Cheapest SR22 Insurance California

Getting an SR22 insurance in California can be expensive, especially after a DUI (driving under the influence) conviction. Luckily, there are ways to reduce the cost of your SR22 insurance premium by finding the cheapest provider possible while still maintaining the required coverage. This article will guide you on how to find the cheapest SR22 insurance in California.

What is SR22 Insurance?

SR22 insurance is a certificate of financial responsibility required by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for drivers who have had their license suspended or revoked due to a DUI conviction, driving without insurance, or any other violation that puts them in the high-risk category. The SR22 insurance proves that the driver has the minimum liability coverage required by the state of California.

What does SR22 Insurance Cover?

SR22 insurance provides minimum liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage caused by the driver in case of an accident. The minimum liability coverage required by the state of California is:

Liability Coverage
Minimum Requirement
Bodily Injury Coverage
$15,000 per person / $30,000 per accident
Property Damage Coverage
$5,000 per accident

In addition to the minimum liability coverage, some providers offer optional coverage such as collision, comprehensive, and uninsured motorist coverage.

How to Get Cheapest SR22 Insurance in California?

Getting the cheapest SR22 insurance in California requires some research and comparison. Here are some steps to follow:

1. Shop Around

Do not settle for the first SR22 insurance provider you find. Shop around and compare prices from different providers. Use online comparison tools to save time and effort. Some of the popular comparison tools are:

  • The Zebra
  • Insurify
  • Coverage.com

2. Take Advantage of Discounts

Some SR22 insurance providers offer discounts that can significantly reduce the cost of your premium. Here are some of the most common discounts:

  • Good Driver Discount: Providers reward drivers with a clean driving record.
  • Multi-Vehicle Discount: Providers offer a discount when you insure more than one vehicle with them.
  • Homeowner Discount: Providers offer a discount if you own a home.
  • Paid-In-Full Discount: Providers offer a discount if you pay your premium in full upfront.

3. Choose the Right Coverage Level

Choosing the right coverage level is important to balance between affordability and protection. The higher the coverage level, the higher the premium. Evaluate your needs and risk factors to determine the best coverage level for you.

4. Improve Your Driving Record

After a DUI conviction, improving your driving record can help reduce the premium of your SR22 insurance. Some ways to improve your driving record are:

  • Enroll in a defensive driving course.
  • Avoid traffic violations and accidents.
  • Drive safely and responsibly.

FAQs

What is the Cost of SR22 Insurance in California?

The cost of SR22 insurance varies depending on the provider, coverage level, and driving record. On average, the cost of SR22 insurance in California is around $3,000 to $5,000 per year.

How Long do I Need to Maintain SR22 Insurance?

The period of maintaining SR22 insurance in California depends on the violation that caused the requirement. The duration can range from three to ten years.

Can I Cancel SR22 Insurance?

You should not cancel your SR22 insurance until you have fulfilled the requirement mandated by the DMV. Cancelling SR22 insurance before the required period can result in license suspension or revocation.

Can I Get SR22 Insurance Without a Car?

Yes, you can get non-owners SR22 insurance if you do not own a car but still need to drive. The non-owners SR22 insurance provides coverage when you borrow or rent a car.

What Happens if I Let My SR22 Insurance Expire?

If you let your SR22 insurance expire, the provider will inform the DMV, which can result in license suspension or revocation. You will need to maintain the SR22 insurance for the required period to avoid any penalties.

Do I Need to File SR22 Insurance in California if I Move to Another State?

You may need to file SR22 insurance in the state you move to if the new state requires it. Consult with the DMV of the new state to determine the requirements.

By following the above steps and guidelines, you can find the cheapest SR22 insurance in California while still maintaining the required coverage. Remember to compare prices, take advantage of discounts, choose the right coverage level, and improve your driving record to reduce your premium.