SR-22 in California
California requires SR-22 insurance for 3 years (varies by court discretion) after qualifying offenses. You must carry at least $15,000/$30,000 bodily injury and $5,000 property damage coverage. Common triggers include dui/dwi conviction, reckless driving, driving without insurance. California has relatively low minimum coverage requirements (15/30/5). Duration can vary at court's discretion.
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Overview
California mandates an SR-22 for DUI offenders as well as certain counts of reckless driving or driving without insurance. Multiple DUI offenders may be required to use an ignition interlock device. The SR-22 must be filed with the California DMV and maintained without lapse for the required period.
Key Facts
Coverage for the described requirement
What Triggers SR-22 Requirement
- DUI/DWI conviction
- Reckless driving
- Driving without insurance
- At-fault accident while uninsured
Use an actual policy quote
Request the full policy-term premium, separate fees, payment schedule, coverage and certificate filing in writing. A generic surcharge or multi-year estimate is not your quote.
Compare entered policy quotesHow to File
Contact Your Insurance Provider
Call your current auto insurance company and request an SR-22 filing. Not all insurers offer SR-22 — if yours doesn't, you'll need to find a new provider. Compare quotes from multiple companies to find the best rate.
Purchase Required Coverage
Ensure your policy meets California's minimum requirements: $15,000/$30,000 bodily injury and $5,000 property damage.
Insurer Files SR-22 with the State
Your insurance company electronically files the SR-22 certificate with the California DMV/motor vehicle agency. This usually takes 1-3 business days. You'll receive a confirmation copy.
Apply for License Reinstatement
Once the SR-22 is on file, complete your license reinstatement process including paying the reinstatement fee and any outstanding fines or court costs.
Maintain Continuous Coverage for 3 years (varies by court discretion)
Keep your SR-22 insurance active for the full required period of 3 years (varies by court discretion) without any lapses. Set up autopay to avoid missed payments. If your policy lapses, your insurer will notify the state and your license may be re-suspended.
If you do not own a vehicle
Tell the insurer about vehicles you own, regularly use or can access in your household or employment. Ask which policy covers that use and supports the required certificate. Confirm its exclusions and the licensing authority’s acceptance; no fixed non-owner price or automatic reinstatement follows.
What Happens If Coverage Lapses
If your SR-22 insurance lapses in California, your insurer is required to notify the state DMV by filing an SR-26 form. This will likely result in immediate license suspension, potential fines, and a restart of the full SR-22 filing period (3 years (varies by court discretion)). Avoid any gaps in coverage by setting up automatic payments.
Important Notes
California has relatively low minimum coverage requirements (15/30/5). Duration can vary at court's discretion.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long do I need SR-22 insurance in California?
- In California, you typically need to maintain SR-22 insurance for 3 years (varies by court discretion). The clock starts from the date your SR-22 is filed with the state. Any lapse in coverage may reset this timeline.
- How much does SR-22 insurance cost in California?
- Get a current written quote for the required coverage and certificate. Separate the full policy-term premium from any filing or installment fees; ask what is already included. This guide does not supply a local premium, a fixed surcharge or a multi-year price promise.
- What triggers SR-22 requirement in California?
- Common triggers include: DUI/DWI conviction, Reckless driving, Driving without insurance, At-fault accident while uninsured. The specific requirement depends on the offense and may be determined by the court or DMV.
- What happens if my SR-22 lapses in California?
- If your SR-22 policy lapses, your insurance company is required to notify the California DMV. Your license will likely be re-suspended, and you may need to restart the entire SR-22 filing period from the beginning. You could also face additional fines and penalties.
- What are California's minimum coverage requirements for SR-22?
- California requires minimum coverage of $15,000 per person / $30,000 per accident for bodily injury and $5,000 for property damage.
Take Action — Direct Links
- DMV.org: third-party California guide
Commercial third-party guide. Confirm requirements with the government authority that issued your notice.
- California Minimum Insurance Requirements
Insurance Information Institute — California minimum coverage: $15,000/$30,000/$5,000.
- Compare SR-22 Insurance Quotes
Compare SR-22 insurance quotes from multiple providers to find the best rate.
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