Cheapest SR-22 Car Insurance in California (2024)


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Updated: September 6, 2024

An SR-22 is not an insurance policy but a certificate proving you meet California's minimum coverage after certain driving violations. It's filed by either you or your insurance company. While the SR-22 form doesn't affect your rates, the infractions necessitating it can lead to higher premiums.

For drivers requiring an SR-22, the most affordable company is CSAA, with an annual rate of $448 for liability-only coverage. A close second is National General, offering coverage at $788 per year.

For those needing non-owner car insurance with an SR-22, Farmers provides the most economical option at $748 annually, followed by Travelers at $797 per year.

Why Trust MoneyGeek? Our team obtained data from the California Department of Labor and Regulation’s Division of Insurance and Quadrant Information Services to determine the most affordable SR-22 insurance companies for various driver profiles.

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18Companies Compared
 
596ZIP Codes

Cheapest Companies for SR-22 Car Insurance in California

The cheapest companies for minimum coverage SR-22 car insurance in California are:

  • CSAA: $37 per month, $448 per year
  • National General: $66 per month, $788 per year

The least expensive providers for full coverage SR-22 insurance in California are:

  • National General: $127 per month, $1,519 per year
  • CSAA: $127 per month, $1,525 per year

After a moving violation, you're likely to face higher car insurance rates as insurers consider you a high-risk driver. Even so, affordable cheap SR-22 car insurance is available. By comparing quotes, you can find a plan that fits your budget, whether you need state minimum coverage or full coverage car insurance.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age Group:
Age Group:30-59
Coverage:
Coverage:State Minimum Liability Only
Driving Record:
Driving Record:DUI
CSAAAnnual Premium$448Monthly Premium$37
National GeneralAnnual Premium$788Monthly Premium$66
MercuryAnnual Premium$814Monthly Premium$68
ProgressiveAnnual Premium$1,052Monthly Premium$88
Capital Insurance GroupAnnual Premium$1,069Monthly Premium$89
FarmersAnnual Premium$1,067Monthly Premium$89
GEICOAnnual Premium$1,145Monthly Premium$95
KemperAnnual Premium$1,268Monthly Premium$106
AAAAnnual Premium$1,395Monthly Premium$116
TravelersAnnual Premium$1,535Monthly Premium$128
ChubbAnnual Premium$1,604Monthly Premium$134
State NationalAnnual Premium$1,655Monthly Premium$138
NationwideAnnual Premium$1,982Monthly Premium$165
State FarmAnnual Premium$2,016Monthly Premium$168
AllstateAnnual Premium$2,215Monthly Premium$185
HartfordAnnual Premium$2,583Monthly Premium$215
Compare Auto Insurance Rates

Ensure you're getting the best rate for your auto insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.

Cheapest Companies for Non-Owner SR-22 Car Insurance in California

The companies with the cheapest non-owner SR-22 insurance in California are:

  • Farmers: $62 per month, $748 per year
  • Travelers: $66 per month, $797 per year

Non-owner car insurance can fulfill the liability coverage requirements for individuals who need to file an SR-22 but do not own a vehicle. This type of coverage is essential following license suspension, revocation or serious traffic violations.

For non-owner drivers, finding the most affordable provider is crucial, as it ensures compliance with legal requirements without unnecessary financial strain.

FarmersAnnual Premium$748Monthly Premium$62
TravelersAnnual Premium$797Monthly Premium$66
State FarmAnnual Premium$806Monthly Premium$67
ProgressiveAnnual Premium$881Monthly Premium$73
NationwideAnnual Premium$881Monthly Premium$73
GEICOAnnual Premium$885Monthly Premium$74
KemperAnnual Premium$980Monthly Premium$82
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WHAT IS NON-OWNER CAR INSURANCE?

Non-owner car insurance offers liability coverage for individuals who drive frequently but do not own a vehicle. It's ideal for those using rental cars or working as rideshare drivers, covering third-party bodily injury and property damage if you're at fault in an accident.

Non-owner vehicle insurance in California is typically more affordable than minimum coverage. To ensure you're getting the best deal, it's wise to compare quotes from several insurers.

What Is an SR-22 in California?

An SR-22 in California is a form that proves you have the state minimum coverage after serious traffic offenses. It's filed by you or your insurer and is required for three years. If your SR-22 lapses or is canceled, your insurer will let the state know.

An SR-22 insurance shows you have minimum car insurance including:

  • $15,000 for bodily injury liability per person
  • $30,000 for bodily injury liability per accident
  • $5,000 for property damage liability per accident

Even without a car, you'll need SR-22 non-owner car insurance. Remember, an insurance card isn't the same as an SR-22 form.

Who Needs an SR-22 in California

California drivers who commit serious traffic offenses like DUI or reckless driving must file an SR-22. This form proves you have minimum coverage auto insurance, which is needed to keep your driver's license.

If you or your insurer cancels your policy mid-term, the state will be notified. The SR-22 is typically required for three years. Below, you'll find a list of violations that trigger the need for an SR-22, ensuring you stay informed and on the road legally.

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    DUI

    Driving under the influence (DUI) in California means you'll need SR-22 insurance to meet minimum coverage for three years.

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    Reckless Driving

    Reckless driving convictions in California require SR-22 to show proof of responsible driving with minimum coverage.

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    Driving Without Insurance

    Caught driving without insurance and can't provide proof of auto insurance? California law will ask you to file an SR-22 to reinstate your driving privileges with minimum coverage.

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    Major Traffic Violations

    Serious traffic offenses in California may lead to needing SR-22 insurance to demonstrate financial responsibility on the road.

How an SR-22 Impacts Your Car Insurance in California

Filing an SR-22 in California comes with downsides, such as paying more for your car insurance and having fewer choices for minimum coverage. Worse, you might find insurers refusing to cover you or canceling your policy mid-term. Keeping your insurance active is key because if you let it lapse, you could be starting over with your SR-22 requirement. In California, you're typically required to carry an SR-22 for three years.

Knowing the consequences of not filing an SR-22 is important. It helps you avoid trouble with the law and keeps your car insurance in good standing.

Below is the list of how an SR-22 negatively impacts your car insurance in California:

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    Limited number of insurance options

    High-risk drivers in California may find fewer insurance providers willing to offer coverage, potentially leading to higher premiums and limited choices.

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    Possible policy cancellation

    Upon filing an SR-22, California insurers may cancel your policy mid-term or decide not to renew it, requiring you to seek a new provider.

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    Long period of required filing

    California mandates that you maintain SR-22 coverage for two years from the date of your qualifying conviction, ensuring continuous minimum liability coverage.

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    Filing fees

    Filing an SR-22 in California comes with a one-time fee, typically around $25, adding to the financial impact of the filing.

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WHAT TO DO IF NO ONE WILL INSURE YOU

For high-risk drivers with violations, non-standard auto insurance is a viable choice. It's tailored to provide coverage when traditional insurance options may be unavailable due to a poor driving record. Although these plans typically come at a higher cost, they offer a necessary solution for those needing insurance.

Average Cost of SR-22 Car Insurance in California

The average annual cost of SR-22 car insurance in California for drivers with a DUI is $3,490 for full coverage and $1,415 for state minimum. In contrast, drivers with a clean record pay $1,464 for full coverage and $597 for state minimum. This highlights the financial impact of a DUI on car insurance premiums.

The severity of your offense significantly affects your premiums. It’s not the SR-22 certificate that raises your rates, but the violations associated with it. If you’re a repeat offender or have a severe violation, your insurer might not renew your policy or could increase your rates at renewal.

An SR-22 certificate is typically required for three years. During this period, you must maintain minimum liability coverage of 15/30/5. Ensuring continuous coverage is essential to avoid further penalties or extensions of the SR-22 requirement.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age Group:
Age Group:30-59
Coverage:
Coverage:State Minimum Liability Only
CleanAnnual Premium$597Monthly Premium$50
Speeding TicketAnnual Premium$839Monthly Premium$70
At-fault AccidentAnnual Premium$957Monthly Premium$80
DUIAnnual Premium$1,415Monthly Premium$118

How to Get SR-22 Car Insurance in California

Filing an SR-22 in California is mandatory for drivers with major traffic violations like DUI. Failure to file can result in severe legal penalties, making compliance essential. Minimum coverage must meet the 15/30/5 liability standard. Here are the steps to secure an SR-22 in California:

1
Determine if you need an SR-22

If you've been convicted of a DUI, reckless driving, or another major traffic violation in California, you may be mandated to file an SR-22 to prove you have minimum coverage auto insurance.

2
Contact your insurance provider

Reach out to your current car insurance company to request an SR-22. Some insurers may not offer it, in which case you'll need to find an insurer that does.

3
Understand the fees

Filing an SR-22 in California typically involves a fee, which can range from $15 to $25. This is in addition to your insurance premium, which may increase due to the violation.

4
Submit your SR-22

Your insurance provider can file the SR-22 on your behalf. Ensure they submit it to the California DMV, and confirm the filing has been completed.

5
Confirm your coverage meets state minimums

Verify that your insurance policy adheres to California's minimum liability coverage requirements of 15/30/5 to comply with the SR-22.

6
Maintain your insurance

Once your SR-22 is filed, you must maintain continuous insurance coverage for three years. If your policy lapses, your insurer is required to notify the DMV.

7
Check your SR-22 status

Regularly confirm with the DMV that your SR-22 is on file and your insurance is current to avoid any lapses in coverage or legal issues with your driving privileges.

If your SR-22 in California lapses, your driving rights could be suspended again. You need minimum coverage auto insurance of 15/30/5. Getting a new SR-22 has a cost, but it's necessary to keep your license active.

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FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY CANCELLATION FORM

Once you've completed your SR-22 term, your insurance company will file a financial responsibility cancellation form. This tells California you've carried the state minimum coverage for the required three years after certain driving offenses.

How to Save on Car Insurance in California After a Violation

A DUI on your record means higher car insurance costs. However, affordable coverage isn't out of reach. For instance, a 30 to 59-year-old with a clean driving record pays an annual premium of about $597. However, the rate is higher for car insurance after a DUI. The same person with a DUI may pay roughly $1,415.

In California, drivers needing SR-22 can still find the cheapest rates by comparing providers, ensuring they meet the state's minimum liability requirements of 15/30/5.

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    Complete DUI classes or programs

    Taking part in state-recommended DUI classes may not only improve your driving habits but also your insurance rates. Insurers often view the completion of these programs as a commitment to safe driving, potentially leading to more affordable premiums.

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    Look for discounts

    Even with a DUI on your record, you might still be eligible for certain car insurance discounts. Inquire with your insurer about options like bundling policies or installing safety equipment, as well as pay-in-full and electronic billing discounts, which could help lower your costs.

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    Compare car insurance quotes

    After a driving violation, it's crucial to compare auto insurance quotes to find the most affordable state minimum coverage. Prices can differ widely, so shopping around is key.

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    Maintain a clean record

    Post-DUI, it's imperative to keep your driving record as clean as possible. Over time, avoiding further violations can lead to lower insurance rates, as it demonstrates to insurers that you are a lower risk.

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    Choose a higher deductible

    Opting for a higher deductible, which only applies to full coverage policies with collision and comprehensive insurance, can reduce your monthly premiums. However, ensure you have enough savings to cover the deductible in case of an accident. This balance can result in significant savings over time.

Compare Auto Insurance Rates

Ensure you're getting the best rate for your auto insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.

FAQ: SR-22 Insurance in California

Finding affordable SR-22 insurance in California can be a challenge. Get answers to your questions about securing the most cost-effective coverage here.

What are the cheapest SR-22 car insurance options in California?

The cheapest SR-22 car insurance options in California include CSAA at $448 annually ($37 monthly) and National General at $788 annually ($66 monthly).

How much does filing an SR-22 increase car insurance rates in California, on average?

Filing an SR-22 in California increases car insurance rates by an average cost of $818 annually. For example, the annual premium can go from $597 for a clean record to $1,415 for a DUI.

How long do you need to have an SR-22 in California?

You need to maintain an SR-22 in California for three years. This period ensures you meet the state's minimum liability coverage requirements after a major violation like a DUI.

About Mark Fitzpatrick


Mark Fitzpatrick headshot

Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.