California SR-22 Insurance (2026): Cost & Cheapest Companies After a DUI
After a California DUI, DMV requires proof of financial responsibility — an SR-22 — filed and maintained for 3 years. The filing fee is trivial; the premium surcharge is the real cost, and it varies dramatically by carrier. Comparing quotes before you commit is the most impactful financial decision you can make during this process.
| What it is | Certificate your insurer files with CA DMV proving you carry state-minimum liability coverage |
| How long you carry it | 3 years — DMV requires proof filed and maintained continuously for 3 years |
| Filing fee | $15–25 (the certificate; the premium surcharge is the real cost) |
| Typical premium, first DUI | ~$130–220/mo vs. ~$70–110 for a clean-record driver |
| Minimum liability limits | 15/30/5 ($15k bodily injury / $30k per crash / $5k property damage) — among the lowest in the US |
| If it lapses | Insurer notifies DMV → license suspended → reinstatement fees → clock may reset |
| SR-22 required alongside IID? | Yes — DMV won’t lift your IID restriction until SR-22 is current and fees are paid |
How much SR-22 costs in California
The SR-22 filing itself costs only $15–25. The real expense is California’s DUI premium surcharge, which runs higher than most states because of the state’s overall insurance costs. A first-DUI California driver typically pays $130–220/month for minimum coverage — versus $70–110 with a clean record. Over 3 years, the difference between the cheapest and most expensive carrier can easily be $2,000 or more.
Note that California’s minimum liability limits (15/30/5) are some of the lowest in the country. Many attorneys and insurance agents recommend carrying higher limits during your SR-22 period to protect yourself from out-of-pocket liability if you’re in an accident.
Cheapest SR-22 carriers in California
California is a large and competitive market, but DUI surcharges still vary substantially. Starting points for 2026:
| Carrier | Notes |
|---|---|
| State Farm | Often the most competitive standard carrier for a first DUI in California |
| Progressive Specialty | Strong non-standard market presence statewide; frequently competitive after DUI |
| Mercury Insurance | California-focused carrier; competitive for DUI records |
| Bristol West / Kemper Specialty | Non-standard carriers that routinely write SR-22 policies |
Availability and pricing depend on your driving record, county, and vehicle. Compare multiple carriers — the savings over a 3-year period are substantial.
How to file an SR-22 in California
Your insurer handles the filing — not you. The process:
- Buy a policy from a carrier that writes SR-22s in California.
- Request the SR-22 filing — most carriers submit to DMV electronically, often same day.
- Keep the policy active without any lapse for the full 3-year period.
- At the end of 3 years, confirm with your insurer that the SR-22 obligation is closed before canceling.
Separate DMV fees apply: a $103 administrative service fee and a $125 DUI license reissue fee, paid directly to DMV.