If you’ve been required to file for SR-22 insurance in California, one of the first things on your mind is likely the cost. Unfortunately, SR-22 insurance is typically more expensive than regular car insurance, and there are several factors that can influence how much you’ll pay. Understanding these costs can help you budget accordingly and avoid any surprises down the road. Let’s break down what you need to know about the cost of SR-22 insurance in California.
What Exactly is SR-22 Insurance?
Before diving into the costs, let’s quickly revisit what SR-22 insurance is. An SR-22 isn’t an insurance policy itself but a certificate that proves you have the minimum required liability coverage. In California, it’s typically required for drivers who’ve been convicted of serious violations like DUI, driving without insurance, or accumulating too many traffic violations.
Your insurance company will file the SR-22 with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to verify that you’re meeting the state’s minimum insurance requirements. This special filing comes with its own set of costs, which can vary depending on your driving history and the type of insurance provider you choose. Note that you can get a quote for affordable SR-22 insurance in California by clicking the link.
Why is SR-22 Insurance More Expensive?
There are several reasons why SR-22 insurance costs more than regular car insurance:
Higher Risk to Insurers: If you need SR-22 insurance, it means you’ve been involved in a serious traffic violation, which classifies you as a high-risk driver. Insurers charge higher premiums to cover this increased risk, just like they would for someone with a history of accidents or traffic offences.
State Requirements: California requires specific minimum liability coverage for drivers who need SR-22 insurance, and meeting these requirements can lead to higher premiums. Insurers have to make sure they’re adequately covering potential accidents or damage, which drives up the cost.
Longer Coverage Period: SR-22 filings usually last for three years, and during this time, you’ll need to maintain continuous coverage. If your insurance lapses, the DMV will be notified, and your license could be suspended again. This prolonged coverage requirement adds up over time, increasing your overall cost.
Factors That Influence the Cost of SR-22 Insurance
While the average costs give you a rough idea, the exact price you pay can vary depending on a range of factors. Here are the main things that can impact how much you’ll pay for SR-22 insurance in California:
Type of Violation: The severity of your violation plays a major role in determining your premiums. A DUI conviction typically results in much higher rates than other types of violations. More serious offences will lead to higher premiums.
Your Driving History: If you have a history of accidents, tickets, or other traffic violations, your SR-22 insurance rates will likely be higher. Conversely, if you have a relatively clean driving record (minus the violation), you may pay a bit less.
The Insurance Company: Not all insurance companies offer SR-22 filings, and rates can vary widely between insurers. It’s always a good idea to shop around to find the best deal for your circumstances. Some companies may specialize in high-risk drivers and offer lower rates for SR-22 insurance.
Your Vehicle: The type of car you drive can also affect your premiums. For example, expensive or high-performance vehicles can lead to higher insurance rates because they’re more costly to repair or replace in the event of an accident. On the other hand, a safe, affordable vehicle might help keep costs lower.
Your Age and Gender: Young drivers, especially those under 25, generally face higher insurance premiums due to their higher risk of accidents. Additionally, young male drivers typically pay more than their female counterparts for car insurance.
How to Avoid Getting SR-22 Insurance
Always Follow Traffic Laws
When you’ve been driving for a long time or you travel on the same roads every day, you can develop bad habits. For example, you might be speeding because you know it’s not busy at certain times. Alternatively, you might avoid a stop sign because you assume that nothing is coming. But it only takes one mistake to be in an accident, and if you’re not following the rules, you could be at fault.
Therefore, don’t get too confident on the road. Always ensure that you know what the traffic laws are and that you’re following them. This includes following the speed limit and paying attention to all signs.
Arrange Transport for Special Occasions
Something you never want to do is drive under the influence. Even if it’s a short journey or you’ve not had much to drink, it’s never worth it. If you’re going to be at a special occasion where there’s going to be alcohol, make transport arrangements in advance. This way, you know you don’t have to drive at any point. For example, this could be taking public transport or arranging a rideshare service. Both ensure you can be safe and responsible and have fun.
Be Defensive on the Road
Something you always want to do when you’re driving is be defensive. In other words, don’t trust any other vehicle on the road. Try to anticipate where a problem might occur and take precautions. For example, leave big gaps for braking distance and look several times before moving to another lane. You want to lower your risk of making a mistake or being caught out by another driver.
Conclusion
SR-22 insurance is an essential requirement for high-risk drivers in California, but it does come at a higher cost. While premiums can be significantly higher than regular insurance, it’s important to understand the factors that influence these costs, as well as the options you have to reduce them. By shopping around, maintaining a clean driving record, and considering ways to lower your coverage, you can manage the costs associated with SR-22 insurance.
