- Understanding SR-22 insurance in California
- How long do you need an SR-22 in California?
- Reasons for requiring SR-22 insurance in California
- How much is SR-22 insurance in California?
- Average SR-22 insurance cost in California for different violations
- Tips to lower SR-22 insurance costs in California
- Frequently asked questions: California SR-22 insurance
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.
| Violation | Average 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.
| Company | Avg. annual premium | Avg. 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.
| Company | Avg. annual premium | Avg. 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.
Frequently asked questions: California SR-22 insurance
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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