California SR-22 Insurance Costs and Duration
How much is SR-22 insurance in California? That's the first question when you find out about SR-22s. While the filing costs are not very high, auto insurance premiums do increase after a traffic violation. It's also important to know that you cannot avoid a violation by not filing an SR-22.
Many people think that adding SR-22 insurance to their policy is going to drive the rate of their auto insurance policy through the roof. That is not the case. So what is the SR-22 insurance? It is a certificate of financial responsibility or proof of insurance that your insurance carrier files with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) on your behalf.
This proves you have the minimum insurance limits required by the state of California. An SR-22 is not an insurance policy, so you can't buy “an SR-22.”
So, what is an SR-22 insurance filing? We’ll explain what factors impact the cost, how long you’ll need to have it, and ways to save on it.
What an SR-22 Really Is (and Isn't)
An SR-22 is a liability insurance certificate. It is a document your insurance company files with the California DMV to guarantee you have the minimum required liability insurance.
An SR-22 is not insurance. You cannot buy an SR-22 like you can buy a policy.
When You Need an SR-22
Some driving infractions will almost always lead to the requirement of an SR-22 filing. Examples include:
The DMV will need the SR-22 filing completed in order for you to reinstate your driving privileges.
- a DUI,
- driving without insurance,
- too many infractions in a short period of time,
- and suspension of your driving privileges.
Factors That Determine the Cost of an SR-22
The filing cost is surprising to some people. There is a small filing cost and a larger cost related to the violation which leads to the filing.
Filing Fee
Your insurance company will charge you a small filing cost to cover the work to complete the state filing.
Premium Surcharge
The filing cost is relatively low. The cost of the surcharge is related to the infraction, and often, the severity of the infraction is what causes the cost of SR-22 to appear expensive.Thus, the actual cost to the insured is the small filing cost added to the cost of insurance directly related to the infraction.Need to compare coverage options? Get an SR-22 quote from OGI
How Long Is an SR-22 Required in California?
The default is a three-year SR-22 requirement. The DMV will maintain a record of the SR-22 for that time period.However, there is a time-related requirement to the three years.
Why Lapses Restart the Clock
If the insurance policy you use to comply with SR-22 regulations lapses, your insurance company reports this to the DMV. That resets the requirement and risks another suspension.It's simple. You need to have continuous coverage. Letting your insurance policy lapse within the SR-22 compliance period is the most common and expensive mistake a driver can make.
Confirm Your Exact Requirement
While three years is the norm, your actual end date is case specific. Always confirm what the DMV requires of you, because this is generic info and not legal advice. The DMV is the official source for your obligation and the minimum liability rules (30/60/15) in California.
SR-22 Without a Car: Non-Owner Policies
More people than you would think find themselves needing SR-22 but without a car.
How Non-Owner SR-22 Works
A non-owner policy takes care of your liability while you drive any vehicle that you do not own. Your insurance company can then file the SR-22 as a part of that policy.It is almost always a more cost-effective way to reinstate your license for people who do not own a car.Don’t own a car? Ask a licensed OGI agent whether a non-owner SR-22 policy fits your situation. Explore non-owner SR-22 options
How to Keep SR-22 Costs Down
While you can't remove the violation from your record, you can take a lot of control of the costs. A few small habits can make a big difference.
Never Let Your Policy Lapse
This is the big one. Continuous coverage not only protects your compliance, but also prevents you from restarting the three-year period.
Compare Carriers
High-risk insurance can vary significantly from different insurance companies. Checking several different insurance companies or looking at low-cost insurance can save you a significant amount of money.
Drive Clean and Stay Compliant
Staying clean and avoiding more violations is a good start, but it can take time. When you reach a certain point, you may begin to see a decrease in your rate. Our tips for driving and saving money on car insurance can be applied to this situation.
Bundle Where You Can
If you have all other coverages, bundling all policies can lessen the effect of the surplus on your car insurance.
What Happens If You Ignore an SR-22 Requirement
Avoiding an SR-22 requirement will more than likely cause a longer suspension of your driving privileges.
Suspension Stays in Place
The SR-22 is essential to have on file to have your driving privileges reinstated. Without it, your suspension will continue.That means you have more time off of the road and disruption of everyday activities.
The Clock Doesn’t Start
Your minimum three-year period will not begin if SR-22 is on file and you have continuous coverage. Ignoring the requirement will only make you serve more time to be free from the requirement.The fast track out of the requirement is to file, have continuous coverage, and wait it out.
SR-22 vs. FR-44 and Other Forms
People tend to get SR-22 and other forms mixed up. Here’s a simple breakdown.
The SR-22 Is California’s Standard
For drivers in CA, an SR-22 is used by the DMV to verify financial responsibility and confirm the minimum liability is met by the driver.
Other States, Other Forms
Some states use an FR-44 or other forms with even higher requirements. If you moved, your requirement may carry over, so be in touch with your DMV.The most important aspect to understand: For the majority of California drivers, the SR-22 is the one document that actually matters.
How the SR-22 Process Works
After your agent explains the process to you, you will see how much simpler it really is.
Step One: Obtain a Policy that meets the Minimum
You will need to obtain an auto policy that meets the minimum liability coverage allowed by the state of California. If you do not own a vehicle, you can go with a non owner policy.
Step Two: Your Insurer Files the Form
Your insurance provider will take care of the SR-22 filing to the DMV on your behalf. You do not have to worry about that.
Step Three: Keep It Active
Once the SR-22 has been filed, you have to keep the policy in effect for the entire duration required. The main reason is to remain compliant.
Same-Day SR-22 Filing in California
For good reason, when you need an SR-22, you need it as soon as possible.
That's what local licensed agents are for. At Online General Insurance, we handle your SR-22 requests quickly in order to help you with your reinstatement. See for yourself how quickly we can file an SR-22 for all California drivers.
We are at your service for all driving-related matters in California, including Tarzana, Woodland Hills, Northridge, and North Hollywood. If the DMV is after you for an SR-22, then we can do it in plain English.
Get a Free SR-22 Quote
Call: (818) 922-7225
FAQs
How much is SR-22 insurance in California?
The cost for filing the SR-22 certificate is typically low. The larger expense lies in the elevated rate on your auto insurance premium due to the violation that required it. So, your driving record will determine the total cost, and not the SR-22 form.
How long is the SR-22 requirement in California?
The requirement is 3 years of continuous insurance coverage. If your coverage is terminated at any time during the 3-year requirement, then you will need to maintain continuous coverage for another 3 years.
Do you need to own a vehicle to get SR-22 insurance?
No, you do not need to own a vehicle to get SR-22 insurance. A non-ownership insurance policy is a liability insurance policy that covers you for driving a non-owned car, and your insurance company can file the SR-22 on your behalf. This is often the cheaper route to getting your insurance reinstated.
How long does it take California to get an SR-22 filed?
It usually takes 24 hours. A filed insurance certificate can be submitted to the DMV by a licensed insurance agent to help you get your driving privileges back.Online general insurance provides auto, SR-22, renters, home, life, and business insurance. We are headquartered in California. Disclaimer: This article is not a price quote for insurance, a guarantee of insurance, or legal advice. You should verify DMV requirements and contact a licensed insurance agent for a quote.Get a Free Quote: Online General Insurance SR-22Phone: (818) 922-7225California License: OI41637