SR-22 Requirements in California

SR-22 requirements in California provide an extra level of accountability for certain kinds of high-risk drivers. For example, if you get a DUI, you’ll have to follow SR-22 requirements for a period of time to demonstrate your responsibility on the road. These rules are also there to protect you financially if you happen to cause an accident.

But what exactly are SR-22 requirements in California, and how do they work? Before you get an insurance quote for an SR-22 policy, make sure you know the details. If you’ve recently been convicted of a DUI or another serious driving infraction in the Golden State, read on to learn what you can expect.

If you get convicted of a DUI, reckless driving, or another serious traffic violation, you may have to file a certificate of responsibility, also known as an SR-22 form. This form essentially confirms that you have sufficient insurance to get back on the road. Although all California motorists need to have a certain level of coverage, people with SR-22s will need to prove their coverage up front in order to restore their driving privileges after a conviction.

Why You Might Need SR-22 Insurance in California

There are many situations where you might have to follow an SR-22 requirement. Firstly, getting a DUI conviction. If you get convicted of driving under the influence, the state considers you to be at a higher risk of causing an accident. That means it’s especially important that you can provide proof of insurance. To get your driver’s license back, you’ll need to use an SR-22 form to verify your coverage.

Although DUI conviction is one of the most common situations for SR-22s, there are other situations where you’ll need to file a certificate of financial responsibility. Here are some examples:

• Being convicted of reckless driving
• Driving without insurance and failing to secure a policy
• Driving without a license
• Having multiple, frequent moving violations on your driving record
• Not keeping up with child support payments

Now that you know what a certificate of financial responsibility is, it’s time to dive into the details. To pick the right policy, you need to know the rules as a California driver.

SR-22 Insurance California Requirements Explained

Most states have rules in place for establishing financial responsibility for high-risk drivers after certain situations occur. However, the exact specifications vary from place to place. For example, some states will have shorter SR-22 periods than others. If you’re a California resident, it’s important to get a handle on state law so you can avoid any issues with the courts as you work to fully restore your driver’s license.

Getting the right SR-22 insurance policy starts with talking to your insurer. Inform them that you have to file a certificate of financial responsibility. They’ll be able to set you up with the right policy and explore any additional coverages you want. Once you set up your policy, they’ll file your SR-22 with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) on your behalf.

Keep in mind that some insurance companies may choose to end your policy because of your risk level, so you may need to shop around. Finding insurance after a DUI can be daunting, so it can help to work with a company that specializes in SR-22 and high-risk drivers.

Having to file a certificate of financial responsibility classifies you as a high-risk driver for most insurers. That means your auto insurance costs will likely increase. Rates vary by state, but in some cases, they can even double in cost. You can shop around by getting quotes from various insurers to find the most affordable option available.

First, you’ll need to know exactly what kind of policy you’ll need. If you’re required to file a certificate of financial responsibility, you’ll need a plan that meets California’s minimum insurance requirements. That includes liability coverage of at least:

• $30,000 for bodily injury and death per person
• $60,000 for bodily injury and death per accident
• $15,000 for property damage

As long as your policy has these basic minimums, you’ll be able to fulfill your court order. However, you may want to consider getting a policy with higher limits to give you additional protection and peace of mind.

You’ll also need to know your filing period. The minimum filing period in California is three years, so you’ll have to maintain your policy for that entire time. In some situations, you might have a longer period, especially if you have multiple prior convictions.

It’s essential to maintain an active policy for the entire three-year filing period. If you miss a payment and your policy lapses, you may incur additional penalties. Your license will be immediately suspended, and you may be required to pay fees to refile your form. Plus, you’ll experience delays in fulfilling your SR-22 requirements in California and getting your full, unrestricted license back.

After your filing period ends, however, you’ll no longer have to worry about refiling your certificate with the DMV. You’ll still want to maintain insurance coverage if you plan to drive, but your premiums will likely start decreasing, making your policy more affordable.

Still have questions about getting back on the road in California? Here are some common FAQs.

Can an SR-22 help get me a restricted license?

In some situations, your license may be fully suspended after a DUI. However, you might still qualify for a restricted hardship license if you need your motor vehicle to go to work, attend school, or drive your kids to school and other appointments. Following SR-22 requirements in California is a critical step in securing this restricted license. Along with filing a certificate of financial responsibility, you’ll likely need to enroll in a DUI class and pay an additional fee.

How do I check my SR-22 status in California?

If you’re required to file a certificate of financial responsibility, you’ll know from your court documents. You can reach out to the courts to verify how much time you have left in your filing period.

If you want to confirm whether you’ve successfully filed the right form, you can reach out to your insurer and local DMV. Your insurer can verify if they’ve successfully filed the right form, and the DMV can check if they’ve received the correct paperwork.

What happens to my California SR-22 if I move?

As you’ve learned, SR-22 details are state-specific. So, what do you do if you switch states midway through your filing period?

Typically, you’ll need to file in both your old state and your new state. You’ll have to continue filing in California for your entire filing period. Plus, you’ll need to submit a form in your new home. It’s important to inform your insurer about your situation so they can coordinate with both DMV offices on your behalf.

Once you understand California’s rules for SR-22 coverage, you can easily take control of your insurance status. By maintaining the right level of coverage and maintaining your certificate for the right period of time, you can breeze through your filing period with ease. If you do everything right, you’ll be able to fully restore your license and eventually decrease your insurance costs.

At SR-22 Adviser, we understand that it can be complicated to figure out insurance after a DUI, especially because each state has its own rules. Fortunately, we specialize in coverage for high-risk drivers. We’ll help you navigate the entire process and get you the best possible deal on the policies you need. Request an online quote to find the right policy for you instantly.