $25,000 per person of bodily injury liability
• $50,000 per accident of bodily injury liability
• $20,000 of property damage liability

SR-22 requirements in Virginia are the same as the state’s minimum liability coverage requirements. However, if you have to get FR-44 insurance, you’ll need the following additional insurance coverages:

• $50,000 per person of bodily injury liability
• $100,000 per accident of bodily injury liability
• $40,000 of property damage liability

Searching for FR-44 insurance may not be more complicated than finding SR-22 coverage, but it may be more expensive because of the additional coverage requirements for bodily injury and property damage liability.

If you live in Virginia and are searching for SR-22 or FR-44 coverage, you can expect to pay higher than average rates for your car insurance.

How much is SR-22 insurance?

Generally, insurance companies charge higher rates for SR-22 coverage than standard car insurance because of the severity of your driving offenses and the higher likelihood you’ll need to file a claim.

The standard auto insurance coverage with an SR-22 is around $1,000 annually. However, this coverage only includes liability and costs hundreds of dollars more than a standard liability policy.

If you’re searching for cheap coverage, some of the cheapest companies in Virginia that are often willing to provide SR-22 coverage include:

• Virginia Farm Bureau: $494/year
• USAA: $722/year
• Progressive: $1,050/year
• Erie: $1,154/year
• Allstate: $1,460/year

There are often significant differences in rates from one company to the next. So as you search for SR-22 coverage, compare quotes from multiple companies to find one that offers you the coverage you want at a fair price.

How much is FR-44 coverage?

FR-44 insurance in Virginia can be costly since it’s directly associated with a DUI or DWI, and the required coverage amounts are higher than Virginia’s minimum requirements.

The average cost for FR-44 insurance in Virginia is just over $1,400 per year. This price tag may not sound high, but when the state's average cost of liability coverage is less than $450 annually, FR-44 coverage can strain a person’s budget.

In most cases, the companies listed above that provide cheap SR-22 coverage also provide FR-44 coverage. If you want to ensure you’re purchasing the most affordable coverage possible, do your research and review your options.

Who sells SR-22 and FR-44 coverage?

There are plenty of auto insurance companies in Virginia, but not all offer coverage if you’re required to get an SR-22 or FR-44 form. Your current provider may be willing to keep you as a policyholder, but there’s a chance you’ll need a new provider.

The best way to find a company that fits your needs and offers SR-22 or FR-44 coverage is to research online. You’ll be able to learn which companies are willing to work with you and which companies have inexpensive insurance rates.

The following companies are popular options in Virginia when it comes to SR-22 or FR-44 coverage:

• Virginia Farm Bureau
• USAA
• State Farm
• Progressive
• Erie
• GEICO
• Allstate
• Travelers
• Nationwide

Many companies in Virginia charge significantly higher premiums for SR-22 and FR-44 coverage. You may not need to worry about it if you’re willing to pay more, but your best bet is to shop and compare quotes if you're searching for affordable auto coverage.

Can I get cheap SR-22 and FR-44 insurance?

When you compare SR-22 or FR-44 coverage costs with standard auto insurance rates, you probably won't find anything cheap. However, there’s no way to know how much you’ll pay for coverage until you shop around.

If you want cheap car insurance, the best thing you can do is search for quotes online. Once you’ve found a few companies you like, you can call the companies and see if you qualify for any discounts to save you more on coverage.

FR-44 and SR-22 Insurance in Virginia: The Bottom Line If you have a conviction for a serious driving violation in Virginia, you might have to get FR-44 or SR-22 insurance. You can check with your current car insurance provider to see if you can get FR-44 or SR-22 coverage through the same company.

You may have to search for a new insurance provider. If so, take your time and do some research. Find different companies in your area that provide the coverage you need at a price that works for you.