Guide to SR-22s in California

If you’re getting SR-22 insurance in California, expect to pay over double what you would as a low-risk driver, although this increase ranges significantly depending on the insurance provider and violation. On average, SR-22 car insurance in California costs $5,809 annually.

Mercury, GEICO, and Progressive have some of the cheapest SR-22 rates in the state.

*California DUI averages used to estimate SR-22 rates

Your insurance provider will file an SR-22 for you and send it to the DMV once your license or registration is reinstated. The SR-22 proves you have the minimum required insurance in California, allowing you to drive legally again.

Non-Owner SR-22 Insurance

Even if you don’t own a car, you still have to file an SR-22 if required. A non-owner insurance policy is less expensive than a traditional policy and fulfills the requirement.

Non-owner car insurance is coverage for someone who drives another person’s vehicle. It includes only liability coverage, which is what the state requires, making it cheaper than standard policies.

A non-owner policy typically costs about 20 percent of a standard policy, putting the average non-owner car insurance with an SR-22 in California around $1,000 to $1,200 per year.

In California, an SR-22 is also known as a California Proof of Insurance Certificate — which is proof of financial responsibility.¹ While it’s not insurance itself, it’s a certificate that says you have the state’s required coverage.

When You’ll Need One

You’ll need an SR-22 if your license or registration was suspended, which could have happened due to any of the following convictions.

• Unpaid judgment for a car accident
• Driving under the influence (DUI)
• Unreported accident that resulted in death, property damage of over $1,000, or bodily injury
• Too many points on your driving record
• Driving without insurance or being involved in an accident without insurance
• Reckless driving
• Not paying child support²

How to Get an SR-22

Here’s how to get an SR-22 filed, according to Los Angeles County’s Department of Consumer & Business Affairs.

1. Ask your insurance company to file an SR-22 for you.
2. Your agent will send the SR-22 to the DMV.
3. You’ll pay a fee to the DMV via the following mailing address:
   • Office of the Director
   • Department of Motor Vehicles
   • 2415 1st Ave., Mail Station F101
   • Sacramento, CA 95818-2606
4. Once the DMV receives your fee and the SR-22, it will reissue your license and reinstate your driving privileges.³

Cost

You’ll have to pay your insurance company about $25 to file your SR-22, although it can range from $15 to $40. This is a one-time fee, however, and is separate from the DMV charge.

How Long Do You Need An SR-22?

Typically you’ll need to maintain an SR-22 for three years. However, with more serious violations, such as reckless driving, you may need to uphold your SR-22 for 10 years.

Here are some tips for finding cheap car insurance in California with an SR-22:

1. Shop around: Compare quotes from at least three auto insurance providers. Each company determines its rates slightly differently, so one may offer you a cheaper rate than another.
2. Get pay-per-mile insurance: If you drive minimally, save money by using pay-per-mile insurance. You’ll pay a base rate and then a small per-mile fee for the miles you drive.
3. Buy minimum coverage: Getting liability-only coverage will result in lower premiums, but keep in mind that it only applies to the injuries and property damages of people outside your car, not you or your passengers. Additionally, if you leased or financed your vehicle, your lender likely requires you to carry comprehensive and collision coverages.
4. Drive safely: Maintaining a safe driving record will  prevent your insurance rates from rising even higher, so drive safely. (Note: due to state regulations, most insurance companies do not offer telematics discounts in California).
5. Choose a provider that caters to high-risk drivers: If standard insurers quote you exorbitant rates, or refuse to cover you outright, get quotes from companies that specialize in insurance for high-risk drivers. Depending on your circumstances, you may pay less with a high-risk insurer than with a standard insurer.
6. Join the California Automobile Assigned Risk Plan (CAARP): If you’re unable to find insurance you can afford, consider CAARP as a last resort. This state program connects you with a provider that will cover you despite your high-risk level.⁵ You can apply online, through the mail, via email, or over the phone.⁶
7. Apply for California’s Low Cost Auto Insurance: California’s low cost auto insurance plan (CLCA) ensures drivers are able to meet the state’s auto insurance laws. If you meet the income eligibility requirements and your vehicle is worth less than $25,000, you may qualify.⁷ In most cases, you will need a good driving record; however, if you need an SR-22 due to nonpayment of child support, you may be eligible. Learn more at mylowcostauto.com.

California requires drivers to have these minimum liability limits:

• Bodily injury liability per person: $30,000
• Bodily injury liability per accident: $60,000
• Property damage liability: $15,000

In California, drivers must provide proof of insurance to register a vehicle. If you’re a new resident or just purchased a vehicle, you’ll need to buy a policy before you can complete registration.

In California, an SR-22 will increase your insurance rates by more than double on average, to $5,809 annually ($484 monthly). GEICO and Progressive have some of the cheapest car insurance in California overall, including for drivers who need to file SR-22s.

If you can’t find a provider willing to insure you, the state offers a high-risk program as a last resort. Low income drivers may also be eligible for California’s CLCA program to make auto insurance more affordable.

Although minimum coverage is the cheapest option, it could cost you more out of pocket if you cause an accident or have losses above the at-fault party’s limits. To prevent this, it’s wise to raise your liability limits and/or purchase full coverage if you can afford it.