SR-22 in California

Though often referred to as 'SR-22 insurance,' an SR-22 is actually a form that certifies you have a car insurance policy meeting California's minimum liability requirements. California law requires drivers convicted of serious offenses, such as a DUI, to file an SR-22 to reinstate their license. Once you file an SR-22, insurers typically consider you a higher risk, which can lead to increased insurance premiums.

An SR-22 form is required for three years after serious driving violations and serves as proof to California authorities that you meet the state's minimum liability coverage requirements. This filing is required for drivers with severe violations like DUIs or driving without insurance.

Across coverage levels, CSAA has the cheapest SR-22 insurance for most California drivers. The provider's $40 per month minimum liability rate is over 68% less expensive than the $125 state average, amounting to an estimated annual savings of $1,020.

For drivers seeking full coverage SR-22 insurance, National General's $127 per month average rate is the cheapest option in the state.

With an average rate of $62 per month or $748 annually, Farmers offers the most budget-friendly option for non-owner SR-22 insurance in California. This type of insurance is ideal for drivers who need an SR-22 but don’t own a car, allowing them to satisfy the state’s minimum liability coverage requirements.

Below is a list of providers offering affordable non-owner SR-22 insurance in California, along with their average rates for minimum coverage plans:

The average cost of car insurance in California for drivers with an SR-22 is $1,496 per year for minimum coverage, which is 138% more expensive than the state's average annual rate of $629 for drivers with a clean record.

The average cost for full coverage SR-22 car insurance in California is $3,628 per year, which is 139% higher than the state's average rate of $1,518 for drivers without violations.

It's the specific violation you're convicted of—such as a DUI, traffic ticket or accident—that raises your insurance costs, not the SR-22 form itself. Below, you can compare SR-22 insurance rates in California for common violations across different age groups, along with average rates for drivers with clean records.

An SR-22, also known as a 'certificate of financial responsibility,' is often mistaken for an insurance policy, but it’s actually a certification filed by your insurer. This form confirms to state officials that you carry enough liability insurance to meet the reinstatement requirements under California’s Financial Responsibility law.

In California, state law mandates an SR-22 for drivers involved in serious traffic offenses. This form is essential for demonstrating that you have the required liability insurance coverage, which is necessary to restore or maintain your driving privileges. Drivers convicted of violations such as DUIs, reckless driving or driving without insurance are usually ordered by the court to file an SR-22:

California typically requires an SR-22 certificate for three years following your first offense. However, for second or third convictions, especially for offenses like DUIs, the requirement can extend to five years and, in some severe cases, up to 10 years.

Along with staying in compliance with California's state minimum coverage laws for three years, there are additional rules that drivers with an SR-22 in California should be aware of:

• Fees: To regain your driving privileges, you must provide proof of minimum liability insurance through an SR-22 filing and pay a reinstatement fee.
• Insurers can drop you: After filing an SR-22, your current insurer may cancel your policy or refuse to renew it, requiring you to find a new provider.
• Compliance: You must maintain continuous coverage throughout the SR-22 period. Insurers are required to notify the state of any policy lapses, which can result in penalties or suspension of your license.
• Relocation: If you move out of California, you must still maintain your SR-22 filing with the state. Your insurer can assist with out-of-state filings if required.
• Cancellation: Once you've fulfilled the SR-22 requirement, your insurer will notify the California DMV that your obligation is satisfied, and the SR-22 can be removed.

Drivers in California with serious violations, such as reckless driving or driving without a license, must file an SR-22. Failing to do so can result in additional penalties, including the suspension of your license. Follow these steps to file an SR-22 in California:

High-risk drivers in California may encounter fewer insurance companies willing to provide coverage, resulting in higher premiums and fewer options. To secure the most affordable SR-22 insurance quotes in California, consider the following recommendations:

Non-owner car insurance provides liability coverage for individuals who drive frequently but don’t own a vehicle. It offers protection when you drive someone else’s car, ensuring that you meet California’s liability requirements.

After purchasing a non-owner policy, your insurance company can file an SR-22 form to help you comply with California law and reinstate your license. The SR-22 requirement typically lasts for three years, during which continuous coverage is essential.

Non-owner policies are ideal for those who rent cars frequently or drive for rideshare services, as they cover third-party injuries and property damage in the event of an at-fault accident. Additionally, non-owner car insurance in California is generally more affordable than standard auto insurance. To find the best rates, it's wise to compare quotes from multiple insurers.

Californians who have committed severe driving offenses must file an SR-22 to prove they have the state's minimum required liability coverage. Drivers are typically required to maintain the SR-22 for three years, but the period can extend for more serious or repeat offenses. Although SR-22 holders face higher insurance rates, there are still several affordable car insurance providers in California available for those with SR-22s.

Here are some answers to commonly asked questions about SR-22 certifications in California:

MoneyGeek analyzed 352,910 quotes from 18 companies across 596 ZIP codes to determine the average cost of car insurance premiums for drivers of various profiles and needs in California.

California Driver Profile

We collected data for a sample driver with the following attributes:

• 40-year-old male
• Driving record with a DUI or an at-fault accident causing $1,000 to $1,999 in property damage
• 2012 Toyota Camry LE
• 12,000 miles driven annually

Coverage Levels and Deductibles

We gathered quotes for minimum coverage insurance policies to help motorists find the cheapest SR-22 insurance for their desired coverage level. For the most affordable minimum coverage policy, quotes were based on California's minimum coverage car insurance requirements with the following liability limits:

• $15,000 for injury/death to one person
• $30,000 for injury/death to more than one person
• $5,000 for damage to property

For the most affordable policy with comprehensive and collision coverage — also referred to as a full coverage policy — we used the following limits with a $1,000 deductible:

• $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
• $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
• $100,000 property damage liability per accident

Learn more about MoneyGeek's car insurance methodology.