SR-22 vs. FR-44: What's the Difference, and Which One Applies in Indiana?
If you've been researching your filing requirement online, you may have come across the term "FR-44" alongside SR-22 and wondered whether they're the same thing, or whether you need to figure out which one applies to you. They're related, but they're not interchangeable.
Both are proof-of-financial-responsibility filings
An SR-22 and an FR-44 serve the same basic purpose: your insurance carrier files the form directly with the state to confirm you carry the liability coverage required to keep driving legally after certain violations. Neither one is a type of insurance policy on its own — both are certificates attached to an underlying auto policy.
Where they differ
The main difference is the coverage level each form verifies. An FR-44 generally requires higher liability limits than the state's standard minimum, while an SR-22 confirms only that the standard minimum is in place. FR-44 requirements also tend to be reserved for more serious offenses, such as DUI convictions, in the states that use that form.
Which one applies to Indiana drivers
Indiana uses the SR-22 filing, not FR-44. FR-44 is specific to a small number of states, so if you're filing in Indiana — including for reasons like a DUI/OWI conviction, driving without insurance, or an at-fault accident while uninsured — the SR-22 is the correct form. If you've moved to Indiana from a state that used an FR-44, see the section below.
What this means if you're moving between states
If your original filing requirement was established in a state that uses FR-44 and you're now an Indiana resident, your new filing will typically need to follow Indiana's SR-22 process going forward, coordinated between your insurer and the Indiana BMV. Our SR-22 requirements guide covers how the Indiana filing process generally works, and our cost guide breaks down what tends to influence pricing once your filing is in place.
Not sure which filing situation applies to you, or need help getting it sorted out correctly the first time? Get in touch and we'll help you figure it out.
