Cheapest SR-22 insurance in California

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In California, the cheapest SR-22 insurance is offered by Progressive at $1,508 per year, followed by GEICO at $1,646. Rates vary based on your driving history, location and insurance company.

An SR-22 is not a type of insurance. It’s a form your insurer files with the state to prove you meet the minimum required coverage, often after violations like a DUI, reckless driving or driving without insurance. Because drivers who need an SR-22 are considered higher risk, insurance premiums are usually more expensive.

Most drivers need to keep an SR-22 on file for about three years, though the exact period depends on your state and the violation. The good news is that the higher rates aren’t permanent. As the violation ages and you keep a clean record, your premiums typically come back down, and comparing quotes regularly along the way helps make sure you’re never paying more than you need to.

How to keep your costs down during your SR-22 period

Compare at least three quotes before deciding. An SR-22 will raise your rate, but insurers handle the increase differently – your first quote is rarely your best option.
Ask how long the surcharge lasts. One insurer might reduce your rate after three years while another holds it for five. The duration can matter more than the starting price.
Keep your record clean. Avoiding new violations is the most reliable way to bring your rate down over time.
Don’t let your policy lapse. Any gap in coverage while your SR-22 is active can reset the filing period and signal an even bigger red flag to insurers.
Confirm your insurer filed the form. Don’t assume it was submitted – verify directly with your state that the SR-22 is on file.

What is an SR-22?

An SR-22 is a certificate your insurance company files with the state to verify that you’re carrying the legally required minimum coverage. It’s usually required after major violations like a DUI, DWI, reckless driving, or driving uninsured.

Think of an SR-22 as a certificate rather than a policy – it’s a form your insurance company files with the state to prove you’re carrying the required coverage. Drivers who need one are considered higher risk, which typically means higher premiums and, in some cases, fewer insurers willing to take them on.

How does SR-22 insurance work in California?

The average cost of SR-22 insurance in California is $2,238 per year
For the most affordable SR-22 coverage in California, Progressive comes in at $1,508 annually
An SR-22 is a document filed with the state that verifies you carry the minimum required car insurance coverage

When do you need an SR-22 in California?

You may need an SR-22 in California after a serious driving violation or if your license has been suspended or revoked. It’s your insurer’s way of confirming to the DMV that you’re meeting the state’s minimum coverage requirements.

Common reasons you might need one include:

DUI, DWI or other serious moving violations
Reckless driving
Accidents resulting in suspension or revocation
Accumulation of too many driving violation points
Driving without insurance

If you’re convicted of one of these offenses, you’ll need to buy a qualifying insurance policy and ask your insurer to file the SR-22 form with the DMV on your behalf.

What happens if you don’t maintain SR-22 coverage?

Most drivers need to keep an SR-22 on file for about three years, depending on state requirements and the reason for the filing. During that time, your insurance coverage must remain active without any lapses.

If your policy is canceled or expires, your insurer will notify the DMV. From there, expect a suspended license and registration, reinstatement fees, and a new SR-22 filing. In many states, the three-year clock restarts from zero, so a lapse halfway through can cost you another full three years of filings. Worse, a coverage gap brands you an even higher risk, which means steeper premiums when you re-insure and a real chance some insurers won’t cover you at all.

How much does an SR-22 insurance cost in California?

The average cost of SR-22 car insurance in California is $2,238. This is $1,223 higher than in New Hampshire, which has the cheapest SR-22 insurance.

However, it’s also $1,803 less expensive than in Michigan, the most expensive state for SR-22 insurance.

What you actually pay comes down to why you need the SR-22, your driving record and where in the state you live. A DUI typically carries a steeper surcharge than a lapse in coverage, and a city with higher accident and theft rates will cost more than a quieter rural area. Because those factors differ so much from driver to driver, the only reliable way to find your lowest rate is to compare quotes from several insurers.

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Cheapest SR-22 insurance companies in California

At $1,508 per year, Progressive is the most affordable SR-22 insurer in California. SR-22 coverage costs more than a standard policy, but there’s still a wide range of prices between companies.

These are some of the most affordable SR-22 options in California.

Company	Average annual premium	Average monthly premium
Progressive	$1,508	$126
GEICO	$1,646	$137
Mercury Insurance	$1,793	$149
Auto-Owners	$2,217	$185
Auto Club Enterprises (AAA)	$2,259	$188
Allstate	$2,285	$190
Travelers	$2,331	$194
Kemper Insurance	$2,407	$201
Nationwide	$2,488	$207
State Farm	$2,511	$209
Hartford	$2,696	$225
CSAA (AAA)	$2,722	$227
Farmers	$2,765	$230
USAA*	$1,699	$142

*USAA is only available to military community members and their families.

Which cities have the cheapest SR-22 insurance in California?

Where you live within California plays a significant role in what you’ll pay for SR-22 coverage. Drivers in urban areas usually face higher premiums due to heavier traffic, higher theft rates, and a greater frequency of claims. Those in smaller towns or suburban areas generally pay less.

Here are the cheapest SR-22 rates across major cities in California.

City	Average annual premium
Portola	$1,059
Temecula	$1,260
San Diego	$1,376
San Jose	$1,380
Hayward	$1,434
Fresno	$1,441
Sausalito	$1,488
Irvine	$1,488
Anaheim	$1,497
Vallejo	$1,529
Colma	$1,569
Sacramento	$1,584
San Francisco	$1,600
Long Beach	$1,624
Oakland	$1,628
Los Angeles	$2,039

Will my SR-22 costs go down over time?

Your rates will improve once the SR-22 requirement ends, but they may not fully return to what you were paying before the violation
Most violations stay on your record for three to five years, though a DUI can linger considerably longer depending on your state
Keeping a clean record and shopping around at renewal are the best ways to make sure you’re getting the best rate available to you

What are the minimum SR-22 insurance requirements in California?

The California DMV mandates all drivers in California to have the following minimum car insurance coverage:

$30,000 for injury or death per person
$60,000 for injury or death per accident
$15,000 for property damage per accident

State minimum coverage keeps you legal on the road, but it may not be enough to fully protect you in a costly at-fault accident. Higher coverage means a higher premium, but it also means you’re not paying out of pocket for damages that exceed your limits.

How much does SR-22 in California cost with a DUI?

Drivers with a DUI usually pay significantly higher SR-22 insurance rates, though costs vary widely by insurer. The table below compares annual SR-22 rates for drivers with a DUI in California.

This table shows two different costs:

SR-22 with one DUI – what you’d likely pay per year if you’re filing an SR-22 because of a DUI conviction. This includes the higher rate insurers charge after a DUI.
SR-22 filing only – your regular premium plus just the SR-22 filing fee, with no DUI. If your SR-22 is for something other than a DUI, look at this column to estimate what the filing alone adds to your cost.

Company	SR-22 with 1 DUI	SR-22 Filing only
Mercury Insurance	$2,945	$1,793
Progressive	$3,584	$1,508
Auto-Owners	$4,014	$2,217
GEICO	$4,064	$1,646
Travelers	$4,844	$2,331
Farmers	$4,864	$2,765
Kemper Insurance	$5,174	$2,407
Auto Club Enterprises (AAA)	$6,668	$2,259
Nationwide	$6,923	$2,488
State Farm	$8,657	$2,511
Allstate	$9,082	$2,285
CSAA (AAA)	$9,812	$2,722
Hartford	$10,665	$2,696
USAA*	$4,745	$1,699

*USAA is only available to military community members and their families.

How to get the cheapest SR-22 insurance in California

Filing an SR-22 itself costs very little, usually a one-time fee between $25 and $50. What drives up the real expense is the high-risk label insurers assign to drivers who require one. That’s also where you have the most opportunity to save. Getting quotes from multiple insurers, keeping your record clean, and selecting an appropriate level of coverage can all work in your favor. Premiums for high-risk drivers differ more than you might expect from one insurer to the next, making comparison shopping one of the smartest moves you can make.

Sebastian Hov, CEO of 18 Insurance, an insurance agency based in Sacramento, California, recommends the following:

Shop around. SR-22 rates vary significantly between insurance companies. Comparing quotes from several providers is the best way to find a good deal.
Pay upfront. Paying your full annual premium at once can be cheaper overall than spreading payments across monthly installments.
Opt for non-owner insurance. If you need SR-22 coverage but don’t own a car, a non-owner policy generally runs 5% to 15% less than a standard policy.

Compare insurers that specialize in high-risk drivers

Not every insurer treats SR-22 drivers the same way. Some specialize in high-risk coverage and can offer considerably lower rates than standard carriers. Getting quotes from at least three companies gives you a realistic picture of what you should actually be paying.

Can you get an SR-22 without owning a car?

Drivers who need an SR-22 but don’t own a vehicle can file one through non-owner SR-22 insurance. It provides the minimum required liability coverage when you drive someone else’s car and lets you reinstate your license after violations like a DUI or multiple traffic offenses. Because it doesn’t cover a vehicle of your own, it’s usually cheaper than a standard car insurance policy.

This situation is more common than it sounds. Many drivers lose their license after a violation and still have to prove they’re insured to get it back, even when they don’t own a car. Non-owner SR-22 insurance is what makes that possible.

Is SR-22 insurance expensive in California?

SR-22 insurance in California typically costs more than standard coverage. Because the requirement usually follows a serious violation like a DUI, reckless driving, or lapsing on insurance, insurers classify these drivers as higher risk and price premiums accordingly.

That said, rates end up looking very different between insurers, and shopping around can make a real difference to what you end up paying. A few other ways to keep costs down:

Cut your mileage if you can. Leaning on public transportation or carpooling may drop you into pay-per-mile or low-mileage territory.
Claim every discount you qualify for. Common ones include bundling policies, automatic payments, and completing a defensive driving course.
Keep your record clean from here on out. This is the single most effective thing you can do. A DUI can stay on your record for up to 10 years in many states, and a clean stretch during that time is what actually moves your rates down.

Frequently asked questions

Can you get SR-22 insurance without owning a car?

Yes. Non-owner SR-22 insurance is available for drivers who don’t own a vehicle but still need to meet state insurance requirements. It provides liability coverage when driving someone else’s car and is usually cheaper than a standard policy.

What happens if your SR-22 insurance lapses?

If your SR-22 coverage lapses or your policy is canceled, your insurance company will notify the state DMV. This can lead to penalties such as license suspension, reinstatement fees or an extension of your SR-22 requirement period.

Can you switch insurance companies while you have an SR-22?

Yes, you can change insurers while maintaining an SR-22. Your new insurance company must file a new SR-22 with the state before your old policy is canceled to avoid a lapse in coverage.

What our expert says

Q: How can you save on SR-22 insurance?

Sebastian HovCEO, 18 Insurance.

“Shop around: Different insurance companies offer varying rates for SR-22 insurance. It’s crucial to compare quotes from multiple providers to find the best option.”

Resources and Methodology

Sources:

Shouse Law Group. “SR22 California.” Accessed June 2026.
Progressive Insurance. “What is an SR-22?” Accessed June 2026.

Methodology

Insure.com gathered rates from Quadrant Information Services for all states, including Washington, D.C. The rates are based on a sample driving profile of a 40-year-old male and female who drives a Honda Accord LX and opts for a full-coverage policy with coverage limits of 100/300/100 and a $500 comprehensive and collision deductible across most ZIP codes. We analyzed 5,000,736 insurance quotes from 27 companies.

Alisha Ambre

Alisha Ambre holds a Bachelor of Arts with honours in English Literature and Media Studies. She focuses on crafting clear, engaging content that makes complex information feel practical and approachable for everyday readers. When she’s not writing, she’s likely on the volleyball court or immersed in a good video game.