SR-22 Insurance in California
Numbers refreshed
In California, who has to file, how long the filing lasts, and what the state fee is.
- The form California asks for is the SR-22 (California Insurance Proof Certificate SR 22/SR 1P).
- Minimum liability limits: 30/60/15.
- Cost ranking: 14th of 51 states, where 1st = highest.
The SR-22 rules for California
California asks for an SR-22 filing (California Insurance Proof Certificate SR 22/SR 1P) after a serious offense, and it's kept for 3 years.
A driver in a collision without proper insurance has their license suspended in California; keeping an SR 22/SR 1P for three years can bring the license back early.
| Rule | California |
|---|---|
| Form | SR-22 (California Insurance Proof Certificate SR 22/SR 1P) |
| Years you must keep it | 3 |
| Liability it must prove | 30/60/15 |
Source: Section 10: Financial Responsibility, Insurance Requirements, and Collisions: California DMV; Financial Responsibility (Insurance): California DMV.
How it affects your price
The filing itself costs little; the offense behind it is what raises your premium.
According to the state rate guides we use, a price jumps about 1.5 times after one at-fault accident.
Based on the California liability average of $760, the result would be about $1,141 a year.
Steps to get one
- Not every company files the form with the state, so ask your insurer to do it.
- Don't have a car? The filing can be carried by a non-owner policy.
- Don't let the policy go unpaid. The state hears about a lapse, and it can restart the clock.
First written