SR-22 Insurance Guide
& California Insurer Directory
Everything you need to know about SR-22 financial responsibility filing after a DUI in California — what it is, how long you need it, and a searchable directory of insurers.
What is an SR-22?
An SR-22 is a California Proof of Insurance Certificate — it's NOT a type of insurance, but rather a form your insurance company files with the DMV to verify you carry the minimum required liability coverage. It's officially known as “evidence of financial responsibility.”
It's a Filing
Not a separate policy — your insurer files it electronically with DMV
3 Years Required
You must maintain continuous SR-22 coverage for 3 years after reinstatement
~$15–25 Filing Fee
One-time filing fee, but your premiums will likely increase
When is SR-22 Required?
🔴 You Need SR-22 If:
- • Convicted of DUI (VC §23152 or §23153)
- • Convicted of wet reckless (VC §23103.5)
- • Refused a chemical test at a DUI stop
- • Driving without insurance (VC §16029)
- • Involved in an uninsured accident
- • License suspended as a negligent operator
- • Hit and run conviction (VC §20002/20001)
- • Court-ordered SR-22 for any traffic violation
📊 SR-22 Coverage Types
Operator's Policy (Non-Owner)
For drivers who don't own a vehicle but need SR-22. Covers you when driving others' cars.
Owner's Policy
Standard SR-22 attached to your existing auto insurance policy on vehicles you own.
Broad Coverage (Owner-Operator)
Covers both owned and non-owned vehicles — the most comprehensive SR-22 option.
📋 California Insurance Requirements
Insurance (financial responsibility) is required on all vehicles operated or parked on California roads. You must carry evidence of insurance at all times and present it when requested by law enforcement, renewing registration, or after a collision.
Minimum Liability Requirements (CIC §11580.1b)
$30,000
Injury/death
one person
$60,000
Injury/death
multiple persons
$15,000
Property
damage
Often written as 30/60/15. Comprehensive or collision insurance does NOT meet financial responsibility requirements.
Additional Proof DMV May Request
- 📄 A document or identification card from your insurance company
- 📄 A DMV authorization letter (if you are a cash depositor or self-insured)
- 📄 California Proof of Insurance Certificate (SR-22) for broad coverage or owner's policy
- 📄 Evidence the vehicle is owned/leased by a public entity (Gov. Code §811.2)
- 📄 Statement of Facts (REG 256) certifying insurance on file with PUC or DMV (CVC §34630)
Other Acceptable Types of Financial Responsibility
💵 Cash Deposit
$75,000 deposited with DMV
📜 Self-Insurance Certificate
Issued by DMV for qualifying applicants
🔒 Surety Bond
$75,000 bond from CA-licensed company
📞 DMV Insurance Unit
(916) 657-6677, Option 3
🔄 SR-22 Filing Process
Contact Your Insurance Company
Call your current insurer and request an SR-22 filing. Not all companies offer SR-22 — check our directory below.
Insurer Files SR-22 with DMV
Your insurance company electronically files the SR-22 certificate with DMV. This typically takes 1–3 business days.
Pay Filing Fee
A one-time SR-22 filing fee of approximately $15–25 is charged by your insurer.
Maintain Continuous Coverage
You MUST maintain continuous SR-22 coverage for 3 years. Any lapse — even 1 day — restarts your 3-year clock and can result in license re-suspension.
DMV Reinstatement
Once SR-22 is filed and all other requirements are met (DUI program, fees, IID if applicable), apply for license reinstatement at DMV.
⚠️ WARNING: If your insurance lapses or is cancelled, your insurer will file an SR-26 (cancellation notice) with DMV, and your license will be immediately re-suspended. The 3-year SR-22 requirement may restart from scratch.
💰 Can't Afford Insurance?
If you cannot afford liability insurance, you may be eligible for the California Low Cost Automobile Insurance Program.
- 🌐 mylowcostauto.com
- 📞 1-866-602-8861
State-sponsored program for eligible low-income drivers. Provides liability coverage meeting minimum 30/60/15 requirements.
🔍 California Private Auto Insurance Directory
Search all 120 California-licensed private auto insurance companies. Not all of these companies offer SR-22 filing — call your insurer to ask. If they don't offer SR-22, or if your rates are too high, DUI-Help.org can connect you with affordable SR-22 coverage.
Showing 1–25 of 120 companies
Page 1 of 5
Can't find SR-22 through your insurer?
Many of these companies don't offer SR-22 filing. DUI-Help.org partners with agencies that specialize in affordable SR-22 insurance with same-day electronic DMV filing.
Your Insurer Doesn't Offer SR-22?
Not all insurance companies file SR-22 in California. If your current insurer doesn't offer it, or if you need affordable SR-22 coverage, we can help through our partner agencies.
- ✅ Discounted SR-22 insurance through our partner agencies
- ✅ Same-day electronic filing with DMV
- ✅ Owner's, operator's, and broad coverage policies
- ✅ Bundled with DUI program coordination
- ✅ No pressure — check your options first
We're 100% transparent. Check your current insurer above first — if they offer SR-22, great! If not, we're here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I need an SR-22 in California?▼
How much does SR-22 insurance cost?▼
Can I get SR-22 without owning a car?▼
What happens if I let my SR-22 lapse?▼
Is SR-22 the same as car insurance?▼
Can I switch insurance companies while on SR-22?▼
Need Affordable SR-22 Insurance?
Let us connect you with low-cost SR-22 coverage and same-day DMV filing.
Free Case Review with a License Reinstatement Specialist
Need Help with SR-22 Insurance?
Whether you need help finding SR-22 coverage, understanding your requirements, or coordinating with DMV — we're here to help.