An SR-22 is the form your insurer files with the DMV to prove you carry at least the state minimum. These guides cover who needs one, what it adds to the premium, how filing and status checks work, and what to do if you don't own a car.
Related topics: Car insurance after a DUI · Insuring a car without a US license
An SR-22 is not a separate policy. It is the certificate your insurer files with the California DMV. A basic policy with an SR-22 runs about $215 a month in a typical large city (2026 estimates); through QuoteMoto, SR-22 coverage starts from $12 a month for qualifying drivers.
If your quote depends on ownership status, a filing requirement, or minimum-coverage shopping, compare California non-owner car insurance options, review California SR-22 insurance requirements, and check cheap California car insurance coverage paths.
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About $215 a month ($2,574 a year) for a basic policy with 30/60/15 liability and one SR-22 filing in a typical large California city, in RateFoundry estimates from four insurance programs' filed rates (October 10, 2026), for a driver with no tickets or accidents. The SR-22 filing itself is $9 to $15 per SR-22 filing, the fee insurers file with the state; any agency fee is separate. Through QuoteMoto, SR-22 coverage starts from $12 a month for qualifying drivers.
Get an SR-22 insurance quote
Same-day SR-22 filing: once the policy is bound, the carrier files the SR-22 electronically with the California DMV. We answer in English and Spanish.
Your quote is handled by a licensed California insurance agent, CA Lic. #0M48807.
Request a quote online or by phone, buy the policy, and the insurer files the SR-22 for you. You never send the form to the DMV yourself.
Where you live moves the price more than the SR-22 does. For the same driver and the same basic 30/60/15 policy with one SR-22, the middle estimate across 30 cities was $2,574 a year, and Los Angeles came out highest.
| City | Middle estimate, per year | About per month | Lowest to highest estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $4,823 | $402 | $3,411 to $7,119 |
| San Diego | $2,028 | $169 | $1,685 to $2,724 |
| San Jose | $2,790 | $232 | $2,348 to $5,028 |
| San Francisco | $4,074 | $339 | $3,168 to $5,722 |
| Fresno | $2,650 | $221 | $1,965 to $2,937 |
| Sacramento | $3,199 | $267 | $2,627 to $3,555 |
| Long Beach | $2,819 | $235 | $2,621 to $3,166 |
| Oakland | $3,537 | $295 | $3,051 to $4,827 |
All 30 cities and the method: SR-22 estimates in the California Car Insurance Cost Index.
No insurer is cheapest for every driver. The SR-22 adds the same small filed fee at each insurer, so the cheapest SR-22 policy is simply the cheapest policy an insurer will sell for your record, car and ZIP code.
Prices for the same driver differ far more between insurers than the filing does: in the typical city, the highest of the four estimates was 50% above the lowest. If your SR-22 isn't for a DUI, your record still sets the price. In the California Department of Insurance's 2026 premium survey, one ticket raised the same insurer's basic premium by a typical 26%, one at-fault accident by 45%, and both by 98% (survey record effects). The survey has no DUI or SR-22 driver.
Estimates by insurer: cheapest SR-22 insurance in California.
Yes. An SR-22 is a certificate attached to a liability policy, and an owner's certificate covers the vehicles listed on that policy, a motorcycle included.
After a DUI-related suspension or revocation, Vehicle Code 16431(b) requires proof covering every motor vehicle registered in your name before the DMV reinstates your license, so a motorcycle you own has to be covered too (Vehicle Code §16431). Not every motorcycle insurer files SR-22s, so ask before you buy. California motorcycle insurance quotes.
If you don't own a vehicle, the policy you need is a non-owner (operator) policy with an SR-22. It covers your liability when you drive a car you borrow or rent and covers no car of your own. Through QuoteMoto, non-owner SR-22 starts from $12 a month for qualifying drivers. The RateFoundry estimates above are for an owned car and don't apply to non-owner policies. Non-owner insurance quotes · SR-22 without a car
Usually three years. After a suspension for driving without insurance, the DMV requires proof to be filed and maintained for three years (Vehicle Code 16430, DMV).
Your DMV notice gives your exact requirement, and your driver record shows the end date as the Proof Termination Date. Keep the policy active the whole time: if it cancels, the insurer must notify the DMV in writing within 10 days after the cancellation becomes final (Vehicle Code §16433), and the DMV suspends the license again until new proof is filed (DMV SR 104).
From an insurer that files SR-22s. The DMV and the courts don't sell or file it, and you can't file it yourself: your insurer files it electronically once you buy the policy. QuoteMoto is a comparison and referral service. It connects you with a licensed California agent at the Freeway Insurance office in San Marcos, who quotes drivers anywhere in California online and by phone. After a DUI suspension, the DMV reinstates the license once you pay a $125 reissue fee and file proof of insurance (DMV). SR-22 filing guide: forms and steps · What SR-22 insurance is
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What an SR-22 isAn SR-22 is not insurance. It's proof your insurer files with the DMV.
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California requires SR-22 insurance for various violations. We help drivers get back on the road legally.
Required after alcohol or drug-related driving offenses
Caught driving without proper liability coverage
Excessive points or repeated traffic violations
Reinstating driving privileges after suspension
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Understanding California's Financial Responsibility Certificate
An SR-22 is not insurance itself, but a certificate filed by your insurance company with the California DMV to prove you have the required liability coverage.
If your SR-22 insurance lapses or is cancelled, your insurer must notify the DMV, which may result in license suspension.
Understanding the minimum coverage and filing requirements
California raised its minimum liability requirements under SB 1107. This is the shift drivers and riders still need to meet today:
Prior minimum
15/30/5
Current minimum
30/60/15
In effect since January 1, 2025
Bodily Injury Per Person
$30,000
Bodily Injury Per Accident
$60,000
Property Damage
$15,000
California requires these minimum liability limits for SR-22 insurance. Higher limits are recommended for better protection.
You must maintain continuous SR-22 coverage for the entire required period without any lapses
Your insurance company files the SR-22 certificate electronically with the California DMV
You'll receive a copy of your SR-22 certificate for your records
Any changes or cancellations are automatically reported to the DMV by your insurer
Starting Rate
From $12
a month, for qualifying drivers
SR-22 Filing Fee
$9 to $15 per filing
the fee insurers file with the state; any agency fee is separate
Required Duration
3 Years
DMV Filing
Same day, once the policy is bound
Choose the coverage type that fits your situation
For drivers who own a vehicle and need SR-22 certification
Featured Benefits:
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Actual rates depend on driving history
Perfect for drivers who need SR-22 but don't own a vehicle. Provides liability coverage when driving borrowed or rented cars.
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Per month. Rates vary by driver.
Specialized coverage for multiple violations or serious offenses
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Rates vary based on violations
We guide you through the entire process from quote to filing
Enter your details online to get instant SR-22 insurance quotes as a starting estimate, or call 800-566-8667. A licensed California agent confirms the final price.
Select the policy that meets California requirements and your budget
Finalize your policy online or with an agent's help
Once the policy is bound, your insurer files the SR-22 electronically with the California DMV the same day.
4.9 stars on Google from 61 reviews · Freeway Insurance, 500 S Rancho Santa Fe Rd Ste 102, San Marcos, CA 92078
Your quote is handled by Oscar Rosas, licensed California insurance agent, CA Lic. #0M48807.
“By far, Oscar has been the best insurance representative I have ever spoken with. I used to work in insurance myself, and even I wasn’t as good as he is. I would recommend him to anyone and everyone.”
Herbert Cea
Google review
“I’m a young adult and this was my first time having to buy car insurance. I was very nervous and uncertain about a lot of things but Oscar had made this process very easy. He took his time to explain everything and walk me through every step.”
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“Oscar is so helpful and has really good communication. Willing to help you out on your insurance. Well recommended.”
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As an independent comparison service, we help you compare available California options
Compare quotes from California's top SR-22 insurance providers and get back on the road legally.
Same-day SR-22 filing: once the policy is bound, the carrier files the SR-22 electronically with the California DMV. Timing depends on the insurer and on when the policy is bound, so confirm the DMV has it before you drive.
The SR-22 filing is $9 to $15 per SR-22 filing, the fee insurers file with the state; any agency fee is separate. The policy is the expensive part: about $215 a month ($2,574 a year) for a basic 30/60/15 policy with an SR-22 in a typical large California city, in RateFoundry estimates from October 10, 2026 for a driver licensed 7 years with no tickets or accidents. A DUI or an accident raises the price at every insurer.
If the policy cancels during the proof period, the insurer must notify the DMV in writing within 10 days after the cancellation becomes final (Vehicle Code 16433), and the DMV suspends your license again until new proof is filed.
Yes. If you don't own a vehicle, you buy a non-owner (operator) policy with an SR-22. It covers your liability when you drive a car you borrow or rent and covers no car of your own. Through QuoteMoto, non-owner SR-22 starts from $12 a month for qualifying drivers.
Usually three years. After a suspension for driving without insurance, the DMV requires proof to be filed and maintained for three years (Vehicle Code 16430). Your DMV notice gives your exact requirement, and your DMV driver record shows the end date as the Proof Termination Date.
