- 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 separate type of insurance. It's a form your insurance company files with the state to show that you carry the minimum car insurance required to drive in California. When people say SR-22 insurance, they're generally talking about car insurance that includes an SR-22 filing by the insurance company on your behalf.
Most drivers in California don't need SR-22 insurance. The drivers who do need it usually have serious violations, such as DUIs, reckless driving, or several offenses within a short period. If you're required to file an SR-22, the state will tell you 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
Your insurance rates don't increase because of the SR-22. The SR-22 is required because of a violation, and it's the violation that increases your rates.
For instance, you may require an SR-22 for a DUI or driving without insurance. The car insurance rate increase will be based on the infraction, not the SR-22.
This table shows the average costs for violations requiring an SR-22. The rates vary depending on the 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.
Take a look at the table below to see how average insurance rates after one DUI vary by company. While insurance rates increase after a DUI, the increase isn't as severe as with multiple infractions.
| 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 annual rate of $3,466. Drivers can get reckless driving tickets for many reasons, such as excessive speeding, running red lights, texting while driving, or tailgating. No matter the reason, reckless driving in California results in fines, an SR-22 requirement, and increased car insurance rates.
Check the table below to see how average insurance rates for reckless driving compare across 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.
California requires that drivers carry at least a minimum amount of auto insurance. Failing to do so leads to fines, increased insurance rates, and an SR-22. Because failing to maintain minimum car insurance shows a lack of responsibility, insurers raise rates significantly.
The table below shows average rates by company for drivers who have had 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 may require you to file an SR-22 form even if you don't own a vehicle as a prerequisite for reinstating your license. Drivers who sometimes borrow or rent a car can buy non-owner SR-22 insurance, which provides state minimum auto insurance coverage. A non-owner car insurance policy meets the legal requirements, and an SR-22 can be filed based on that policy.
It's important to note that non-owner car insurance only acts as secondary liability coverage when driving someone else's car. If you buy a car, you will need the proper insurance to drive it in California.
How long do you need an SR-22 in California?
In California, drivers typically need to keep an SR-22 for three years. If you don't keep your insurance active during this period, you'll be breaking the law and could face serious fines and other 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 will increase if you need an SR-22, there are still ways to find affordable coverage.
Ways to lower auto insurance costs with an SR-22 include:
- Take advantage of all available discounts. Most insurers allow you to bundle discounts to maximize savings.
- Raise your deductible. Increase the amount you pay before insurance kicks in to lower rates.
- Take a defensive driving course. Some insurers offer a discount for taking a course, and some states remove points from your license, which can lower your insurance rates.
- Sign up for a usage-based program. If you can demonstrate good driving habits while they are being tracked, you could earn a discount.
- Shop around for SR-22 insurance. Compare rates from multiple 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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