Background

• A SR 22 filing is required by the California DMV if you wish to reinstate your driver's license that has been suspended. Suspension is authorized for various reasons. One main reason is the conviction of DUI under a court of law. Other examples include repeated traffic offenses in a short period of time, numerous unpaid fines and tickets and failure to comply with DMV regulations. Suspension can also stem from involvement in an accident without proper insurance coverage.
  
  

Coverage

• The insurance policy must cover not only the vehicles registered under your name but also the cars you routinely drive. If you are convicted of DUI and decide not to drive anymore, you do not need to file an SR 22. If you intend to drive but do not own a car, you can apply for a nonowner's SR 22 liability policy, which provides coverage every time you drive somebody else's car.
  
  

Length

• Generally, an SR 22 status must be on file with the California DMV for three years after the license suspension. You do not need to file every year so long as a full SR 22 insurance coverage is maintained during the stated period. If the policy is dropped, canceled or terminated, it is the responsibility of the insurance company to inform the California Department of Motor Vehicles. You must immediately acquire a new SR 22 coverage from another insurance company to avoid another license suspension.
  
  

Cost

• The cost for California SR 22 varies depending on the particular insurance company. This is the same as with other auto insurance policies. According to shouselaw.com, SR 22 coverage can cost around $300 to $800. An SR 22 client will not receive any insurance discount as the California law prohibits DUI offenders from accessing this privilege for 10 years after the violation occurred. Some insurance companies also charge around $25 to $50 for SR 22 filing. A reissue fee of $125 must also be paid for DMV to reinstate driving privilege.
  
  

Considerations

• Not all car insurance companies offer SR 22 coverage. An SR 22 requires a higher insurance payment as auto insurance firms will classify the driver at higher risk. These days, filing the form with DMV is done electronically. The state has also implemented a program to assist you in finding SR 22 coverage in case you cannot obtain the coverage for yourself.