SR-22 Insurance in California
Quick answer: California requires drivers with certain violations to file a SR-22 for 3 years. The filing fee is $25 and the average SR-22 policy costs about $210/month. The best carriers for California are Dairyland (Sentry), Progressive, The General.
California drivers required to file an SR-22 typically face 3 years of maintenance and a hard-suspension trigger for any lapse. Rates in CA are among the highest in the country because Proposition 103 caps rate factors but not surcharges.
California SR-22 at a glance
| Form Required | SR-22 |
|---|---|
| Filing Fee | $25 (one-time) |
| Filing Period | 3 years continuous |
| Minimum Liability | 15/30/5 ($1,000s: BI/person / BI/accident / PD) |
| Avg Monthly Cost (SR-22) | $210 |
| Typical DUI License Suspension | 6 months (first offense) |
| DMV Website | www.dmv.ca.gov/ |
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Best SR-22 insurance companies in California
These carriers are the top-rated SR-22 providers for California drivers based on price, filing speed, and financial strength:
| Rank | Company | Starts At | SR-22 Filing | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dairyland (Sentry) | $75/mo | Yes | Purpose-built non-standard carrier. Fast electronic filing. |
| 2 | Progressive | $110/mo | Yes | Files SR-22 electronically in most states within 24-48 hrs. |
| 3 | The General | $85/mo | Yes | Low down-payment options and monthly billing. |
How to get an SR-22 in California: step-by-step
- Confirm the requirement. Check your California DMV letter or driver record for the exact filing requirement and start date.
- Get quotes from 3+ carriers. Focus on non-standard specialists: Dairyland (Sentry), Progressive, The General.
- Bind a policy and request SR-22 filing. Pay the $25 filing fee and any required down payment.
- Wait 24–48 hours for electronic filing. California DMV updates records daily.
- Pay the California reinstatement fee if required. Check your DMV letter — this is separate from the SR-22 filing fee.
- Maintain the policy continuously for 3 years. Any lapse restarts the clock and re-suspends your license.
Watch out for California-specific rules
California DUI suspensions last 6 months for a first offense. Do not let your policy lapse — California DMV is notified within 10 days and will automatically re-suspend your license.
California DUI insurance costs
After a DUI in California, most drivers see their premium rise 70–110%. Average full-coverage premium climbs from about $111/month (clean record) to about $210/month (with SR-22). Some carriers non-renew after DUI, so non-standard specialists are usually your best bet.
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We match you with high-risk carriers who file SR-22 fast — same-day filing available.
Get My Free Quote →Or call 1-800-555-0139 to speak with a licensed agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does SR-22 insurance cost in California?
The average SR-22 policy in California costs about $210/month for full coverage, plus a one-time $25 filing fee. Non-standard carriers like Dairyland (Sentry) and Progressive typically offer the lowest rates.
How long is SR-22 required in California?
California requires SR-22 to be maintained for 3 years continuously. Any lapse in coverage restarts the 3-year clock and triggers an automatic license suspension.
What is the minimum liability in California?
California's minimum liability limits are 15/30/5 (bodily injury per person / per accident / property damage, in $1,000s). Your SR-22 must certify at least these limits.
Does California use SR-22 or FR-44?
California uses SR-22.
How do I file an SR-22 in California?
In California, your insurance carrier files the SR-22 electronically with the California DMV. You never file it yourself. Choose a carrier that files SR-22 (see below), pay any down payment, and request filing when you bind the policy. Filing is usually complete within 24–48 hours.