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Cheapest SR-22 Car Insurance in California (2023)


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Updated: Nov 16, 2023
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Mercury offers the cheapest SR-22 insurance in California for minimum coverage, priced at $796 per year. National General provides the most affordable full coverage policies, with premiums costing $1,280 per year. Farmers offers the least expensive SR-22 auto insurance for drivers who do not own cars at $748 per year.

After committing a traffic violation in California, such as a DUI, it is mandatory to obtain SR-22 insurance. While the SR-22 form itself does not directly impact insurance rates, most violations requiring an SR-22 will result in significant premium increases. However, there are still affordable options for auto insurance in California, regardless of vehicle ownership status.

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2023

Cheapest Companies for SR-22 Car Insurance in California

Cheapest Companies for SR-22 Car Insurance in California

The following providers offer the cheapest minimum coverage SR-22 insurance in California for motorists with DUIs:

  • Mercury: $796 per year
  • National General: $806 per year

If you’re looking for full coverage, the following insurers provide the most affordable SR-22 policies:

  • National General: $1,280 per year
  • Mercury: $2,010 per year

Due to the perceived increased risk of filing claims after a driving violation, car insurance premiums often increase. Here are some of the top choices for cheap SR-22 insurance in California, ranging from $796 to $2,638 annually in terms of pricing.

Company
Annual Premium
Monthly Premium

GEICO

$411

$34

GEICO

$419

$35

CSAA

$420

$35

State Farm

$420

$35

CSAA

$428

$36

AAA California

$430

$36

AAA California

$450

$38

CSAA

$461

$38

Progressive

$480

$40

Progressive

$487

$41

GEICO

$490

$41

Mercury

$494

$41

Mercury

$508

$42

CSAA

$522

$43

CSAA

$522

$43

CSAA

$531

$44

CSAA

$531

$44

AAA California

$549

$46

State Farm

$554

$46

Kemper

$561

$47

Progressive

$571

$48

CSAA

$572

$48

CSAA

$572

$48

AAA California

$573

$48

Travelers

$574

$48

Travelers

$576

$48

Nationwide

$590

$49

AAA California

$600

$50

Nationwide

$613

$51

Mercury

$623

$52

State National

$625

$52

GEICO

$627

$52

GEICO

$634

$53

State Farm

$634

$53

Hartford

$634

$53

Mercury

$636

$53

State Farm

$639

$53

State National

$644

$54

Kemper

$646

$54

Mercury

$653

$54

Capital Insurance Group

$654

$55

Travelers

$658

$55

Farmers

$661

$55

State Farm

$667

$56

Capital Insurance Group

$678

$57

Farmers

$680

$57

AAA California

$685

$57

Allstate

$692

$58

Allstate

$700

$58

AAA California

$717

$60

Capital Insurance Group

$725

$60

Hartford

$731

$61

AAA California

$734

$61

GEICO

$735

$61

GEICO

$743

$62

Kemper

$745

$62

GEICO

$748

$62

Capital Insurance Group

$751

$63

Allstate

$753

$63

State National

$758

$63

Capital Insurance Group

$759

$63

Capital Insurance Group

$759

$63

National General

$763

$64

Nationwide

$771

$64

Farmers

$772

$64

National General

$786

$66

Capital Insurance Group

$787

$66

Chubb

$791

$66

Mercury

$796

$66

National General

$806

$67

National General

$806

$67

Mercury

$806

$67

Chubb

$815

$68

Mercury

$818

$68

National General

$831

$69

National General

$831

$69

Capital Insurance Group

$843

$70

State Farm

$844

$70

Kemper

$856

$71

Kemper

$860

$72

Progressive

$862

$72

GEICO

$876

$73

Progressive

$878

$73

AAA California

$879

$73

State Farm

$881

$73

Capital Insurance Group

$884

$74

State National

$886

$74

State National

$886

$74

Mercury

$886

$74

Travelers

$891

$74

Travelers

$891

$74

Farmers

$902

$75

Farmers

$902

$75

Mercury

$910

$76

State National

$913

$76

State National

$913

$76

Nationwide

$913

$76

Hartford

$921

$77

Hartford

$921

$77

Farmers

$927

$77

Farmers

$927

$77

National General

$944

$79

Nationwide

$949

$79

Progressive

$951

$79

Hartford

$959

$80

State Farm

$964

$80

Allstate

$970

$81

Progressive

$970

$81

Allstate

$983

$82

AAA California

$991

$83

Travelers

$993

$83

Travelers

$995

$83

National General

$998

$83

National General

$998

$83

GEICO

$1,000

$83

AAA California

$1,001

$83

State Farm

$1,006

$84

Mercury

$1,008

$84

GEICO

$1,012

$84

Nationwide

$1,017

$85

Chubb

$1,018

$85

State Farm

$1,020

$85

Travelers

$1,025

$85

Progressive

$1,037

$86

Progressive

$1,040

$87

Chubb

$1,043

$87

Farmers

$1,054

$88

Farmers

$1,054

$88

Nationwide

$1,057

$88

Allstate

$1,061

$88

Progressive

$1,065

$89

Hartford

$1,074

$89

Hartford

$1,074

$89

GEICO

$1,075

$90

State National

$1,080

$90

State National

$1,080

$90

Progressive

$1,086

$90

Progressive

$1,087

$91

Allstate

$1,119

$93

GEICO

$1,121

$93

Mercury

$1,124

$94

Farmers

$1,127

$94

Allstate

$1,134

$95

Chubb

$1,134

$95

Capital Insurance Group

$1,137

$95

Kemper

$1,141

$95

Travelers

$1,144

$95

Progressive

$1,147

$96

National General

$1,150

$96

Farmers

$1,158

$97

Capital Insurance Group

$1,179

$98

National General

$1,186

$99

Mercury

$1,193

$99

GEICO

$1,195

$100

Travelers

$1,198

$100

Travelers

$1,199

$100

Nationwide

$1,199

$100

National General

$1,218

$101

Mercury

$1,218

$101

Allstate

$1,228

$102

Allstate

$1,229

$102

CSAA

$1,234

$103

National General

$1,238

$103

Chubb

$1,238

$103

CSAA

$1,241

$103

Progressive

$1,260

$105

Chubb

$1,262

$105

Kemper

$1,268

$106

Kemper

$1,268

$106

National General

$1,280

$107

National General

$1,280

$107

AAA California

$1,282

$107

GEICO

$1,284

$107

AAA California

$1,293

$108

Allstate

$1,294

$108

National General

$1,301

$108

National General

$1,301

$108

State Farm

$1,306

$109

Progressive

$1,307

$109

AAA California

$1,315

$110

State Farm

$1,315

$110

Farmers

$1,316

$110

Capital Insurance Group

$1,326

$111

Nationwide

$1,330

$111

Capital Insurance Group

$1,336

$111

Nationwide

$1,338

$111

Hartford

$1,356

$113

Chubb

$1,362

$114

CSAA

$1,373

$114

Travelers

$1,387

$116

State National

$1,399

$117

Capital Insurance Group

$1,414

$118

National General

$1,427

$119

Allstate

$1,431

$119

CSAA

$1,439

$120

Hartford

$1,440

$120

Hartford

$1,440

$120

Nationwide

$1,442

$120

CSAA

$1,467

$122

National General

$1,482

$124

AAA California

$1,484

$124

State National

$1,505

$125

Travelers

$1,506

$126

State Farm

$1,514

$126

AAA California

$1,515

$126

AAA California

$1,517

$126

Kemper

$1,523

$127

Capital Insurance Group

$1,527

$127

State Farm

$1,529

$127

Kemper

$1,540

$128

Kemper

$1,540

$128

AAA California

$1,555

$130

National General

$1,559

$130

National General

$1,559

$130

CSAA

$1,561

$130

CSAA

$1,561

$130

Hartford

$1,565

$130

CSAA

$1,567

$131

CSAA

$1,567

$131

Capital Insurance Group

$1,568

$131

Travelers

$1,569

$131

Mercury

$1,573

$131

Chubb

$1,582

$132

Mercury

$1,582

$132

CSAA

$1,584

$132

State Farm

$1,586

$132

Capital Insurance Group

$1,592

$133

Chubb

$1,604

$134

State National

$1,604

$134

Mercury

$1,607

$134

GEICO

$1,612

$134

Nationwide

$1,617

$135

Capital Insurance Group

$1,620

$135

Chubb

$1,628

$136

State National

$1,655

$138

Farmers

$1,659

$138

Capital Insurance Group

$1,662

$138

GEICO

$1,666

$139

Nationwide

$1,682

$140

Farmers

$1,696

$141

AAA California

$1,703

$142

CSAA

$1,735

$145

CSAA

$1,735

$145

State Farm

$1,739

$145

Allstate

$1,789

$149

GEICO

$1,802

$150

National General

$1,812

$151

Capital Insurance Group

$1,827

$152

National General

$1,843

$154

State National

$1,850

$154

GEICO

$1,859

$155

Chubb

$1,868

$156

Travelers

$1,870

$156

Kemper

$1,874

$156

Capital Insurance Group

$1,875

$156

Nationwide

$1,876

$156

Allstate

$1,888

$157

AAA California

$1,913

$159

GEICO

$1,925

$160

Chubb

$1,929

$161

State Farm

$1,943

$162

Kemper

$1,946

$162

Kemper

$1,946

$162

Chubb

$1,948

$162

Mercury

$1,967

$164

State National

$1,967

$164

State Farm

$1,985

$165

State National

$1,990

$166

State National

$1,990

$166

AAA California

$2,002

$167

Farmers

$2,008

$167

Mercury

$2,010

$168

Allstate

$2,019

$168

Kemper

$2,022

$168

Hartford

$2,026

$169

Hartford

$2,026

$169

State Farm

$2,034

$170

Progressive

$2,046

$171

Hartford

$2,047

$171

Allstate

$2,050

$171

Progressive

$2,052

$171

Nationwide

$2,061

$172

Mercury

$2,094

$175

Allstate

$2,096

$175

Mercury

$2,110

$176

Nationwide

$2,134

$178

State National

$2,141

$178

State National

$2,141

$178

Mercury

$2,148

$179

GEICO

$2,151

$179

National General

$2,210

$184

Allstate

$2,216

$185

Allstate

$2,223

$185

Hartford

$2,226

$186

Progressive

$2,231

$186

Nationwide

$2,238

$187

Progressive

$2,241

$187

State Farm

$2,269

$189

Kemper

$2,273

$189

Farmers

$2,292

$191

Farmers

$2,292

$191

Nationwide

$2,297

$191

Travelers

$2,298

$191

Farmers

$2,344

$195

Farmers

$2,344

$195

Allstate

$2,349

$196

Hartford

$2,350

$196

Hartford

$2,350

$196

State Farm

$2,376

$198

Capital Insurance Group

$2,388

$199

Travelers

$2,394

$200

Chubb

$2,452

$204

Progressive

$2,477

$206

Kemper

$2,490

$207

Nationwide

$2,496

$208

Chubb

$2,512

$209

Capital Insurance Group

$2,534

$211

Progressive

$2,543

$212

Progressive

$2,558

$213

Travelers

$2,561

$213

GEICO

$2,570

$214

Allstate

$2,618

$218

Mercury

$2,618

$218

State National

$2,635

$220

State National

$2,635

$220

Hartford

$2,638

$220

GEICO

$2,656

$221

Travelers

$2,663

$222

Progressive

$2,705

$225

Chubb

$2,752

$229

Farmers

$2,775

$231

Farmers

$2,775

$231

Mercury

$2,796

$233

Capital Insurance Group

$2,860

$238

Farmers

$2,864

$239

Travelers

$2,868

$239

Nationwide

$2,921

$243

Farmers

$2,930

$244

Chubb

$3,014

$251

Kemper

$3,024

$252

GEICO

$3,072

$256

Chubb

$3,074

$256

AAA California

$3,084

$257

Progressive

$3,090

$257

AAA California

$3,095

$258

Hartford

$3,101

$258

Hartford

$3,101

$258

State Farm

$3,133

$261

Travelers

$3,195

$266

Travelers

$3,196

$266

Nationwide

$3,262

$272

Chubb

$3,335

$278

Travelers

$3,340

$278

Kemper

$3,345

$279

Kemper

$3,345

$279

Farmers

$3,469

$289

Hartford

$3,630

$303

Nationwide

$3,657

$305

State National

$3,712

$309

Chubb

$3,898

$325

Allstate

$3,913

$326

Chubb

$3,951

$329

Nationwide

$3,978

$332

State National

$4,001

$333

Chubb

$4,011

$334

State Farm

$4,021

$335

Travelers

$4,028

$336

AAA California

$4,084

$340

Allstate

$4,145

$345

Kemper

$4,235

$353

Kemper

$4,235

$353

CSAA

$4,401

$367

CSAA

$4,423

$369

Allstate

$4,619

$385

State Farm

$4,694

$391

Chubb

$4,837

$403

CSAA

$4,906

$409

Hartford

$4,910

$409

State National

$4,939

$412

Kemper

$5,013

$418

Kemper

$5,013

$418

Nationwide

$5,216

$435

Hartford

$5,750

$479

Hartford

$7,716

$643

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What Is SR-22 in California?

SR-22 is a mandatory certificate of financial responsibility that serves as proof of having car insurance. It is not an insurance policy in itself; instead, it demonstrates compliance with the minimum liability insurance requirements.

Typically, individuals who have committed significant traffic violations require an SR-22. Some of these instances include:

  • Driving without insurance
  • DUI, driving while intoxicated or other major driving offenses
  • Involvement in an accident with insufficient insurance coverage

The duration of the filing period for SR-22 insurance varies from state to state. Generally, it can range from one to five years, depending on the severity of the offense committed. Repeated violations often result in extended filing periods.

Your insurance provider takes care of the filing process on your behalf. They will complete the necessary form and submit it to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Note that filing an SR-22 may increase your insurance premiums. Insurers may consider you a higher-risk driver who is more likely to be involved in accidents or file claims due to the SR-22 requirement, which indicates past violations.

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MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP

Once you have met the requirements of California's financial responsibility mandate, your insurance provider must submit a Financial Responsibility Cancellation Form. This form serves as confirmation that all necessary obligations have been fulfilled. You are no longer obligated to maintain the specific financial responsibility filing, such as an SR-22.

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

MoneyGeek found that these insurers provide the cheapest SR-22 insurance in California for non-owner drivers:

For those associated with the military, USAA offers an even more budget-friendly non-owner SR-22 insurance in California, with annual premiums averaging $512.

In situations where a non-owner driver's license has been revoked or suspended or if they have been held accountable for a significant traffic offense such as DUI, the submission of an SR-22 may be required. Non-owner auto insurance can assist in legally driving and reinstating one's license.

The following table shows the least expensive options in California for non-owner auto insurance. MoneyGeek identified these options by analyzing quotes from various insurance companies, with annual premiums ranging from $748 to $980.

Company
Annual Premium
Monthly Premium

Progressive

$444

$37

Kemper

$446

$37

Travelers

$497

$41

GEICO

$497

$41

Farmers

$552

$46

Nationwide

$569

$47

State Farm

$603

$50

Farmers

$748

$62

Travelers

$797

$66

State Farm

$806

$67

Progressive

$881

$73

Nationwide

$881

$73

GEICO

$885

$74

Kemper

$980

$82

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WHAT IS NON-OWNER CAR INSURANCE?

Non-owner SR-22 insurance in California covers property damage and bodily injury caused to third parties, but it does not extend coverage for injuries sustained by you or your passengers. This type of insurance is often necessary for renters, rideshare drivers and professional drivers. Non-owner car insurance is often required for individuals who need to file an SR-22 or an FR-44 form but do not own a vehicle.

To help you find the best prices, MoneyGeek conducted research on the most affordable non-owner car insurance in California.

Average Cost of SR-22 Car Insurance in California

The average annual SR-22 insurance cost in California for a driver with a DUI is about $1,420 for minimum coverage and $3,375 for full coverage. Even minor violations like speeding or at-fault collisions may require filing an SR-22 document. Insurance companies consider individuals with traffic offenses to be higher-risk drivers.

Insurance companies adjust their prices based on statistical data and risk assessment tools, which calculate the likelihood of a driver making a claim. Increased risks associated with a customer's driving history determine an insurer's modified rates.

Driving Record
Annual Premium
Monthly Premium

Clean

$1,343

$112

At-Fault Accident

$2,205

$184

Ticket

$1,010

$84

At-Fault Accident

$943

$79

At-Fault Accident

$1,159

$97

DUI

$4,170

$347

Clean

$705

$59

Ticket

$815

$68

At-Fault Accident

$2,167

$181

DUI

$1,420

$118

Ticket

$2,418

$201

Clean

$1,681

$140

Clean

$571

$48

At-Fault Accident

$2,750

$229

DUI

$1,732

$144

Clean

$1,307

$109

Ticket

$1,882

$157

Ticket

$1,944

$162

DUI

$3,244

$270

DUI

$1,394

$116

Ticket

$826

$69

DUI

$3,375

$281

At-Fault Accident

$942

$79

Clean

$575

$48

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MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP

MoneyGeek highly recommends drivers in California who need SR-22 insurance compare insurance premiums each time they renew their policy or at least once a year. Prices for coverage with an SR-22 can vary significantly between insurance companies, making it beneficial to shop around and find the best policy for your budget.

How SR-22 Affects Car Insurance Rates in California

Filing an SR-22 insurance in California can substantially impact auto insurance costs, often resulting in higher premiums. On average, individuals required to file an SR-22 in California should anticipate an increase of $825 in their rates.

The impact on insurance premiums will vary depending on the severity of the charge, state regulations, personal driving history, the insurance company and specific circumstances. We advise consulting insurance representatives, comparing quotes from multiple companies and exploring potential discounts to find the cheapest SR-22 insurance that meets the state's financial responsibility requirements.

Car Insurance Rate Comparison Based on Driving Records in California

carInsurance
Clean Driving Record

Annual Premium for Minimum Coverage

$595
accident2
After a DUI

Annual Premium for Minimum Coverage

$1,420
Car insurance premiums after a DUI are on average:$825 more

This is 139% more expensive.

Other Effects of SR-22 on Car Insurance in California

Submitting an SR-22 in California can impact your auto insurance beyond just higher rates. Here are some situations where filing an SR-22 might affect your insurance:

1

Limited number of insurance options

When selecting an insurance company, you may find that your options are limited as some insurers do not offer SR-22 filings. Filing an SR-22 can restrict your choices, as certain insurers may consider high-risk drivers too risky to provide coverage for.

2

Possible policy cancellation

In California, submitting an SR-22 insurance form can result in a policy cancellation. To prevent the cancellation of your coverage, you must meet the California SR-22 requirements and ensure ongoing compliance. This entails making timely payments, adhering to the mandated liability coverage limits and practicing safe driving habits.

3

Length of required filing

The duration you are required to maintain the SR-22 filing depends on the severity of the violation and the state's laws. The typical filing period in California ranges from one to three years, with some cases extending up to five years. Maintaining the SR-22 insurance throughout this period is essential, as failure to do so may result in penalties such as license suspension.

4

Filing fees

When filing an SR-22 in California, you may be responsible for paying filing fees. The specific amount of the SR-22 filing fee can vary depending on the insurer and the details of your case. Typically, insurance companies charge a one-time filing cost for the initial SR-22 form in California, which can range from $15 to $50.

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How to Get SR-22 Insurance in California

After a driving violation, you should follow these steps to secure car insurance coverage:

  1. Find an insurance provider that covers drivers with traffic violations.
  2. Buy insurance that meets the minimum liability requirements set by the state of California.
  3. Ask your insurance provider to handle the submission of an SR-22 form, cover any related expenses and keep it regularly updated.

By taking these steps, you can show the relevant authorities your commitment to taking responsibility for your driving record and maintaining sufficient insurance coverage.

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CALIFORNIA LICENSE REINSTATEMENT FEE

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) may charge a reinstatement fee, a license renewal fee and any applicable penalties or fines. These fees can range from around $55 to $200 or more, depending on the reason for the license suspension or revocation. These costs are subject to change, so we recommend consulting the official California DMV website or contacting the DMV directly for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding license reinstatement fees.

How to Get Cheaper Car Insurance in California After a DUI

Acquiring insurance coverage following a DUI often leads to an increase in rates. Insurance providers commonly perceive DUI records as significant risk factors, resulting in more expensive premiums. However, despite the higher costs, you can follow the following steps to reduce your overall SR-22 car insurance rates.

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    Compare quotes immediately

    It would be best if you took the time to compare quotes from multiple companies when looking for car insurance after a DUI in California. Insurance providers may offer different rates and alternative underwriting standards when dealing with a DUI. You can find the most reasonable and cost-effective option by requesting quotes from various insurers.

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    Complete DUI classes or programs

    Participating in DUI programs and classes can reduce the likelihood of future offenses, resulting in lower risk and potentially cheaper insurance rates. In California, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) oversees the licensing and compliance monitoring of all DUI programs through its Behavioral Health Licensing and Certification Division.

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    Look for discounts

    Most auto insurance providers offer discounts to drivers who meet specific criteria. You may be eligible for a discount if you, for example, complete a defensive driving course, install a vehicle tracking device or maintain a clean driving record. We recommend consulting your insurance provider to determine whether you qualify for discounts.

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    Practice safe driving

    Your insurance rates can gradually decrease by consistently driving safely, adhering to traffic regulations, avoiding new infractions and accidents and maintaining a clean driving record. The impact of a DUI on insurance premiums may diminish as you demonstrate responsible driving behavior.

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    Shop rates over time

    It is always wise to periodically shop around and explore if you can secure a better rate, even if you already have an affordable auto insurance policy. As your driving record improves and you commit to safe driving practices, you may become eligible for lower rates with different companies.

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MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP

Providers design non-standard auto insurance to cater to drivers who may face difficulties obtaining coverage from traditional insurers due to previous records or similar high-risk incidents. Non-standard auto insurance offers an option for high-risk drivers who may struggle to find coverage elsewhere, providing an alternative for individuals with limited options in the insurance market, despite typically having higher rates than regular insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions About SR-22 Insurance in California

In situations that necessitate filing an SR-22, it is crucial to have a clear understanding of your potential policy. MoneyGeek answered some frequently asked questions about SR-22 insurance in California.

About Mark Fitzpatrick


Mark Fitzpatrick headshot

Mark Fitzpatrick is a senior content director at MoneyGeek with over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, conducting original research and creating content that can be personalized for every buyer. He has been quoted on insurance topics in several publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Mark 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 economics and insurance knowledge to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.


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