- Understanding SR-22 insurance in California
- How much does SR-22 insurance cost in California?
- Average SR-22 insurance cost in California by violation
- Non-owners SR-22 insurance in California
- How long do you need an SR-22 in California?
- Reasons for requiring SR-22 insurance in California
- Tips to lower SR-22 insurance costs in California
- Methodology
- SR-22 insurance in California: FAQ
- Compare California SR-22 rates with other states
Understanding SR-22 insurance in California
SR-22 insurance isn't a type of insurance. It's a form your insurance company files with the state to prove you have the minimum car insurance required to drive in California. SR-22 insurance generally refers to auto insurance coverage that requires an SR-22 filed by your insurance company for you.
Most drivers in California don't need SR-22 insurance. Drivers who do need an SR-22 have been convicted of serious violations like reckless driving, DUIs, or multiple offenses in a short time. If you are required to file an SR-22, you will be informed of how long you need to keep it.
"Certain things trigger the requirement for an SR-22 filing, such as a DUI, having a lot of points on your license, getting into an accident without insurance, or having your license suspended or revoked. But in every case, the driver is notified by the DMV that they are required to have this form. You would have to check the box that you are required to have an SR 22 filing. The insurance company typically charges a fee to file or maintain that filing, which varies by insurance company," says Dorothy Cato with Skyway Insurance Services LLC in Monroe, North Carolina.
How much does SR-22 insurance cost in California?
Filing an SR-22 form is inexpensive, but the fines and higher insurance rates will be pricey. On average, SR-22 insurance in California costs $2,403, but rates depend on the driver and the violation.
Insurance rates vary from company to company, so it's best to shop around to find the cheapest SR-22 insurance available.
Average SR-22 insurance cost in California by violation
The SR-22 itself isn't the reason your insurance rates will go up. The SR-22 is required because of a violation, and it's that violation that determines the impact on your rates.
For example, an SR-22 may be required for a DUI or driving without insurance. The rate increase will be based on the infraction, not the SR-22 itself.
This table shows the average rates for violations requiring an SR-22. As you can see, rates vary significantly based on violation.
| Violation | Average annual premium |
|---|---|
| Driving without insurance | $3,651 |
| DUI/DWI first offense | $7,771 |
| DUI/DWI second offense | $13,406 |
| Reckless driving | $7,401 |
| SR22 Filing Only | $2,403 |
| SR22 with 1 DUI | $7,804 |
SR-22 insurance cost by company for a first DUI
Mercury Insurance offers the cheapest car insurance for drivers after a single DUI at $3,616. Finding affordable SR-22 insurance after a DUI can be tough, but shopping around helps. Some insurance companies see a first DUI as a one-time mistake and may offer lower rates than others.
The table below shows how average insurance rates vary by company after one DUI. Insurance rates do increase after a DUI, but the rise isn't as steep as it is for multiple violations.
| Company | Average annual premium | Average monthly premium |
|---|---|---|
| Mercury Insurance | $3,616 | $301 |
| GEICO | $4,825 | $402 |
| Travelers | $5,250 | $438 |
| Progressive | $5,283 | $440 |
| Auto Club Enterprises (AAA) | $7,730 | $644 |
| Nationwide | $8,024 | $669 |
| CSAA Insurance (AAA) | $9,392 | $783 |
| State Farm | $9,499 | $792 |
| Allstate | $10,478 | $873 |
| Farmers | $12,025 | $1,002 |
| USAA | $5,690 | $474 |
SR-22 insurance cost by company for reckless driving
The cheapest company for SR-22 insurance after a reckless driving conviction is GEICO, with an average rate of $3,466 per year. Reckless driving tickets can be given for different reasons, like speeding, running red lights, texting while driving or tailgating. No matter the cause, reckless driving in California leads to fines, an SR-22 requirement and higher car insurance rates.
Check the table below to compare average insurance rates for reckless driving from different companies.
| Company | Average annual premium | Average monthly premium |
|---|---|---|
| GEICO | $3,466 | $289 |
| Mercury Insurance | $3,616 | $301 |
| Progressive | $3,850 | $321 |
| Travelers | $5,250 | $438 |
| Auto Club Enterprises (AAA) | $7,730 | $644 |
| Nationwide | $8,024 | $669 |
| CSAA Insurance (AAA) | $9,392 | $783 |
| State Farm | $9,499 | $792 |
| Allstate | $10,478 | $873 |
| Farmers | $12,025 | $1,002 |
| USAA | $3,465 | $289 |
SR-22 insurance cost by company for driving without insurance
The cheapest company for car insurance after getting a ticket for driving without insurance is Mercury Insurance, with an average rate of $2,893 annually.
In California, drivers must have at least the minimum required auto insurance. If you don't, you can face fines, higher insurance rates and an SR-22.
Below are the car insurance rates by company for drivers with a lapse in coverage.
| Company | Average annual premium | Average monthly premium |
|---|---|---|
| Mercury Insurance | $2,893 | $241 |
| GEICO | $3,122 | $260 |
| CSAA Insurance (AAA) | $3,299 | $275 |
| Progressive | $3,600 | $300 |
| Travelers | $3,700 | $308 |
| Farmers | $3,798 | $317 |
| Allstate | $3,808 | $317 |
| Auto Club Enterprises (AAA) | $3,891 | $324 |
| State Farm | $4,071 | $339 |
| Nationwide | $5,241 | $437 |
| USAA | $2,230 | $186 |
Non-owners SR-22 insurance in California
California might require you to file an SR-22 form even if you don't own a car as a prerequisite to get your license back. If you borrow or rent a car occasionally, you can get non-owner SR-22 insurance, which meets legal requirements, and the SR-22 can be filed with that policy.
It is important to note that non-owner car insurance only provides extra liability coverage when you drive someone else's car. If you buy a car, you will require the right insurance to legally drive it in California.
How long do you need an SR-22 in California?
In California, drivers usually need to keep an SR-22 for three years. If you don't maintain insurance during this time, the consequences can be serious. You'll be breaking the law and could face more fines and penalties.
Reasons for requiring SR-22 insurance in California
"Most California drivers don't need to file an SR-22. However, drivers who exhibit careless behaviors may be required to file an SR-22, which is typically required when the driver has to prove that they have the minimum liability insuranceLiability insurance covers sums that an insured becomes legally obligated to pay because of bodily injuries or property damage, or financial losses caused to other people. required by the state," says Cato.
You may need an SR-22 in California for reasons such as:
- Getting a DUI
- Reckless driving
- Receiving several traffic violations in a short period
- Failing to keep auto insurance
- Refusing to take a breathalyzer test
- Causing an at-fault accident that results in serious injuries or death
Tips to lower SR-22 insurance costs in California
Although your insurance rates will go up if you need an SR-22, you can still find affordable coverage by shopping around.
You can lower your auto insurance costs with an SR-22 by:
- Using all available discounts. Most insurance companies let you bundle discounts to help you save more.
- Raising your deductible. Increase the amount you pay before insurance kicks in to lower rates.
- Taking a defensive driving course. Some insurers offer a discount for completing the course, and some states remove points from your license, which can help lower your insurance rates.
- Signing up for a usage-based program. If you show good driving habits while being monitored, you could earn a discount.
- Shopping around for SR-22 insurance. Compare quotes from several companies to find the cheapest SR-22 insurance in California.
Methodology
170+
insurance companies analyzed
34,000+
ZIP codes examined
53M+
insurance quotes analyzed
National and state average rates are based on three coverage levels: state minimum, 50/100/50 liability-only, and full coverage with 100/300/100 liability and $500 deductibles.
All base rate averages are based on our full coverage data set. This data set is based on:
- Bodily injury liability of $100,000 per person and $300,000 per incident
- Property damage liability of $100,000 per incident
- Comprehensive and collision deductibles of $500
- 40-year-old driver
- Honda Accord LX
- Good credit
- A clean driving record
- 12-mile commute, 10,000 annual mileage
Our data is then adjusted to reflect the rate increase from this base rate for the following infractions requiring an SR-22
- One DUI
- Two DUIs
- Reckless driving
- Driving without insurance
SR-22 insurance in California: FAQ
What happens if I fail to maintain SR-22 insurance in California?
If you don't keep your insurance and maintain your SR-22 filing, the consequences can be serious. You might face:
- Losing your driver's license
- Paying fines
- Higher car insurance costs
- Restarting your SR-22 time period
- Getting your car taken away
- Jail time
Can I switch insurance providers while I have an SR-22 filing?
Yes, you can switch auto insurance companies if you have an SR-22. Your new insurer must file the SR-22 on your behalf. Make sure your new policy, along with the SR-22, is active before you cancel your old one.
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