California SR-22 Auto Insurance (2024)
The average driver pays $255 a month for California SR-22 insurance, though prices at companies like State Farm and Progressive might be lower.
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Laura D. Adams
Insurance & Finance Analyst
Laura Adams is one of the nation’s leading finance, insurance, and small business authorities. As an award-winning author, spokesperson, and host of the top-rated Money Girl podcast since 2008, millions of readers and listeners benefit from her practical advice. Her mission is to empower consumers to live healthy and rich lives by planning for the future and making smart money decisions. She rec...
Insurance & Finance Analyst
UPDATED: Mar 29, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Mar 29, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- The California DMV requires SR-22 insurance after serious traffic violations, like DUIs or driving without coverage
- SR-22 insurance rates are usually higher than standard policies, with the average driver paying $255 a month
- Rates vary significantly between companies, with State Farm and Progressive offering some of the lowest rates
Although you’ll hear it referred to as insurance, SR-22s are actually certificates you must submit to your DMV after certain traffic violations. In the Golden State, SR-22s are also called California Insurance Proof Certificates.
If you get a notice in the mail that you need to submit an SR-22, you’ll need a licensed insurance company to file the forms with the DMV on your behalf. The average driver must submit SR-22 insurance for three years in California, but it’s the only way to reinstate your license.
Read on to learn more about California SR-22 insurance and how much it might cost you. Finding cheap SR-22 insurance takes a little more work than a standard policy, but you can compare rates with as many companies as possible to find affordable coverage.
Who needs SR-22 insurance in California?
The California DMV requires SR-22 insurance after serious traffic violations before it will reinstate your driving license or vehicle registration. You might need to file SR-22 forms for the following offenses:
- Getting three or more traffic violations within a short period
- Reckless driving
- DUI charge under the age of 21
- Driving without insurance and getting into an accident
- Not paying court-ordered restitutions
- Failing to report an accident that resulted in more than $1,000 of damage or injuries
You might need SR-22 insurance after a car accident, even if you weren’t driving. If officers can’t determine who was driving, but you own the car and don’t have insurance, your license might be suspended. You can also lose your license if your uncovered vehicle rolls out of its parking spot and hits something.
Finally, you might need to get SR-22 insurance after a DUI charge, no matter how old you are. Typically, you’ll need SR-22 insurance when you’re required to install an ignition interlock device.
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How do you get California SR-22 insurance?
Although getting a notice about SR-22 filings is never fun, it’s usually not difficult to buy SR-22 insurance. Most major companies are willing to file SR-22 forms on your behalf, though some companies do not work with drivers who need high-risk car insurance.
The easiest way to get SR-22 insurance is if you already have a policy. Simply contact a representative, let them know you need to file SR-22 with the DMV, and they’ll likely be able to set it up for you.
However, some companies will drop you as a customer when you need SR-22 insurance. If you find yourself in this situation or didn’t have insurance previously, you’ll need to find new coverage.
Finding a new policy when you need SR-22 insurance is relatively simple, and applying for it is similar to standard coverage. Make sure to let your new company know you need SR-22 insurance — your rates will be higher, but it will ensure that you can legally drive again.
Some drivers still struggle to find coverage depending on the violation that caused an SR-22 requirement. If you can’t find insurance with even the best insurance companies for high-risk drivers, you can contact the California Automobile Assigned Risk Plan (CAARP). CAARP ensures all drivers in California can find affordable coverage, no matter how high-risk.
How do you get SR-22 insurance in California if you don’t have a car?
Finding SR-22 insurance is easy enough when you have a car, but what happens if you don’t own a vehicle? You won’t be able to get your license reinstated without meeting California’s minimum requirements, but most companies won’t sell a policy without a car to insure.
The simplest solution to this problem is to buy non-owner insurance. Unlike standard insurance, which follows the car rather than the driver, non-owner coverage applies to you no matter what vehicle you drive.
A non-owner policy allows you to meet California’s minimum insurance requirements, meaning you’ll be able to get your license reinstated. As a bonus, non-owner SR-22 insurance in California is about 25% cheaper than a standard policy.
What’s the difference between FR-44 and SR-22 insurance?
FR-44s and SR-22s are similar certificates in that they require you to submit proof of insurance to your DMV after serious traffic violations. However, they differ in a few key ways.
First, only Virginia and Florida require FR-44 certificates, whereas SR-22s are required in most states. Second, FR-44 certificates require more insurance than the state minimum, while you only need to meet minimum requirements to fulfill an SR-22 certificate.
Although they’re similar, you don’t need to worry about filing an FR-44 insurance form in California.
How much is an SR-22 in California?
The average cost of SR-22 insurance in California is about $131 a month for minimum coverage. It represents a significant increase compared to the average monthly price of $47 for minimum insurance when you don’t need SR-22.
You’ll also need to pay a monthly filing fee, which increases your monthly costs. Every company is different, but most charge between $15 and $25 monthly.
In addition to needing SR-22 forms filed, you’ll also see higher rates based on your driving record. For example, many drivers need SR-22 insurance after a DUI charge. DUI charges significantly increase your monthly rates.
How much is California car insurance after a DUI?
DUIs in California significantly impact your rates — Golden State drivers see a price increase about 64% larger than the rest of the country. The average driver pays about $255 a month for insurance after a DUI.
Of course, the rates you’ll see depend on a variety of different things. Common factors that affect car insurance rates include your age, gender, ZIP code, and the type of car you drive. You’ll also see much higher rates if you have additional incidents in your driving record.
Which companies have the best rates after a DUI in California?
After getting a DUI, it’s imperative that you compare rates with as many companies as possible, even if you already have a policy. Rates between companies vary significantly, especially after a DUI.
Check below to see how much the average driver might pay for insurance after a DUI.
| Insurance Company | Clean Record | One Accident | One DUI | One Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AAA | $180 | $220 | $240 | $220 |
| Allstate | $166 | $225 | $225 | $195 |
| American Family | $116 | $176 | $176 | $131 |
| Farmers | $140 | $198 | $198 | $176 |
| Geico | $95 | $132 | $132 | $125 |
| Hartford | $175 | $230 | $250 | $215 |
| Liberty Mutual | $177 | $234 | $234 | $217 |
| Nationwide | $140 | $161 | $161 | $175 |
| Progressive | $120 | $186 | $186 | $160 |
| State Farm | $105 | $150 | $202 | $138 |
| Travelers | $160 | $200 | $239 | $205 |
| U.S. Average | $123 | $172 | $173 | $152 |
Companies like State Farm and Progressive offer much lower rates than other options like Allstate. Keep in mind that these prices are averages — you might see much different rates depending on your unique situation.
The good news is that you won’t have to pay high prices forever. As long as you keep your driving record clean, your rates will return to a lower price after about seven years.
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How to Find the Best SR-22 Insurance in California
No matter why you need SR-22 insurance, finding it in California doesn’t have to be a chore. You’ll pay higher rates, and you might need to do a bit of searching, but finding affordable SR-22 insurance isn’t impossible.
The best way to find cheap SR-22 coverage is to compare quotes with as many companies as possible. While you’ll find a few companies that won’t work with you, comparing quotes will help you find the right insurer for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you need SR-22 insurance in California?
The average driver needs to file SR-22 insurance for three years. It’s important that you maintain your coverage for that entire three-year period — if you let your coverage lapse, the period restarts.
How do you get a restricted driver’s license in California?
Although your driver’s license will be suspended after certain traffic violations, the state of California understands that some people have no access to alternative transportation. You can apply for a restricted license if you need your car for work, important errands like doctor’s appointments, or taking your child to school.
How do you get rid of an SR-22 in California?
Once you’ve completed your SR-22 insurance requirements, you’ll need to contact your company and let them know you no longer need it. You should double-check that you no longer need SR-22 insurance, though — if you cancel early, the period will reset, and you might lose your driving privileges.
What is California SR-22 auto insurance?
California SR-22 auto insurance is a form of insurance coverage required for individuals who have been convicted of certain driving violations or offenses, such as driving under the influence (DUI) or driving without insurance. It is a certificate of financial responsibility that verifies the driver has the minimum liability insurance required by the state.
Who needs to obtain California SR-22 auto insurance?
Individuals who have had their driver’s license suspended or revoked due to specific violations, such as DUI, reckless driving, or driving without insurance, may be required to obtain SR-22 insurance. The court or the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will inform you if you need to file an SR-22.
How do I obtain California SR-22 auto insurance?
To obtain California SR-22 auto insurance, you need to contact an insurance company authorized to provide SR-22 coverage in the state. Inform the insurance company that you require an SR-22 filing, and they will assist you in obtaining the necessary coverage. Typically, an SR-22 is filed by the insurance company directly with the California DMV on your behalf.
How long do I need to maintain California SR-22 auto insurance?
The duration of SR-22 auto insurance in California varies depending on the reason for the SR-22 requirement. In most cases, you will need to maintain SR-22 coverage for a minimum of three years. However, if your driving violation involved alcohol or drugs, the requirement may extend to ten years.
Can I cancel my California SR-22 auto insurance before the required period?
No, you cannot cancel your California SR-22 auto insurance before the required period. The insurance company is legally obligated to notify the DMV if the SR-22 coverage is canceled, lapsed, or not renewed. Doing so could result in the suspension of your driver’s license or other legal consequences. It’s crucial to maintain continuous coverage for the entire required period.
Will my California SR-22 auto insurance impact my insurance rates?
Yes, obtaining SR-22 auto insurance in California may impact your insurance rates. Since SR-22 is typically required for drivers with a history of violations or accidents, insurance companies may consider you a higher-risk driver, leading to increased premiums. However, rates can vary between insurance providers, so it’s recommended to shop around for the best rates available.
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Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Laura D. Adams
Insurance & Finance Analyst
Laura Adams is one of the nation’s leading finance, insurance, and small business authorities. As an award-winning author, spokesperson, and host of the top-rated Money Girl podcast since 2008, millions of readers and listeners benefit from her practical advice. Her mission is to empower consumers to live healthy and rich lives by planning for the future and making smart money decisions. She rec...
Insurance & Finance Analyst
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.