Yes, you can get affordable SR-22 insurance in California — even with a DUI, license suspension, or other serious violation on your record. An SR-22 is simply a certificate your insurance company files with the California DMV to prove you carry the state's minimum liability coverage. A-MAX helps California drivers find cheap SR-22 insurance and handles the filing process so you can get back on the road legally.
SR-22 Insurance in California: Your Complete Guide
What is an SR-22?
An SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility that certain high-risk drivers are required to file with the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). An SR-22 is not an actual type of insurance, but a form filed with your state that serves as proof of financial responsibility. The SR-22 form serves as proof that your auto insurance policy meets the minimum liability coverage required by state law. Unlike a traditional insurance policy, an SR-22 is not a type of insurance itself. Instead, it is a form submitted by your insurance company to the DMV, verifying that you have the state-mandated minimum liability coverage in place.
Drivers typically need an SR-22 after serious driving offenses such as a DUI, reckless driving, or accumulating multiple traffic violations. The purpose of the SR-22 is to prove financial responsibility and ensure that high-risk drivers maintain continuous insurance coverage for a specified period, often three years. If you are required to file an SR-22, your insurance company will handle the paperwork and communicate directly with the DMV to confirm your coverage. This process helps the state monitor drivers who have demonstrated risky behavior on the road and ensures they meet the necessary insurance requirements to protect themselves and others.
Next, let’s look at how you can obtain SR-22 insurance in California and the steps involved in the process.
How to Get SR-22 Insurance in California
Securing SR-22 coverage in California requires understanding your options and choosing the right approach for your situation. Because insurance companies view SR-22 requirements as high-risk, the process is slightly different than standard auto insurance. Insurance violations such as driving without insurance or DUI may require you to obtain an SR-22 car insurance policy to reinstate your driver's license. However, many carriers specialize in helping drivers meet these requirements affordably. If you have insurance violations, you may need to work with a specialized insurance carrier to obtain the necessary car insurance policy.
1. Add SR-22 Filing to Your Existing Auto Insurance Policy
This is often the most straightforward route. In this scenario, you contact your current insurance company and request they add SR-22 filing to your existing policy. An SR-22 form in California is typically required after a conviction for DUI or other egregious traffic offense. The car insurance policy must meet legal requirements, and an SR-22 is typically required in these circumstances to prove you have the necessary liability coverage. The insurer will file the certificate electronically with the California DMV within 24-48 hours.
To make this work, you must maintain your current liability coverage limits or increase them to meet California’s minimum requirements. Your insurance company will charge a filing fee (typically $15-25) plus any premium increases for being classified as high-risk.
Important Note: If you let your coverage lapse during the SR-22 period, your insurance company is required by law to notify the DMV immediately. This will result in automatic license suspension and you’ll need to restart the entire filing period.
2. Purchase a Non-Owner SR-22 Policy
If you don’t own a car but need an SR-22 to get your license reinstated — perhaps you sold your vehicle after a DUI or you primarily use public transportation — a non-owner SR-22 policy is the perfect solution. This type of policy is recommended for high-risk drivers who frequently borrow a car from someone they do not share an address with, or who occasionally borrow or rent vehicles. Unlike owner SR 22 insurance, which is for those who own a vehicle, non-owner SR-22 insurance is designed for drivers who do not have a car registered in their name.
Non-Owner SR-22 Policies
This type of policy provides liability coverage when you occasionally drive someone else’s vehicle and satisfies the state’s SR-22 requirement. It typically includes:
Bodily injury liability coverage
Property damage liability coverage
SR-22 filing with the California DMV
Tip: Non-owner SR-22 policies are usually much cheaper than standard auto insurance since they only provide liability coverage, don’t insure a specific vehicle, and the driver is not on the road as much. However, they don’t cover vehicles you own or regularly use.
3. Shop for High-Risk SR-22 Specialist Carriers
If your current insurance company doesn’t offer SR-22 filing or quotes you an unaffordable premium, you can shop around with carriers that specialize in high-risk drivers. These companies understand SR-22 requirements and often offer more competitive rates.
Once you find a new carrier, they can file the SR-22 immediately and provide proof of coverage to help you get your license reinstated faster. High-risk drivers can save money on SR-22 insurance by shopping quotes from DUI-forgiving insurance carriers and by requesting a free quote or free auto insurance quote to compare options.
Once you have secured your SR-22 insurance, it is important to understand the coverage requirements in California to ensure you remain compliant and fully protected.
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Read MoreCoverage Options for SR-22 Requirements
When you get SR-22 insurance in California, you’ll need to meet specific coverage requirements, with liability insurance being the core requirement for all SR-22 filings. Coverage requirements may also vary based on the severity of your violation or state regulations, so it’s important to confirm what applies to your situation while protecting yourself from additional financial risk.
Liability Coverage Requirements
Liability Coverage: Required by law for all SR-22 filings. California minimums are $15,000 bodily injury per person, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 property damage. However, these low limits may not be sufficient if you cause a serious accident. Starting in 2026, California requires SR22 policies to meet updated liability minimums of $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $15,000 for property damage.
Optional Coverages
Comprehensive and Collision Coverage: Not required for SR-22 filing but recommended if you own a vehicle. These coverages protect your own car from damage.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Protection: Highly recommended since you’re already dealing with legal issues. This protects you if you’re hit by someone without adequate insurance.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Covers medical expenses regardless of fault and can be crucial if you’re injured in an accident.
Understanding your coverage options is essential for meeting legal requirements and protecting yourself financially. Next, let’s discuss special cases such as IID requirements and restricted licenses that may apply to your situation.
Special Cases: IID Requirements and Restricted Licenses
If your SR-22 requirement stems from a DUI conviction, California may also require you to install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID). Common reasons for requiring an SR-22 include DUI or DWI convictions, at-fault accidents without insurance, and serious traffic violations. Drivers convicted of a DUI violation or other serious driving offense often face a driver's license suspension as part of the penalties. To reinstate your driver's license after a suspension or revocation, the state requires drivers convicted of these offenses to maintain SR-22 insurance coverage and complete all necessary steps for reinstatement. This process is closely monitored by the state to ensure compliance.
The IID requirement is separate from your SR-22 filing, but both must be maintained simultaneously. You cannot get your full license back without completing both requirements.
What is an IID? It’s a device installed in your vehicle that requires you to pass a breath test before the car will start. The device also requires random tests while driving.
IID Restricted License: You can get a restricted license that allows you to drive any vehicle equipped with an IID. This requires proof of IID installation plus active SR-22 filing.
Regular Restricted License: For some violations, you may qualify for a restricted license without IID requirements. This typically allows driving to work, school, DUI programs, and medical appointments. For drivers convicted of a DUI violation, attending a DUI school may be required as part of the process to reinstate your driver's license.
With these special cases in mind, it’s also important to understand the role of the DMV in the SR-22 process.
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Role
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is central to the SR-22 process in California. When a driver is required to file an SR-22, the DMV relies on the insurance company to submit the SR-22 form, confirming that the driver has the necessary liability coverage as mandated by state law. The DMV keeps track of these filings to ensure that high-risk drivers—such as those with DUI convictions or multiple traffic violations—maintain continuous auto insurance coverage and prove financial responsibility.
If your insurance policy is canceled or lapses during the SR-22 period, your insurance company is obligated to notify the DMV immediately. This can result in the suspension of your driving privileges until you secure a new policy and file another SR-22. The DMV also manages the reinstatement of your driver’s license once you have fulfilled all SR-22 requirements and maintained proper insurance coverage for the required duration.
For drivers seeking to reinstate their license, the DMV requires proof of an active SR-22 insurance policy. Many insurance providers offer free auto insurance quotes specifically for high-risk drivers, making it easier to compare options and find the right coverage. By working closely with both insurance companies and drivers, the DMV ensures that all legal and financial responsibility requirements are met, helping to promote highway safety and compliance across California.
Now that you understand the DMV’s role, let’s break down the costs and financial considerations associated with SR-22 insurance in California.
Costs and Considerations
Understanding the full cost of SR-22 requirements helps you budget appropriately and avoid additional penalties. SR-22 insurance policies are significantly more expensive than regular insurance due to higher premiums for high-risk drivers. You may need to pay various fees, and failing to pay can result in further penalties or loss of coverage.
SR-22 Filing Fees
SR-22 filing fee: The cost of filing an SR-22 in California typically ranges from $25 to $40. The SR-22 filing fee typically ranges from $25 to $50, but this fee is separate from the cost of the insurance policy itself.
Insurance Premium Increases
Premium increases: 20-50% higher than standard rates, potentially more for DUI. Your insurance rates will likely increase after obtaining an SR-22 due to being classified as a high-risk driver.
Other Related Costs
DMV reinstatement fees: $100-125 depending on violation type
IID installation and monitoring: $70-150 per month if required
Reissue fees and restriction fees: Additional charges may apply for license reprints or when obtaining or reinstating a restricted license after a DUI conviction.
Important: Budget for the full three-year period since early cancellation restarts your requirement from day one.
With a clear understanding of the costs, you may still have questions about the SR-22 process. The following FAQ addresses the most common concerns for California drivers.
Common questions about SR-22 Insurance in California
In California, the SR-22 requirement typically lasts for three years, but the duration can vary based on the violation. The exact period depends on your specific violation and court orders.
You must transfer your SR-22 requirement to your new state. Contact your insurance company before moving to ensure continuous compliance and avoid license suspension. If your insurance policy is canceled while you are required to carry an SR-22, you must obtain a new SR-22 from another insurance carrier to avoid a license suspension.
No, removing SR-22 coverage early will result in immediate license suspension. You must maintain continuous coverage for the full period ordered by the court or DMV. If you do not comply with the SR-22 requirement, you could lose your driving privileges as the state monitors your insurance status.
Yes, SR-22 insurance typically costs 20-50% more than standard policies because insurers view required filers as high-risk drivers. However, rates vary significantly between carriers. Your driving record and driving history, including any violations such as DUIs, can impact the cost. Working with an insurance carrier experienced in ensuring compliance with SR-22 filings can help you find better rates and avoid additional fees.
Yes, you can purchase SR-22 insurance with a suspended license. In fact, getting SR-22 coverage is often the first step toward license reinstatement.
Ready to Get Your SR-22 Filed?
Ready to get back on the road? Stop by one of our California locations and talk to an agent today. We'll help you find affordable SR-22 coverage and handle the DMV filing for you.
Find your nearest A-MAX Office in California | Call us at 800-921-AMAX
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