- 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 car insurance rates with other states
Understanding SR-22 insurance in California
SR-22 insurance isn’t a specific type of insurance. Instead, an SR-22 is a form your insurance company files with the state showing you have at least the minimum required car insurance to be on the road in California. SR-22 insurance refers to auto insurance coverage where an SR-22 has been filed by the company on your behalf.
Most California drivers don’t need SR-22 insurance. Drivers who need an SR-22 form have been convicted of significant violations, such as reckless driving, DUIs and multiple infractions in a short amount of time. You will be informed if you are required to file an SR-22 and for how long.
“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?
While filing an SR-22 form is typically inexpensive, the associated fines and increased insurance rates are costly. On average, SR-22 insurance in California is $2,403 but varies significantly based on the driver and infraction.
Keep in mind that insurance rates vary from company to company, so 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
After a single DUI, the cheapest company on average is Mercury Insurance with average rates of $3,616. Affordable SR-22 coverage with a DUI is a little harder to find, but shopping around can help. Some insurance companies are willing to view the first DUI as a one-time mistake, offering more affordable 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 with a reckless driving conviction is Geico at an average annual rate of $3,466. A reckless driving ticket may be handed out for a variety of driving behaviors, such as excessive speed, running traffic lights, texting while driving or tailgating. No matter the reason, reckless driving in California leads to fines, higher car insurance rates and an SR-22.
Compare average rates for reckless driving from various insurers below.
| 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 being ticketed for driving without insurance is Mercury Insurance at an average yearly rate of $2,893. 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?
Typically, California drivers must maintain an SR-22 for three years. However, if you fail to maintain insurance during this time, the consequences can be severe. Not only will you be in violation of the law, but you may also face additional 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.
Reasons you may need an SR-22 in California include:
- DUI
- Reckless driving
- Multiple infractions in a short amount of time
- Failure to maintain auto insurance
- Refusing a breathalyzer
- At-fault accidents involving severe 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
Insurance.com commissioned car insurance rates from Quadrant Information Services in late 2023 for a full coverage car insurance policy with coverage of 100/300/100 in liability and $500 deductibles. Rates are based on a 40-year-old driver with good credit driving a 2023 Honda Accord LX, with violations requiring an SR-22: One DUI, two DUIs, reckless driving and driving without insurance.
SR-22 insurance in California: FAQ
What happens if I fail to maintain SR-22 insurance in California?
The consequences may be severe if you don’t retain insurance and fail to maintain your SR-22 filing. Possible consequences include:
- Revoked driver’s license
- Fines
- Increased auto insurance
- Restarting your SR-22 time period
- Having your car impounded
- Jail time
Can I switch insurance providers while I have an SR-22 filing?
Yes, you can switch auto insurers while you have an SR-22. However, your new insurance company must refile the SR-22, and you need to have insurance in place with your SR-22 filed before canceling your previous policy.
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