California SR-22 Insurance
California SR-22: Proof of financial responsibility after driving infractions.
California SR-22 Insurance
Getting an SR-22 in California can be confusing and expensive. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about getting CA SR-22 insurance and some valuable tips to save you more money.
What is California SR-22 Insurance?
SR-22 insurance is a type of high-risk auto insurance that provides proof of financial responsibility to the DMV. It’s required for drivers who have been convicted of serious traffic violations like:
- DUI
- Hit and run
- Reckless driving
- Driving without insurance
- Too many points on your license
If the California DMV requires you to get an SR-22, you’ll need to work with your auto insurance company to have it filed. The SR-22 is simply a form that your insurer sends to the DMV to prove you have adequate insurance coverage.
You’ll need to maintain SR-22 coverage for a set period of time, usually 3 years. If you let it lapse, the DMV will suspend your license and registration.
Who Needs SR-22 Insurance in California?
In California, you may be required to carry SR-22 insurance if:
- You’ve been convicted of a serious traffic violation like DUI, hit and run, reckless driving, etc.
- Your license has been suspended or revoked
- You’ve accumulated too many points on your driver’s license
- You’ve been caught driving without valid insurance
The DMV will review your driving record and order you to file SR-22 either through a hearing process or automatically by a computer system.
You’ll receive a notice from the DMV informing you that SR-22 is required. At that point, you’ll need to contact your insurer immediately to have the form filed.
How to Get SR-22 Insurance in California
Getting SR-22 insurance in California involves just a few simple steps. You need to:
- Contact your regular auto insurance company
The easiest way to get SR-22 insurance is through your existing insurer. Most major companies like State Farm, GEICO, Progressive, etc. can file SR-22 for you.
- Ask your insurer to file Form SR-22 with the DMV
This is a quick process. Your insurer simply sends an SR-22 certificate electronically to the DMV on your behalf. There’s usually no additional cost or fees.
- Make sure you maintain continuous auto insurance coverage
The SR-22 form doesn’t provide any coverage – it just proves to the DMV that you’re insured. You’ll need to keep your policy active throughout the entire SR-22 requirement period.
- Check that the SR-22 is on file with the DMV
You can call or check online to confirm the DMV received and processed your SR-22 form. This ensures you’re complying with the requirements.
If your existing insurer won’t file SR-22 for you, you may need to shop around and switch to a nonstandard auto insurance company that offers high-risk coverage.
How Long Will You Need an SR-22 in California?
In California, the SR-22 requirement period is usually 3 years. However, that timeframe can vary depending on your specific violation. A judge might require a driver to carry California SR-22 auto insurance for less than three years or more. Iy largely depends on the future risk the motorist poses.
Here Are Some Common SR-22 Requirement Durations
- First DUI conviction – 3 years
- Second DUI conviction – 3 to 5 years
- Reckless driving conviction – 3 years
- Hit and run conviction – 3 years
- Driving without insurance – 3 years
- License suspension – 3 years from reinstatement date
The DMV will inform you exactly how long you need to keep the SR-22 when they notify you it’s required.
It’s essential to maintain your high-risk insurance without any gaps during the entire SR-22 period. If you let your coverage lapse, the DMV will extend the SR-22 requirement and may suspend your license.
How to Find the Cheapest SR-22 Insurance in California
On average, SR-22 insurance costs $150 to $400 more per month than regular car insurance. But there are ways to minimize the cost increase:
- Shop Quotes! Premiums from different insurers can vary widely. Compare quotes from at least 3 companies.
- Raise your deductibles. Opting for higher deductibles like $500 or $1,000 can lower your rates.
- Ask about discounts. Many insurers offer discounts for things like completing defensive driving, having anti-theft devices, insuring multiple cars, and more.
- Consider bundling policies. You may save up to 15% when you bundle SR-22 with the same company that provides your home or life insurance.
- Improve your driving record. Once the SR-22 term is up, your rates will fall drastically if you maintain a clean driving record.
- Pay premiums upfront or in full. Paying your 6-month or annual premium all at once results in lower rates compared to month-to-month payments.
- Maintain good credit. California insurers use your credit-based insurance score to set rates. Keeping your credit solid helps lower premiums.
- Install an anti-theft device like a car alarm or tracking system. This can earn you a 5-15% discount.
- Ask about usage-based programs. These use an app or device to track your driving habits and offer discounted rates for safe driving.
- Take a defensive driving course. Many insurers provide a discount upon completing an approved course.
- Increase your comprehensive and collision deductibles. This reduces premiums but you pay more out-of-pocket for claims.
- Exclude teen drivers from your policy. Insuring teen drivers who require SR-22 is very expensive. Consider excluding them if possible.
- Reduce mileage. Companies charge higher rates for drivers with long commutes or high annual mileage. Cut down on driving to save.
- Maintain California minimum coverage. Don’t pay for extra coverage you don’t need while on an SR-22 policy.
- Ask about discounts. There are discounts for mature drivers, good students, affinity groups, paperless billing, and more.
Following these tips and shopping carefully makes it possible to obtain relatively affordable SR-22 insurance in California.
Laws and Regulations Pertaining to SR-22 in California
California has strict regulations when it comes to the SR-22 requirement. Here are some key laws drivers need to know:
- Insurance Code Sections 16020-16027 – Establishes guidelines for SR-22 policies and filing
- Vehicle Code Sections 16070-16073 – Suspension of driving privileges for SR-22 non-compliance
- Vehicle Code Section 23247 – Specifies SR-22 requirements for DUI convictions
- Vehicle Code Section 16028 – DMV authority to require SR-22 and suspend the driver’s license
It’s important to know that California law requires insurers to immediately notify the DMV if an SR-22 policy is canceled or lapses. Drivers must then prove they have new insurance or face suspension.
Also, making false statements or submitting fraudulent SR-22 documentation is a misdemeanor crime under California law.
Drivers are advised to strictly follow all SR-22 compliance steps. Non-compliance results in severe penalties, including:
- License suspension – 1 year or more
- Vehicle impoundment and plate confiscation
- Extension of the SR-22 requirement period
- Large DMV reinstatement fees
Maintaining continuous auto insurance coverage is essential when you’re required to file an SR-22 certificate in California.
The Final Word on California SR-22 Car Insurance
Getting hit with an SR-22 requirement can be stressful and expensive. However, understanding California’s SR-22 laws and following the proper steps ensures you can comply without too much hassle. The keys to getting a lower rate are shopping around for the best high-risk insurance quotes, maintaining coverage without gaps, and confirming the DMV has your SR-22 on record.
While SR-22 insurance is costly, focusing on safe driving makes it possible to eventually rebuild your driving record. Within 3 years or so, you can get back to standard insurance and minimum rates. With some patience and diligent insurance management, an SR-22 doesn’t have to stand in the way of legally and affordably operating your vehicle in California.
Compare California SR-22 auto insurance quotes online. Enter your zip code and fill out a five-minute quote application. Save more money today on SR-22 insurance in California.