Understanding SR-22 insurance in California

An SR-22 is required to reinstate your license after it’s been suspended. In some cases, you might need an SR-22 even though you don’t own a car, or if you need to register a car while still under suspension. There are several forms of SR-22 filings available in California:

  • Operator
  • Owner
  • Owner-operator

If you need to reinstate your license but don’t own a car, you will need to purchase non-owner car insurance to get the SR-22 filed.

How long do you need an SR-22 in California?

The average length of an SR-22 requirement is three years. If you need the SR-22 for a longer period of time, you’ll be informed by the DMV or the court.

If you fail to maintain an insurance policy throughout the duration of your SR-22 period, the insurance company will inform the California DMV of the lapse in coverage. A lapse will result in an extension of the SR-22 insurance duration.

Further serious moving violations during the SR-22 period may also result in an extension of the SR-22 requirement.

Reasons for requiring SR-22 insurance in California

An SR-22 is required in California for several reasons. They include:

  • DUI
  • Driving without insurance
  • Being involved in an at-fault accident while uninsured
  • Too many points on your license
  • Reckless driving

You will be informed by the DMV or the court handling your conviction of any SR-22 insurance requirements.

How much is SR-22 insurance in California?

The cost of insurance with an SR-22 will vary depending on the violation that resulted in the need for an SR-22. The insurance company will charge you a filing fee that is usually between $25 and $50. On top of that, your insurance rates will go up. Here are a few examples:

  • The average cost of DUI first offense and SR-22 insurance in California is $6,111 per year
  • The average cost of DUI second offense and SR-22 insurance in California is $9,984 per year 
  • The average cost of insurance with an SR-22 in California after a reckless driving conviction is $5,876 per year
  • The average cost of driving without insurance and SR-22 in California is $3,028 per year

The main factors affecting SR-22 insurance cost in California are the violation itself and what else is on your driving record. The cost of insurance for multiple traffic violations with SR-22 insurance or at-fault accidents on your record will skyrocket. 

How much you pay for insurance with an SR-22 will also depend on:

  • The type of car you drive
  • Where you live
  • How you use your car
  • Your coverage limits

"As with any insurance policy, you need to assess the level of coverage you’re comfortable with relative to a cost you can afford," says  Rick Kautzer, director of product management at Dairyland Insurance, a non-standard insurer.

Average cost of SR-22 insurance in California by violation

Below are average car insurance rates for three different violations that require an SR-22.

ViolationAverage annual premium
DUI first offense$6,111
DUI second offense$9,984
Reckless driving$5,876
Driving without insurance$3,028

Average SR-22 insurance cost in California for different violations

See the tables below to compare rates from top companies for an SR-22 with various violations.

SR-22 insurance cost by company for DUI, first offense

Below are average car insurance rates by company for a first-offense DUI that requires an SR-22.

Company Avg. annual premium Avg. monthly premium
Mercury$2,920$243
Progressive$3,559$297
Auto-Owners$4,014$334
Geico$4,014$335
USAA*$4,645$387
Travelers$4,794$399
Farmers$4,844$404
Kemper$5,169$431
Auto Club Entreprises$6,668$556
Nationwide$6,908$576
State Farm$8,557$713
Allstate$9,082$757
CSAA$9,812$818
Hartford$10,565$880

*USAA offers car insurance only to military members, veterans and their families

SR-22 insurance cost by company for DUI, second offense

Below are average car insurance rates by company for a second offense DUI that requires an SR-22.

Company Avg. annual premium Avg. monthly premium
Mercury$2,959$247
Progressive$4,336$361
Auto-Owners$5,059$422
Geico$5,687$474
Farmers$5,949$496
USAA*$6,116$510
Kemper$7,907$659
Auto Club Entreprises$8,338$695
Nationwide$8,959$747
Travelers$9,223$769
Allstate$12,284$1,024
Hartford$17,173$1,431
State Farm$18,326$1,527
CSAA$27,455$2,288

*USAA offers car insurance only to military members, veterans and their families

SR-22 insurance cost by company for reckless driving 

Below are average car insurance rates by company for reckless driving with an SR-22.

CompanyAvg. annual premiumAvg. monthly premium
USAA*$2,793$233
Geico$2,886$240
Mercury$2,920$243
Progressive$3,251$271
Auto-Owners$4,014$334
Travelers$4,794$399
Farmers$4,844$404
Kemper$5,169$431
Auto Club Entreprises$6,668$556
Nationwide$6,908$576
State Farm$8,557$713
Allstate$9,082$757
CSAA$9,812$818
Hartford$10,565$880

*USAA offers car insurance only to military members, veterans and their families

SR-22 insurance cost by company for driving without insurance

Below are average car insurance rates by company for driving without insurance with an SR-22.

CompanyAvg. annual premiumAvg. monthly premium
USAA*$1,773$148
Allstate$2,285$190
Mercury$2,335$195
Auto-Owners$2,578$215
Geico$2,602$217
Hartford$3,028$252
Progressive$3,066$256
Kemper$3,173$264
Auto Club Entreprises$3,367$281
Travelers$3,400$283
CSAA$3,450$288
State Farm$3,696$308
Nationwide$3,767$314
Farmers$3,876$323

*USAA offers car insurance only to military veterans and their families

Tips to lower SR-22 insurance costs in California

Because the need for an SR-22 follows a major violation, car insurance after an SR-22 is expensive. The good news is that many of the methods for getting cheaper car insurance still apply after an SR-22. They include:

  • Raising your deductible
  • Working to improve your driving record (and avoid any further tickets or accidents)
  • Discounts, including for bundling your auto and home  insurance
  • Usage-based programs that monitor your driving habits in return for a discount
  • Shopping around

Shopping around is the quickest and easiest way to get cheaper California car insurance, even with an SR-22.

Auto insurance FAQs

What happens if I fail to maintain SR-22 insurance in California?

If your insurance lapses, the insurance company will report it to the DMV. Your license will be suspended or even revoked permanently.

Can I switch insurance providers while I have an SR-22 filing?

Yes. Switching insurance providers with an SR-22 filing is permitted. Just make sure there is no lapse in coverage and that the new insurance company files the SR-22 form.

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