California SR-22 Insurance: Requirements, Cost, Filing, Duration, Non-Owner Policies, DUI

What is an SR-22?

An SR-22 isn’t a type of insurance, but serves as proof of financial responsibility. An SR-22 is also known as a California Proof of Insurance Certificate.

A California SR-22 proves to the state that you carry at least the mandatory minimum liability insurance.

The SR-22 form is filed through your insurance company and sent electronically to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). It is a necessary proof of financial responsibility certificate if you want to reinstate your driving privileges.

An SR-22 can be filed in three ways: through a motorcycle policy, an auto insurance policy, or non-owners car insurance policy.

Who Needs SR-22 Insurance in California?

Only high-risk drivers need to file an SR-22 in California. SR22 insurance must be obtained in most cases to reinstate your license following a DMV license suspension or revocation.

You will be notified by the state of California when you have an SR-22 filing requirement. An SR-22 is typically required in California after committing one or more of the following serious driving offenses:

• Driving under the influence (DUI)

• Three or more minor driving violations

• Driving without insurance

• Having multiple traffic violations or at-fault accidents (too many points on your driving record)

• Reckless driving conviction

How do you get Car Insurance with an SR-22 in California?

1. Buy or keep an auto policy that meets California's 30/60/15 minimum.

2. Ask your insurer or Insurance Navy to file the SR-22 with the California DMV.

3. Pay the one-time filing fee, usually around $25.

4. Keep coverage continuous for the full 3-year or 5-year period.

Not every insurer covers drivers with an SR-22. A driver who needs an SR-22 is classified as high-risk and may have to switch to an insurer that files SR-22s. These insurers often require the full premium upfront.

What are the SR-22 Insurance California Requirements?

California requires liability coverage of at least $30,000 per person, $60,000 per accident, and $15,000 for property damage. An SR-22 proves to the California DMV that you carry at least these limits.

You can and should increase your coverage limits above the minimum.

These limits took effect on January 1, 2025, under Senate Bill 1107, the Protect California Drivers Act. Senate Bill 1107 raised California's minimum limits for the first time since 1967. The law schedules a second increase on January 1, 2035. The 2035 limits will be $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.

At the very least, you need to meet the states liability insurance requirements. Everything else is optional, but it is highly recommended that you purchase full coverage for yourself and your vehicle.

Auto liability insurance only covers the other party in a collision. It’s also important to increase your coverage limits as anything not paid for by your insurance carrier will have to come out of your pocket.

Do you need uninsured motorist coverage with an SR-22 in California?

17.0% of California drivers were uninsured in 2022, according to the Insurance Research Council. That rate is above the national rate of roughly 14%. An SR-22 only proves you carry California's 30/60/15 minimum liability coverage. Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage protects you when an uninsured driver hits you. California insurers must offer UM/UIM coverage. You can decline UM/UIM coverage only in writing.

How Long Will I Need SR-22 Insurance in California?

Most California drivers must carry an SR-22 for 3 years. Repeat or serious offenses can extend the requirement to 5 years. The 3-year period starts on the date your driving privilege is reinstated, not on the conviction date.

A court will outline the specifics of your requirement. It should also be noted that when your license is revoked or suspended for a period of time, the SR-22 requirement begins after that.

An SR-22 can help you in obtaining a restricted license or hardship license after your DUI conviction.

Keep your coverage continuous for the full SR-22 period. A lapse during the SR-22 period requires your insurer to notify the California DMV. The California DMV can then suspend your driver's license or your vehicle registration and can restart the SR-22 period. After a suspension, you must refile the SR-22 and pay a reinstatement fee before the California DMV restores your driving privilege.

When can I drop SR-22 insurance in California?

You can drop an SR-22 in California once you complete the required SR-22 period from your reinstatement date. Confirm with the California DMV that your filing requirement has ended before you remove the SR-22. Do not cancel early, because a lapse restarts the period and can re-suspend your license.

How Much Does a SR-22 Insurance Cost in California?

Auto insurance with an SR-22 in California averages roughly $2,400 per year as of 2026, according to Compare.com. Some industry analyses place the average closer to $3,500, depending on the violation and the coverage level. The type of conviction drives the rate.

A DUI raises insurance rates more than any other conviction. A 176% increase means drivers often pay nearly triple the pre-conviction premium. Drivers labeled as high-risk due to needing an SR-22 often lose their good driver discount.

An SR-22 carries a filing fee of around $25. Some insurers charge the filing fee once. Other insurers charge the filing fee each policy term while the SR-22 remains on file. Separate DMV fees and fines also apply.

State laws can influence your car insurance premiums as well. California insurance companies generally cannot raise rates or cancel an auto insurance policy mid-term. The main exceptions are nonpayment of premium and fraud or material misrepresentation on the application.

However, once your policy has expired, it’s up to them to decide whether they will allow renewal of the policy.

This also happens when you see your car insurance premiums increase after a traffic violation, assuming your insurance carrier chooses to renew your policy.

If your insurance provider cancels your policy, you will need to get new insurance immediately. A lapse in coverage is never ideal, especially if you already have a major traffic violation on your record. Auto insurance companies may be less willing to offer you car insurance, given your questionable history.

California law makes drivers ineligible for the Good Driver Discount for 10 years after a DUI conviction. The Good Driver Discount guarantees a rate at least 20% below the rate for comparable non-qualifying drivers.

However, there are other car insurance discounts you can still get if you have a DUI, like multi-policy or bundling discounts.

Reaching out to your insurance agent for help to get car insurance and save money can be incredibly useful if you no longer have a clean driving record.

SR-22 auto insurance in California costs roughly $200 per month on average. High-risk drivers often pay more right after a conviction. Rates fall as the violation ages. Compare quotes from at least three insurers. Re-shop each renewal to lower the price.

Non-Owner SR-22 Insurance in California

A non-owner SR-22 policy lets you meet California's SR-22 requirement when you do not own a car. A non-owner SR-22 policy provides the state's minimum 30/60/15 liability coverage while you drive vehicles you do not own. The policy usually costs less than a standard policy because the policy is not tied to a specific vehicle.

You can purchase non-owner SR-22 insurance if you need an SR-22 but don’t have a car. Anyone with a valid license in California who drives a car has to carry auto insurance coverage.

Non-owner SR-22 insurance protects you if you cause an accident in a vehicle you do not own.

Don’t consider this type of insurance just because it is the cheapest type of SR22. You can only get a non-owner policy if you do not own a vehicle, nor do you have regular access to one.

If you do not regularly drive, a non-owner SR-22 allows you to maintain your license. Purchasing non-owners insurance will count as coverage to successfully fulfill your SR-22 requirement in California.

DUI Convictions in California

A DUI is a serious traffic offense in California. A first DUI offense raises your car insurance rates. A first DUI offense also requires an SR-22 to reinstate your license.

California drivers pay an average of 176% more for full coverage after a DUI conviction, according to MoneyGeek. The average premium rises to roughly $389 per month after a DUI. A driver with a clean record pays roughly $141 per month. Finding car insurance is not the only area you have to worry about following a DUI conviction.

There are some serious legal penalties you are sure to be hit with. A DUI conviction in California carries costs beyond court fines and DUI School. The California DMV charges a $125 driver's license reissue fee before license reinstatement. The driver must also file proof of financial responsibility, known as an SR-22. The DMV charges additional restriction fees for certain restricted licenses.

Read more about SR-22 from the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)