California SR-22 Insurance
As Low As $10/month
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Who Requires An
SR-22 in California?
If you’ve been told that your license is suspended and you need an SR-22, you probably have a lot of questions and concerns. But don’t worry, if you need cheap California SR-22 insurance, we’ve got you covered. We have helped tens of thousands of drivers get a cheap SR-22 policy and get their license back fast. MIS Insurance has the experience to guide you through the process and make it quick, easy, and stress-free.
In California, an SR-22 can help you keep or reinstate your license after a serious offense. Some of the violations that will require you to get an SR-22 include:
- A DUI conviction
- If you do not report an accident that results in death, property damage of over $1,000, or bodily injury
- Reckless driving
- Getting into an accident without insurance
- If your record has more than three traffic violations in a short period of time
- If you are under 21 years old and you drive after drinking
What is an SR-22?
An SR-22 filing, often referred to as SR-22 Insurance, is proof of Financial Responsibility. You must purchase this from an insurance carrier because it is part of an insurance policy. If you have a car, the carrier will attach the SR-22 to your car insurance and file it to the DMV. If you do not have a car, you can get a special type of policy called a non-owner SR-22 insurance policy.
Limits for SR-22
Insurance in California
In order to get an SR-22, you need the state minimum liability coverage listed below:
- $30,000 for death or bodily injury per person
- $60,000 for death or bodily injury per accident
- $15,000 for property damage coverage per accident
What Is Non-Owner SR-22 Insurance in California?
Drivers who own a car and have a suspended license for major traffic violations can purchase auto insurance with an SR-22. If you don’t own a car, you can get a non-owner SR-22 policy to reinstate your license. This meets the state minimum liability insurance requirements, but coverage is limited. It does not cover you to drive a car you own, or a car kept at or owned by anyone at your address. Non-owner policies also do not cover you for a car you drive regularly or a car used for business. A non-owner policy provides you with liability coverage if you occasionally borrow a friend’s car.
Here’s the great news: a non-owner policy is usually a lot cheaper than an auto policy. And, if you get a non-owner SR-22 policy and you get a car later, you can usually add the car to the policy and change it to an auto policy. Call us anytime your situation changes, and we will help you change your coverage and keep it up to date.
See our California non-owner SR-22 insurance page for prices and how to buy online.
Requirements for an
SR-22 in California
Most people need to have an SR-22 for a minimum of three years in California. You may need it longer than that, depending on your case. Keep in mind that the three years usually starts on the date you reinstate your license after getting the SR-22. However, your license may be suspended for a fixed waiting period before you are eligible to reinstate.
you a repeat offender?
level?
time of the DUI? Was anyone
injured?
of the violation?
any classes required?
an interlock device?
Whatever the case may be, you need to keep your SR-22 continuously active for the entire time the DMV requires it. If your SR-22 policy cancels or lapses for any reason during this period, the insurance carrier must report it to the DMV. The carrier will file an SR-26 form, alerting the DMV that your SR-22 policy lapsed. The DMV may suspend your license again, and you will need to get the SR-22 back in force in order to get your license reinstated.
When the time is up, you can remove the SR-22 from your policy. However, you should always check with the DMV before you remove the SR-22. Confirm the date the DMV shows for the end of your SR-22 requirement to avoid a suspension. You call the DMV Mandatory Actions Unit at 916-657-6525 to check your status. Or, visit the DMV website to request a copy of your driving record.
The Cost of SR-22 in California
SR-22 insurance from MIS starts as low as $10 a month. What you pay depends on a few things: why you need the SR-22, your driving record, your age, where you live, and whether you own a car. If you don’t own a car, a non-owner SR-22 policy is usually the cheapest way to meet the DMV’s requirement. You can get your exact price and buy online in about 3 minutes, and we file your SR-22 electronically with the DMV.
The bad news is that most standard insurance carriers are either going to raise your rates substantially, or they will drop you as a customer. Most standard carriers cannot insure you if you have a suspended license or a DUI on your record, or if you need an SR-22. If you had a long-time policy with a standard company, you were probably getting a number of discounts that you will lose. Loyalty discounts, multi-policy discounts, and good driver discounts are just a few.
The good news is that MIS Insurance specializes in high-risk insurance. We can help you get a good rate with an A-rated insurance company, even with an SR-22. We run your driving record and compare the top carriers who offer SR-22 and high-risk insurance to find you the best rate and the best plan for your situation. A quote takes about 3 minutes, so call us or request a quote online, and we will get you an exact rate.
At the DMV and just found out you need an SR-22?
Don’t leave the line. Call (800) 726-0640. A live, licensed MIS agent who specializes in SR-22s answers the phone (no AI assistant or phone menu), gets you a quote and issues your SR-22 within minutes. If the DMV office accepts faxes, give us the office’s fax number and your agent can fax your SR-22 certificate straight to the DMV, so you don’t have to come back another day. That speed is why so many of our reviews mention how fast and efficient we are with SR-22s.
We Shop the Market for You
You shouldn’t have to spend your day calling insurance companies and comparing quotes. At MIS, our licensed agents shop the market for you. Our state-of-the-art quoting system compares dozens of insurance companies in a matter of minutes, and your agent shows you the lowest rate available for your record and the coverage you need. That’s why so many of our 3,100+ Google reviewers talk about how much they saved.
Clear pricing, in writing. MIS is an independent broker (CA License #0G55496), and we compare more than 25 insurance companies that write SR-22s (149 across all lines of insurance), including Progressive Drive, Aspire General, National General, Bristol West, Kemper, The General, Anchor General and Dairyland. Your quote names the insurance company and shows your premium, your down payment, your monthly payment and any MIS broker fee as a separate line. “As low as $10/month” is our lowest available rate. You’ll see your exact total before you pay.
SR-22 Insurance by City and State
We file SR-22s for drivers all over California, and in Texas, Arizona and Colorado. Pick your area for local DMV details, prices and next steps:
Los Angeles area: Los Angeles · Burbank · Hollywood DMV · West Hollywood DMV · Santa Monica DMV · Santa Monica & Mar Vista · Culver City DMV
Other states: Texas SR-22 insurance · Arizona SR-22 insurance · Colorado SR-22 insurance
No car? Non-owner SR-22: California · Texas · Arizona · Colorado
En español: Seguro SR-22 en California · Texas · Arizona · Colorado
SR-22 Questions and Answers
What is an SR-22?
An SR-22 is a certificate your insurance company files with the DMV to prove you carry at least the state minimum liability insurance. It is not insurance by itself. It is added to an auto policy or a non-owner policy.
How much does SR-22 insurance cost in California?
As low as $10 a month at MIS. Your exact price depends on your driving record, why you need the SR-22 and whether you own a car.
How long do I need an SR-22 in California?
Usually 3 years, and the start date is not always the date you bought it. See how long you have to carry an SR-22 in California.
How do I get an SR-22?
Buy a policy from an agency that files SR-22s. At MIS you can buy online in about 3 minutes and print your certificate, and we file it electronically with the DMV.
I’m at the DMV and just found out I need an SR-22. What should I do?
Don’t leave the line. Call (800) 726-0640. A live, licensed MIS agent who specializes in SR-22s answers the phone, with no AI assistant or phone menu, gets you a quote and issues your SR-22 within minutes. If the DMV office accepts faxes, give us its fax number and we can fax your SR-22 certificate straight to the DMV, so you don’t have to come back another day.
How fast can I get my SR-22?
Within minutes. You can buy online in about 3 minutes, MIS files your SR-22 electronically the moment you buy, and your SR-22 certificate is emailed to you within minutes. You can take it to the DMV the same day to get your license reinstated. In rare cases, the DMV may not accept the paper certificate and may want to see the electronic filing in its system, which typically shows up within 2–3 business days. Because SR-22s are our specialty, we file the right form, electronically, every time. A wrong form or a manual paper filing can delay reinstatement by weeks or even months.
Why do I need an SR-22?
The DMV usually requires one after a DUI, driving without insurance, an accident while uninsured, or too many points. Your DMV or court notice will say so.
Do I need an SR-22 to get my license back?
After a DUI or an uninsured accident, the DMV usually requires one. See who needs an SR-22 to reinstate a license.
Do I need an SR-22 and regular insurance?
The SR-22 is a filing added to your insurance, not a second policy. If you own a car, you need auto insurance with the SR-22 on it. If you don’t, a non-owner SR-22 policy is enough.
Can I get an SR-22 if I don’t own a car?
Yes. A non-owner SR-22 policy meets the DMV’s requirement and usually costs less than a regular auto policy. See California non-owner SR-22 insurance.
Can I get an SR-22 without a license?
Yes, including with a suspended license. See how to get an SR-22 without a license.
Does SR-22 insurance cover any car I drive?
No. A regular policy covers the cars listed on it. A non-owner policy covers you when you occasionally borrow a car, but not a car you own or one that belongs to someone you live with. See what an SR-22 policy covers.
Who has the cheapest SR-22 insurance?
No single company is cheapest for everyone, because the price depends on your record. MIS is a broker, so we compare several insurance companies for you. Our SR-22 policies start as low as $10 a month in California. Prices vary.
What happens if my SR-22 lapses?
Your insurance company notifies the DMV and your license can be suspended again. See what to do if your SR-22 lapses.
How do I know when I no longer need my SR-22?
Ask the DMV for your end date. Don’t cancel before you confirm it, because canceling early can get your license suspended again.
Can I switch insurance companies while I have an SR-22?
Yes, as long as the new company files its SR-22 before the old policy ends. See how to change companies while carrying an SR-22.
Is an FR-44 the same as an SR-22?
No. The FR-44 is a similar filing used only in Florida and Virginia, with higher coverage limits. California uses the SR-22.
Why use an independent broker for SR-22 insurance?
Because we shop for you. Instead of calling company after company, one MIS agent compares dozens of insurance companies in minutes and shows you the lowest rate available for your record. MIS is an independent broker licensed by the California Department of Insurance (#0G55496).
Will an SR-22 raise my insurance rates?
The SR-22 filing itself usually adds very little. What raises your rate is the violation behind it, such as a DUI or driving uninsured. That’s why comparing several insurance companies matters: each one prices your record differently.
Is there a fee to file an SR-22 in California?
The SR-22 filing itself usually costs only Is there a fee to file an SR-22 in California?
0–Is there a fee to file an SR-22 in California?
5, depending on the insurance company. What most people don’t realize is that the filing isn’t the main cost: you’re mostly paying the premium for the insurance policy the SR-22 is attached to. That’s why comparing insurance companies, not filing fees, is what saves you money, and it’s exactly what our agents do for you. The DMV may also charge its own reissue fee to reinstate your license.
What is an SR-26?
An SR-26 is the form an insurance company files to tell the DMV your SR-22 policy was canceled or lapsed. The DMV can suspend your license again when it receives one, so call us before you cancel or switch policies.
Do I still need my California SR-22 if I move out of state?
Usually yes. California expects you to keep the SR-22 on file for the full required period even after you move. MIS files SR-22s in California, Texas, Arizona, Colorado, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Idaho and Utah, so call us before you move.
How can I check that my SR-22 was filed?
You get your SR-22 certificate by email within minutes, and MIS files it electronically with the DMV right away. The electronic filing typically shows up in the DMV system within 2–3 business days. To confirm, call the DMV Mandatory Actions Unit at 916-657-6525 or request your driving record online.
Can I get an SR-22 on a motorcycle policy?
Yes. We can attach your SR-22 to a motorcycle policy and file it for you, so you handle both in one call to (800) 726-0640.
Do I need an SR-22 for a restricted license after a DUI?
Yes. The California DMV asks for proof of insurance, filed as an SR-22, before it issues a restricted license, along with the other steps on your suspension notice, such as DUI program enrollment.
Need An Experienced DUI Attorney in California?
If you have been charged with a DUI in California, an experienced DUI Attorney can help you through the process and help you achieve the best possible outcome for your case. A DUI Attorney can make a huge difference immediately after you are charged. They may request an Admin Per Se hearing with the DMV to challenge the automatic suspension of your license. They can also help you navigate the court system. To find an experienced DUI Attorney near you, check out our DUI Attorney Referral page.
Fast SR-22 Insurance Quote
MIS Insurance proudly provides Cheap SR-22 insurance in all cities in California including: Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Fresno, Sacramento, Long Beach, Oakland, Bakersfield, Anaheim, Riverside, Stockton, Chula Vista, Irvine, Fremont, San Bernardino, Modesto, Fontana, Oxnard, Moreno Valley, Huntington Beach, Glendale, Santa Clarita, Oceanside, Garden Grove, Rancho Cucamonga, Santa Rosa, Ontario, Elk Grove, and Lake Tahoe.