SR-22 Insurance In California If you’ve already been notified that you need , you’re already frustrated. Add to that DMV forms, legalese, and the additional complication of keeping your car up, and the whole process is like navigating a maze. The silver lining? You don’t have to try to do it yourself, and we can try to make it easier for you. In this guide, we’ll break down what SR22 insurance really is, why it’s required, how much it costs, and how to get it—without the headache.
What Is SR22 Insurance in California?
Let’s start at the start. SR22 insurance is not actually an insurance policy, but it sounds like one. It’s a financial responsibility certificate that your car insurance company submits to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The SR22 document verifies that you are carrying the state minimum required car insurance coverage.
The SR22 in California is typically required of drivers convicted of:
A DWI or DUI conviction
A number of traffic infractions within a given time frame
Seen as not to have car insurance while driving
Revocation or suspension of your driver’s license
Failure to make child support payments as ordered by court
After you’ve had this document filed, it will notify the state that you’re financially liable and lawfully insured to drive.
Why Would You Need SR22 Insurance in California?
SR22 filings are required in California statute when a driver has been classified as “high-risk.” Not because you’re a bad driver—merely because the state would prefer to have further guarantee you’re insured should something go wrong while you’re driving.
These are some common situations when SR22 insurance will be mandated in California:
Careless driving or DUI: These are likely. Upon conviction, the court will probably compel you to obtain an SR22 for several years, likely three years.
Accidents without insurance: If you were in an accident and were not covered when it happened, the state may require an SR22 to restore your driver’s privilege.
Too many points: California also operates a point system for traffic offenses. Get too many too quickly, and you’ll have to get SR22 insurance in order to keep your license.
How Long Do You Need SR-22 Insurance in California?
The three-year average is on your reinstatement date of driving privilege. The length of SR-22 Insurance in california may differ depending on how grave the offense was. You are to keep it covered throughout. If your policy is cancelled or lapses, the insurance company shall notify the DMV, and this could result in license suspension reinstatement.
How Much Is SR-22 Insurance in California?
This is the domain where most motorists worry—expenses. Although the SR22 filing cost itself is quite insignificant (usually between $15 to $35), the true expense lies in your insurance rate.
Since you’re regarded as a high-risk driver, your premiums can be quite exorbitant. On average, California drivers with SR22 filings can anticipate paying $1,800 to $3,000 annually, based on the company, your record, your location, and other individual factors.
And yet, it’s not impossible. With some research, you can still have competitive premiums with an SR22 requirement.
How to Get SR22 Insurance in California
Want to get started? Follow a straightforward step-by-step guide to obtaining SR22 insurance in California:
1. Call Your Current Insurance Company
Not all insurance providers offer SR22 filings. Start by asking your current insurer. If they don’t offer it, you’ll need to shop around for one that does.
2. Compare SR22 Insurance Providers
Most insurance providers have already dealt with high-risk drivers and provide SR22 filings. Ensure that you receive quotes on not only the cost, but on customer service, payment schedule, and discount as well.
3. Pay SR22 Filing Fee
You will receive a one-time SR22 filing fee of normally $15 to $35 when you choose a vendor.
4. Have Insurer File SR22 with California DMV Electronically
You don’t have to do it yourself. The insurance company will electronically file the SR22 form with the DMV for you.
5. Call the DMV
Following mailing, contacting the California DMV and ensuring that it was received and processed properly is also a good idea.
Can You Get SR22 Insurance If You Do Not Have a Vehicle?
Yes, you can. It’s also known as non-owner SR22 insurance, and it’s for people who need to keep their license active but don’t own a vehicle at the moment. It pays liability when you drive another person’s car on a daily basis.
This comes in handy when your license has been suspended and you don’t really feel like going out and getting a car right away.
What If You Let Your SR22 Policy Expire?
Don’t let it get to that. If your SR22 policy is cancelled or lapses, your insurance company must inform the DMV, who can then re-suspend your license. You’ll likely be asked to start the SR22 period anew.
To avoid this, always:
Request reminders for policy renewal dates
Enroll in auto-pay when offered
Stay in contact with your carrier in times of financial hardship
Tips to Save Money on California SR22 Insurance
It is not necessarily a sign that you will have no hope of saving SR22 insurance if you have a clean record. The following are some tips through which you can attempt to minimize your SR22 insurance cost:
Take a defensive driving course
Bundle policies (home, renter, etc.)
Drive carefully from now on
Take a higher deductible if you can
Request discounts for things like paying cash in advance or being a return customer
When Will Your Rates Decrease California SR22 Insurance?
After you’ve served the term of required filing (typically three years), your insurance company can drop the SR22 filing from your policy. At this point, your rates might start decreasing—although some amount of time will have elapsed before things are normal again.
Make sure you get the written DMV confirmation of your compliance with the requirement prior to issuing or modifying policies.
Final Thoughts on SR22 Insurance in California
No one wakes up one morning thinking about needing SR22 insurance, but things can happen. Perhaps it is a lapse in judgment, bad luck, or bad judgment, but needing SR22 insurance in California is not failure. It only means the state would like to have a bit more guarantee you’re insured and safe on the road.
The process might seem intimidating at first, but with the right knowledge and a good insurance provider, you’ll be back on the road and back in control in no time.
