If you need to file an SR-22 in California
for license reinstatement but don’t own a car, you can purchase a non-owner car insurance policy and ask your insurer to submit an SR-22 on your behalf. California requires drivers to carry a car insurance policy with, at least, the minimum liability coverage. Most of the time, you will not be asked to show proof of insurance, unless you’re pulled over by the police or involved in an accident.
If you have a major violation on your record, it’s a different story. You’ll likely need to ask your insurer to file an SR-22 on your behalf with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (CA DMV) to prove you’ve purchased the state-required minimum car insurance
. If you don’t own a car, you can still get SR-22 coverage by purchasing non-owner car insurance—here’s how to do that in the Golden State. 
4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers What is SR-22 insurance?
Don’t let its name confuse you, SR-22 insurance
actually isn’t car insurance at all—it’s a certificate proving you have the mandatory minimum car insurance required by the law. SR-22 insurance is filed with the CA DMV by your insurer and is proof that you have a car insurance policy with the state’s minimum liability coverage limits
. If you wish to reinstate your license following a suspension or revocation, you’ll likely need to file an SR-22 certificate along with a reinstatement fee. While SR-22 insurance is commonly associated with DUI-related license suspensions, it may be necessary for a variety of circumstances. California auto insurance requirements
According to California's car insurance laws
, all drivers must purchase an insurance policy that meets the following liability coverage limits: While liability coverage is the only required type of insurance you’ll need to drive legally in California, it’s always recommended to purchase more than the bare-minimum protection. Collision
, comprehensive
, and uninsured motorist
protection are worth considering adding to your policy. MORE: Driving in California: tips, tricks, and laws
Who needs an SR-22?
You’ll likely need to file an SR-22 certificate in California if you were convicted of a major violation and your license was suspended
. You’ll likely be required to file an SR-22 to reinstate your driving privileges. You may be required to file an SR-22 with the CA DMV if you are convicted of any of the following offenses:
DUI
or “wet reckless” suspension or revocationAt-fault accident without insurance
Driving with a suspended license
Accumulating too many points on your driving record within a certain period
You’ll be required to pay an SR-22 filing fee of $25 to $50—and to add insult to injury, you’ll also undoubtedly see higher car insurance rates with an SR-22 filing on your record.
MORE: Penalties for driving without insurance in California
How to get non-owner SR-22 insurance in California
If you’re required to file an SR-22 but don’t own a car, purchasing a non-owner car insurance policy is your cheapest and best bet. A non-owner car insurance
policy will provide liability protection for injuries or damages you may cause in an accident. A lot of California insurance companies offer non-owner car insurance policies, but not all are available to drivers filing SR-22s. Insurance companies that offer non-owner SR-22 insurance in California include GEICO
, Progressive
, Esurance
, State Farm
, and The General
. Follow these steps to get a non-owner SR-22 car insurance policy:
Contact a local car insurance company to confirm that they offer non-owner insurance to drivers who are required to fill SR-22s.
Get quotes from at least three different insurers before committing to a policy. Comparison shopping online is a great way to find the best coverage for you at the lowest price.
Ask if you’re eligible for any insurance discounts. You may be able to lower your monthly premium by enrolling in a defensive driving course.
Ask your insurer to file an SR-22 on your behalf. They will submit this form to the CA DMV to prove you have purchased insurance coverage.
Maintain coverage. Do not let your coverage lapse while you have an SR-22 on file (or ever, really!)
Depending on the severity of the offense, your SR-22 could be on your record for three to five years. During that time, you’ll be required to maintain your non-owner car insurance policy.
Pro Tip: Maintain your car insurance policy even after the SR-22 is removed from your record. Driving without insurance again could land you back to where you started—plus, it will result in higher fines and a longer filing period.
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