UPDATED: MARCH 14, 2023 | 3 MIN READ
SR-22 insurance in California is an insurance certificate proving that a high-risk driver is legally required to have auto insurance in California. If you have an SR-22, it’s likely to raise your car insurance premiums by roughly $25 in California. There’s also a fee of $25 to file your SR-22 with the state through your auto insurance company.
You must maintain your SR-22 for three years through California’s licensing agency. If your insurance coverage lapses within three years, your insurance company must report you to the state. We’ll walk you through the process of obtaining an SR-22.
What is SR-22 insurance in California?
There are two steps to purchasing SR-22 insurance: buying a car insurance policy that meets the state’s liability insurance requirements and having an insurance agent file the SR-22 with the DMV. If you’ve had high-risk violations such as suspended licenses or DUI convictions, you must have an SR-22.
Proof of financial responsibility to the DMV is needed to obtain auto insurance, and it shows that you have the following:
- $30,000 of bodily injury coverage per accident
- $15,000 of bodily injury coverage per person injured in an accident
- $5,000 of property damage coverage per accident
How long do you need to have an SR-22?
Your conviction determines how long you need to maintain SR-22 car insurance in California. Most violations require you to have it for three years, but severe infractions like reckless driving require ten years.
It’s essential to keep your coverage active. Any lapses in your SR-22 auto insurance cause your driving privileges to be suspended. Your insurer must notify the California DMV of your lapse with an SR-26 form.
Difference between the SR1P and California SR-22
If you drive a moped or motorcycle, you might need to file an SR1P instead of the California SR-22. SR1Ps are required if your license was suspended or you drove without a license after being convicted of reckless driving.
How much does SR-22 cost in California?
SR-22 insurance in California costs more than standard auto insurance due to the violation that occurred for you to need an SR-22 in the first place. The average cost of SR-22 rates in California is $1,592. Auto insurance rates tend to triple after a DUI.
Not all insurers file SR-22s for customers with driving violations. It’s best to contact insurance agents to get multiple quotes to see what your options are. Major insurers such as GEICO and Progressive tend to file SR-22 forms.
You can offset some of the additional costs that come with having an SR-22 by making sure you have all the discounts available to you. You can also take a defensive driving course for an additional discount.
The five cheapest car insurers in California after a DUI
It might be hard to find affordable car insurance after a DUI. It’s likely going to cost you still more than standard auto insurance. The cheapest car insurers after a DUI are:
- National General is $725 yearly
- Grange Insurance Association is $723 yearly
- Bristol West is $1,019
- Mercury is $926
- Infinity is $977
Non-owner SR-22 insurance in California
If you want to drive but don’t own a car, purchasing a non-owner car insurance policy from an insurer that offers SR-22 car insurance is possible. It provides the minimum liability insurance required in California and satisfies the SR-22 requirement. If you choose to go without any type of insurance, you could face steep fines or other penalties.
Who Needs an SR-22 in California?
Typically, only high-risk drivers who commit specific offenses need an SR-22. California SR-22 is also called “DUI insurance.” This form is required to reinstate your driver’s license after a DUI conviction. Getting a DUI isn’t the only reason why you might have to have SR-22 coverage.
Some other incidents that might lead to this include:
- Driving without car insurance
- Reckless driving history
- Getting too many points on your driving record in a short period
- Driving without auto liability coverage
- Being at fault in a major collision
- Not carrying your car insurance documents
- Not reporting an accident that causes over $1,000 in bodily injury
If you’re conviction of any of the above incidents, your driver’s license might be suspended.
What you need to know about SR-22 insurance in California:
- Who needs California SR-22 auto insurance: California requires drivers convicted of serious violations to have SR-22 insurance. The list of offenses includes hit-and-run accidents, reckless driving, and DUI.
- How much does SR-22 insurance raise car insurance premiums: Car insurance rates in California increase by roughly $25. It’s about 3% more than the average California resident pays for auto insurance.
- What is the minimum SR-22 auto insurance coverage in California: Drives must have at least $15,000 in bodily injury liability insurance per person, plus $5,000 in property damage liability insurance.
- How to file SR-22 forms in California: Your insurer files the SR-22 form with the DMV. You must keep your insurance policy active for three years with no lapse in coverage.
FAQs
How much does an SR-22 cost in California?
The average cost of SR-22 rates in California is $1,592.
How long do you have to have SR-22 insurance in California?
It depends on the violations you have on your driving record. The least time is three years and goes up to ten years.
What does SR-22 cover in California?
The state needs an SR-22 (proof of financial responsibility) to ensure a high-risk driver has the following:
- $30,000 of bodily injury coverage per accident
- $15,000 of bodily injury coverage per person injured in an accident
- $5,000 of property damage coverage per accident
How do I get an SR-22 in California?
You’ll need to contact your insurance company to get an SR-22 and request they file one with the California DMV. You can’t get an SR-22 through the DMV; it must come from your auto insurer.
What is the difference between an SR-22 and a “California Insurance Policy”?
The difference between an SR-22 and a California insurance policy is that an SR-22 is for high-risk drivers that have violations on their driving record, and a California insurance policy is for drivers who aren’t high-risk.
What is the purpose of an SR-22 in California?
An SR-22 proves to the DMV that a driver has an auto insurance policy. They’re required after a person’s driver’s license is suspended due to a major violation.
How long does an SR-22 stay on your insurance in California?
It depends on the violations California drivers have on their driving records. The least amount of time is three years and goes up to ten years.
What happens if you get pulled over without SR-22 insurance in California?
First-time offenders must pay a fine between $100 to $200 plus assessment fees upwards of $360. The court might also impound your vehicle.
What is the point of SR-22 insurance in California?
If convicted of a DUI in California, you need SR-22 insurance to reinstate driving privileges.
How to Purchase California SR-22 Insurance
Purchasing SR-22 car insurance in California for high-risk drivers through a reputable auto insurance company is simple. Ensuring that you have the proper amount of bodily injury liability coverage, comprehensive coverage, or property damage liability is essential, and obtaining car insurance quotes has never been easier.
If you’re ready to get the cheapest auto insurance, it’s as simple as comparing rates as amounts vary by company. We have a helpful tool to find the best car insurance.
