An FR-44 in Florida is a certificate of financial responsibility required for drivers convicted of a DUI. Infinity Auto Insurance (a brand of Kemper) specializes in these high-risk filings, providing the mandatory 100/300/50 liability limits. To comply, you must purchase a policy that meets these specific thresholds and ensure Infinity electronically files the certificate with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).
Understanding the Florida FR-44 Requirement
In the state of Florida, the legal landscape for auto insurance changes dramatically following a driving under the influence (DUI) conviction. While Florida is primarily known as a "no-fault" state requiring Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Property Damage Liability (PDL), a DUI trigger shifts the driver into a much more stringent category. This is where the FR-44 filing comes into play.
The FR-44 is not an insurance policy itself; rather, it is a certification attached to an insurance policy. It serves as a guarantee to the state that the driver is carrying significantly higher liability limits than the average motorist. In 2026, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles continues to enforce these high-risk requirements to ensure that individuals with a history of impaired driving have sufficient coverage to compensate potential victims.
Unlike the more common SR-22 filing, which is often required for issues like driving with a suspended license or multiple small infractions, the FR-44 is specifically tied to alcohol and drug-related offenses. The "FR" stands for Financial Responsibility, and the state's intent is to place the financial burden of increased risk directly on the driver.
Why Infinity Auto Insurance for Florida FR-44 Filings?
Infinity Auto Insurance, now a prominent part of the Kemper family of companies, has established a significant footprint in the Florida insurance market. They are widely recognized as a "non-standard" insurer. In the insurance industry, non-standard means they specialize in providing coverage for drivers who may be turned away by "preferred" carriers due to accidents, violations, or the need for state-mandated filings like the FR-44.
Choosing Infinity for an FR-44 filing in 2026 is a common path for Florida residents because the company has streamlined the electronic reporting process. When a driver is required to submit an FR-44, time is of the essence to avoid further license suspension or to begin the process of license reinstatement. Infinity’s systems are integrated with the FLHSMV, allowing for rapid verification of coverage.
Furthermore, Infinity often provides competitive pricing for high-risk tiers. While an FR-44 policy is inherently more expensive than a standard policy, Infinity’s underwriting models are specifically designed to calculate risk for drivers with DUIs, often resulting in more accessible premiums compared to carriers that do not typically handle high-risk motorists.
Mandatory Coverage Limits for FR-44 Policies
The core of the FR-44 requirement is the mandated increase in liability limits. For a standard Florida driver, the state may only require $10,000 in Property Damage Liability (PDL). However, for someone required to file an FR-44 through a carrier like Infinity, the limits are non-negotiable and significantly higher.
In 2026, the required limits for a Florida FR-44 are:
- $100,000 for Bodily Injury Liability (BIL) per person: This covers medical expenses and lost wages for a single person injured in an accident where you are at fault.
- $300,000 for Bodily Injury Liability (BIL) per accident: This is the maximum amount the policy will pay for all injuries sustained by multiple people in a single accident.
- $50,000 for Property Damage Liability (PDL): This covers damage to another person's vehicle or property (such as fences or storefronts).
These limits are often referred to as "100/300/50." It is important to note that these are liability coverages—they pay for damage and injuries you cause to others. They do not cover your own vehicle's repairs or your own medical bills beyond the standard PIP requirement.
Comparing the SR-22 and FR-44 in Florida
Many drivers confuse the SR-22 and the FR-44. While both are certificates of financial responsibility filed with the state, they serve different legal purposes and carry different financial weights.
| Feature | Florida SR-22 | Florida FR-44 |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Trigger | Point accumulation, driving without insurance, or certain court orders. | DUI or DWI conviction. |
| Liability Limits | Usually 10/20/10 (State Minimums). | Must be 100/300/50. |
| Duration | Generally required for 3 years. | Required for 3 years. |
| Filing Fee | Typically $15 - $25. | Typically $15 - $25. |
| Premium Impact | Moderate increase. | Significant increase due to high limits. |
| Payment Terms | Often monthly installments allowed. | Often requires "Paid in Full" for 6 months. |
The FR-44 is essentially the "high-limit version" of the SR-22. Because the liability limits are ten times higher for bodily injury per person, the cost of the underlying insurance policy is substantially higher.
The Cost of an Infinity FR-44 Policy in 2026
When budgeting for an Infinity FR-44, you must consider three distinct cost components: the policy premium, the filing fee, and the potential for a "paid-in-full" requirement.
1. The Policy Premium
This is the largest expense. Because you are jumping from $0 or $10,000 in bodily injury coverage to $100,000/$300,000, the premium will naturally rise. When combined with the "high-risk" status of a DUI conviction, it is common for premiums to double or triple compared to a clean driving record. In 2026, factors such as your ZIP code, age, and the type of vehicle you drive still play a major role in Infinity’s final quote.
2. The State Filing Fee
Infinity charges a nominal fee to process the FR-44 form and transmit it to the FLHSMV. This fee is usually between $15 and $30 and is typically a one-time charge per policy period.
3. Payment Requirements
A critical detail for Florida FR-44 applicants is the payment structure. Many insurance companies, including Infinity in many instances, require the policy to be paid in full for a six-month period. This is because the state of Florida notifies the DMV immediately if an FR-44 policy is cancelled for non-payment. By requiring payment in full, the insurer mitigates the risk of the policy lapsing and ensures the driver remains in compliance with state law.
Steps to Obtain an FR-44 with Infinity Auto Insurance
If you have been notified by the FLHSMV that you need an FR-44, the process of securing it through Infinity involves several specific steps.
- Obtain Your Case Number: You will need your driver's license number and any court-ordered documentation regarding your DUI conviction.
- Request a Quote Specifically for FR-44: When contacting Infinity or an independent agent who represents them, you must explicitly state that you need an FR-44 filing. This ensures the quote automatically includes the mandatory 100/300/50 limits.
- Verify Non-Owner vs. Owner Status: If you do not own a vehicle but need to reinstate your license, you can ask for a Non-Owner FR-44 policy. This provides the required liability limits whenever you drive a vehicle that you do not own. This is often cheaper than a standard owner's policy.
- Complete the Application: Provide accurate details about your driving history. Failure to disclose the DUI will only delay the process, as the insurance company will discover it during the MVR (Motor Vehicle Report) pull.
- Make the Payment: Prepare to pay the full six-month premium upfront to satisfy the filing requirements.
- Confirmation of Filing: Once the policy is active, Infinity will electronically file the FR-44 with the Florida Bureau of Financial Responsibility. You should receive a copy of the certificate for your records, though the state's system usually updates within 24 to 48 hours.
Maintaining Your FR-44 Status
The FR-44 is not a one-time hurdle; it is a three-year commitment. In Florida, you are generally required to maintain the FR-44 filing for three consecutive years from the date of your suspension or the date the requirement was triggered.
If your policy lapses for even a single day—whether due to non-payment or failure to renew—Infinity is legally obligated to send an electronic notice (Form SR-26) to the FLHSMV. This notification informs the state that your financial responsibility is no longer in place. The state will then issue an immediate suspension of your driving privileges. To get your license back after a lapse, you may have to pay additional reinstatement fees and start the filing process over again.
To avoid this, it is recommended to renew your policy at least 15 days before the current six-month term expires. This provides a buffer for the paperwork to be processed and the state's records to remain current.
Common Pitfalls and Mistakes
Navigating the FR-44 process can be stressful, leading to common errors that can cost drivers time and money.
- Buying the Wrong Limits: Some drivers try to save money by purchasing 10/20/10 limits and asking for an FR-44. This is impossible. The state will reject the filing, and the insurance company will be forced to cancel or rewrite the policy.
- Assuming the FR-44 Reinstates Your License Automatically: While the FR-44 is a requirement for reinstatement, you may still need to pay reinstatement fees to the FLHSMV, complete a DUI school, or satisfy other court-ordered conditions.
- Canceling Too Early: Some drivers believe that once they have their license back, they can cancel the high-limit policy. Doing so before the three-year mark will trigger an immediate suspension.
- Forgetting to Update Information: If you move or change vehicles, you must update your Infinity policy immediately. Discrepancies between your vehicle registration and your FR-44 filing can cause administrative issues with the DMV.
Practical Expert Guidance: Non-Owner FR-44 Policies
For many individuals in Florida, a DUI conviction leads to the loss of their vehicle—either through an accident or the financial strain of legal fees. If you do not own a car but want to keep your driver's license valid (or work toward reinstatement), a Non-Owner FR-44 policy is a vital tool.
Infinity offers these policies to cover individuals who drive borrowed or rented vehicles. The policy follows the driver, not the car. This is significantly more affordable than an owner's policy because it does not include comprehensive or collision coverage for a specific vehicle. It provides the state-mandated 100/300/50 liability protection, satisfying the FR-44 requirement while allowing the driver to maintain a continuous insurance history.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for Infinity to file my FR-44?
In 2026, most filings are handled electronically. Once your payment is processed and the policy is issued, Infinity typically transmits the data to the FLHSMV within 24 hours. However, it may take the state's system 2 to 3 business days to reflect the update on your driving record.
Can I remove the FR-44 from my Infinity policy early if I move out of Florida?
If you move to another state, you must still meet Florida’s financial responsibility requirements to keep your Florida license valid or to obtain a license in your new state (as most states share data through the Driver License Compact). You may be able to replace the FR-44 with a policy from your new state that carries the same 100/300/50 limits, but you should consult with the FLHSMV before canceling your Florida policy.
Does an FR-44 cover my own medical bills in an accident?
No. The FR-44 specifically increases your liability limits, which cover other people's injuries and property. Your own medical bills are primarily covered by your Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which remains a requirement in Florida. If you want coverage for your own injuries beyond PIP, you would need to add Medical Payments coverage or Uninsured Motorist coverage to your policy.
Will my Infinity FR-44 rates go down over time?
Generally, yes. While the 100/300/50 limits remain mandatory for the full three-year period, your premium may decrease slightly as the DUI conviction ages, provided you maintain a clean driving record with no new violations or accidents.
What happens if I sell my car while I have an FR-44?
If you sell your vehicle, you should not simply cancel your insurance. You must convert your policy to a Non-Owner FR-44 policy to prevent a gap in coverage. A gap will trigger a license suspension, regardless of whether you own a car or not.
Final Recommendation
If you are facing an FR-44 requirement in Florida, your immediate priority should be securing a policy with the 100/300/50 limits and ensuring it is filed correctly with the state. Infinity Auto Insurance is a viable and experienced option for this specialized need, particularly for those who may struggle to find coverage with standard carriers.
Begin by requesting a formal quote that explicitly includes the FR-44 filing and prepare for the likelihood of a "paid-in-full" requirement for the first six months. Once the policy is active, verify through the FLHSMV Driver License Check portal that your filing has been received and your license status is updated. Maintaining this coverage without interruption for three years is the only way to satisfy the state's requirement and move past the legal repercussions of a DUI conviction.
