Does Progressive Offer FR44 Insurance in Florida?
11 August 2025
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A DUI conviction in Florida doesn't just mean court dates and fines. It triggers a specific insurance requirement that many drivers aren't prepared for: the FR44 certificate. This filing demands significantly higher liability coverage than standard Florida minimums, and it stays on your record for three years. If you're wondering whether Progressive offers FR44 insurance in Florida, the short answer is yes, but the details matter. Progressive is one of several national carriers that handle high-risk filings in the state, though the process, costs, and options differ from a typical auto policy. Understanding how Progressive structures these policies, what documentation you'll need, and how Florida's FR44 requirement compares to the more commonly known SR22 can save you time, money, and potential license suspensions. Florida is one of only two states that requires the FR44 rather than the SR22 for DUI-related offenses, which means the coverage thresholds are considerably higher. Your choice of carrier, policy type, and filing method all influence what you'll pay over the three-year mandate. Here's what you need to know before you call for a quote.
Understanding Progressive's FR44 Policies in Florida
Progressive is among the national carriers that file FR44 certificates in Florida, making it a viable option for drivers who need to reinstate their license after a DUI or DWI conviction. The company handles these filings electronically with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV), which speeds up the process compared to carriers that still rely on paper submissions.
One thing to keep in mind is that Progressive's FR44 policies carry the same elevated liability limits required by Florida law. You'll need bodily injury coverage of $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident, along with $50,000 in property damage liability. These are far above the state's standard minimums, which is why FR44 insurance costs significantly more than a regular policy.
Progressive also factors in your overall driving history, vehicle type, and location within Florida when calculating your premium. A driver in Miami with a newer sports car will pay more than someone in Tallahassee with a ten-year-old sedan. The DUI itself is the primary rate driver, but these secondary factors create meaningful differences in what you'll actually see quoted.
How Progressive Handles DUI-Related Filings
When you contact Progressive about an FR44 filing, the process typically begins with a review of your driving record and court documentation. Progressive needs your case number, conviction date, and any reinstatement requirements issued by the DHSMV. The company then files the FR44 electronically on your behalf, and the state is notified that you carry the required coverage.
Progressive monitors your policy status throughout the three-year filing period. If your policy lapses, is canceled, or expires without renewal, Progressive is required to notify the DHSMV, which can result in an immediate license suspension. This monitoring isn't optional; it's built into the filing agreement between the insurer and the state.
The catch is that not every Progressive agent handles FR44 filings regularly. You may get better guidance from an independent agent who works with multiple high-risk carriers, including Progressive. Independent agents can also compare Progressive's FR44 rates against other options to ensure you're not overpaying.
Non-Owner vs. Standard FR44 Options
Progressive offers both standard vehicle policies and non-owner policies with FR44 filings attached. A non-owner FR44 policy is designed for drivers who don't own a vehicle but still need to maintain the state-mandated filing to keep their license active. This is common for people who sold their car after a conviction or who rely on public transportation but want their driving privileges restored.
Non-owner policies through Progressive carry the same $100,000/$300,000/$50,000 liability limits. They tend to cost less than standard FR44 policies because there's no specific vehicle being insured, which removes factors like the car's value, theft risk, and repair costs from the premium calculation.
That said, a non-owner FR44 policy won't cover you if you regularly drive a vehicle owned by someone in your household. If you live with a family member and frequently use their car, you'll likely need to be listed on their policy or carry a standard FR44 policy instead.
Florida FR44 vs. SR22 Requirements
Most states require an SR22 certificate for drivers convicted of serious traffic offenses. Florida is different. The state mandates an FR44 for DUI and DWI convictions, while the SR22 is reserved for other infractions like driving without insurance or accumulating too many points. The distinction matters because the FR44 carries substantially higher coverage requirements than the SR22.
An SR22 in Florida only requires you to maintain the state's standard minimum liability coverage: $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) and $10,000 in property damage liability. The FR44, by contrast, demands ten times the property damage coverage and adds bodily injury limits that aren't part of Florida's standard no-fault insurance system at all.
Florida operates under a no-fault insurance framework, meaning your own PIP coverage pays for your medical expenses regardless of who caused an accident. But once you have an FR44 on file, you're also required to carry full bodily injury liability coverage, which protects others you may injure. This dual requirement is why FR44 policies cost so much more than standard Florida auto insurance.
Comparison of Coverage Limits
The gap between standard Florida insurance, SR22 coverage, and FR44 coverage is significant. Here's how they compare across the key liability categories:
Florida Liability Limit Comparison Table
| Coverage Type | Standard Florida Minimum | SR22 Requirement | FR44 Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bodily Injury (per person) | Not required | Not required | $100,000 |
| Bodily Injury (per accident) | Not required | Not required | $300,000 |
| Property Damage | $10,000 | $10,000 | $50,000 |
| PIP (Personal Injury Protection) | $10,000 | $10,000 | $10,000 |
This table illustrates why an FR44 filing creates such a dramatic premium increase. You're going from no bodily injury requirement to $300,000 per accident, and your property damage coverage jumps fivefold. These aren't optional add-ons; they're mandatory for license reinstatement after a DUI.
Steps to Filing an FR44 Through Progressive
Filing an FR44 through Progressive follows a structured process. First, contact Progressive directly or work with an independent agent to request a quote that includes the FR44 filing. You'll need to specify that you require an FR44, not an SR22, since agents in other states may default to the more common filing type.
Once you've purchased the policy, Progressive files the FR44 certificate electronically with the DHSMV. The state typically processes electronic filings within a few business days. After the DHSMV confirms receipt, you can proceed with the license reinstatement process, which may also require paying reinstatement fees directly to the state.
Required Documentation and Fees
You'll need several documents ready before Progressive can issue your FR44 policy:
- Your DUI conviction paperwork, including the case number and sentencing details
- A valid Florida ID or driver's license number (even if currently suspended)
- Proof of completion for any court-ordered DUI school or treatment program
- Vehicle information (VIN, make, model, year) if you're filing a standard policy
The FR44 filing fee itself is typically included in your policy cost with Progressive, though some carriers charge it separately. Your primary expense is the elevated premium. Drivers with a DUI on their record can expect to pay two to three times more than they did before the conviction, and in some cases even more depending on their history and vehicle.
Duration of the Certificate Requirement
Florida requires you to maintain your FR44 filing for a minimum of three years from the date of license reinstatement. This clock doesn't start on the date of conviction or the date you purchase the policy; it starts when the DHSMV officially reinstates your driving privileges.
If your policy lapses at any point during those three years, the filing period may reset entirely. That means a single missed payment in year two could restart the three-year clock from scratch. Progressive reports any lapse to the DHSMV, and your license will be suspended again until you obtain a new FR44 filing and pay additional reinstatement fees.
Common Questions About Florida FR44 Insurance
How much does an FR44 filing cost with Progressive?
The filing itself is usually a small administrative fee, often under $25. The real cost is the premium increase. Expect to pay between $150 and $400 per month for an FR44 policy through Progressive, depending on your driving record, vehicle, and location within Florida. Gathering quotes from at least four to six carriers using identical coverage levels will help you find the best rate.
Can I get an FR44 if I don't own a car?
Yes. Progressive offers non-owner FR44 policies that satisfy Florida's filing requirement without insuring a specific vehicle. These policies are typically less expensive than standard FR44 policies and allow you to maintain your license even if you don't own or regularly drive a car.
Will my rates go down after the three-year period?
Once your FR44 filing period ends and the certificate is removed from your record, your rates should decrease. The DUI conviction itself may still affect your premiums for up to five to seven years, but the removal of the FR44's elevated coverage requirements typically results in a noticeable reduction. Shopping around at that point is strongly recommended.
What happens if my policy cancels early?
Progressive will notify the DHSMV immediately, and your license will be suspended. You'll need to obtain a new FR44 filing, pay state reinstatement fees again, and your three-year clock may restart from the new reinstatement date. Even a brief lapse of a few days can trigger these consequences.
Making the Right Choice for Your Coverage
Progressive does offer FR44 insurance in Florida, and it's a reasonable option for many drivers navigating the post-DUI filing process. The company's electronic filing capability, non-owner policy options, and broad availability across the state make it a convenient choice. That said, Progressive isn't always the cheapest option for high-risk drivers.
Your best strategy is to compare Progressive's FR44 quote against at least five other carriers, including companies like Dairyland, Bristol West, and local Florida insurers that specialize in high-risk policies. An independent insurance agent can pull multiple quotes simultaneously, saving you hours of phone calls. You might also consider bundling your FR44 policy with renters or homeowners insurance, as many carriers offer multi-policy discounts even for high-risk drivers.
Progressive is also issuing approximately $1 billion in credits and refunds to 2.7 million Florida policyholders in 2026, which signals the company's ongoing commitment to competitive pricing in the Florida market. If you're already a Progressive customer, ask whether any credits apply to your FR44 policy.
The three-year FR44 period is manageable with the right planning. Keep your payments current, avoid additional violations, and mark your calendar for the day your filing requirement ends so you can shop for standard coverage immediately. One missed payment can cost you years of additional expense, so treat this policy like any other financial obligation that protects your future.
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