California DUI & Violation Insurance Requirements

After a DUI, suspension, or serious violation in California, your current insurer will likely cancel or non-renew your policy. California requires an SR-22 filing for 3 years, and your premium will typically increase 100-300%. You need to act before your coverage lapses.

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Updated April 2026

Minimum Coverage Requirements in California

Most California insurers will cancel or non-renew your policy within 30-60 days of a DUI conviction or serious violation—they typically do not cancel immediately, but you will receive a non-renewal notice. The California Department of Motor Vehicles requires an SR-22 filing for most violations, which is a certificate your insurer files with the state proving you carry minimum liability coverage. You'll need to find a carrier that accepts high-risk drivers and offers SR-22 filing, as not all carriers do.

15/30/5

SR-22 Filing

SR-22 is not a type of insurance—it is a certificate your insurer files with the California DMV proving you carry at least the state minimum liability coverage (15/30/5). Not all carriers offer SR-22 filing, so you'll need to shop among non-standard or high-risk carriers. The filing itself typically costs $15-$50, but the underlying insurance premium is where the real cost increase occurs.

15/30/5 minimum

Liability Insurance

California requires minimum liability limits of $15,000 per person for bodily injury, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage. After a violation, you'll pay significantly more for these same limits—typically 2-4 times your previous rate. Many non-standard carriers recommend higher limits because the cost difference is often minimal and protects you if you cause another accident while already high-risk.

Varies by carrier

Non-Standard Auto Insurance

Non-standard auto insurance is coverage sold by carriers that specialize in high-risk drivers—those with DUIs, violations, lapses, or suspensions on their record. These carriers file SR-22 forms and accept drivers that standard carriers will not. Expect higher premiums, fewer discounts, and sometimes stricter payment terms than you had with your previous carrier.

State minimum or higher

High-Risk Auto Insurance

High-risk auto insurance is the broad category covering drivers with DUIs, multiple violations, accidents, or license suspensions. In California, this market includes both non-standard carriers and some standard carriers' high-risk divisions. Premiums reflect actuarial risk: drivers with violations statistically file more claims, so rates are priced accordingly.

Optional

Collision Coverage

Collision coverage is not required by California law, but if you have a loan or lease, your lender will require it. After a violation, collision premiums increase alongside liability—often with higher deductibles required by the carrier. If you own your vehicle outright and it has low value, some drivers drop collision to reduce the total premium burden during the SR-22 filing period.

State-Mandated Minimum Coverage · California

California Minimum Coverage

Coverage	Minimum
Bodily Injury (per person)	$30,000,000
Bodily Injury (per accident)	$60,000,000
Property Damage	$15,000,000

License Reinstatement Fee$55

Meeting the state minimum keeps you legal. See whether it's enough — get your California quote.

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How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in California?

California drivers with a DUI typically see premiums increase 100-300% compared to their previous rate, with the average annual cost ranging from $3,000 to $6,000 for minimum liability coverage. Violation type, prior driving history, age, location, and vehicle all influence the final rate. Non-standard carriers set rates based on the specific offense—DUI violations carry the highest surcharges, while single serious moving violations result in smaller but still substantial increases.

What Affects Your Rate

Violation type: DUI convictions typically result in the highest rate increases (200-400%), while single reckless driving or suspended license violations may increase rates 50-150%
Time since violation: rates begin to decrease after 3 years if no additional violations occur, with the most significant relief after the SR-22 filing period ends
Prior driving history: a clean record before the violation results in lower surcharges than a driver with multiple prior incidents
Location within California: urban areas like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Oakland see higher violation driver rates due to higher base premiums and claim frequency
Carrier availability: fewer carriers compete for high-risk drivers in California, reducing price competition—drivers often see quotes vary by 50-100% between carriers for identical coverage
Payment plan: many non-standard carriers require larger down payments (25-50% of the six-month premium) or charge monthly installment fees that add 10-20% to the annual cost

Minimum Liability

$250-$500/month

State minimum 15/30/5 limits with SR-22 filing. This is the least expensive option for violation drivers, but provides minimal protection if you cause another accident.

Standard Liability

$300-$600/month

Higher liability limits such as 50/100/50 or 100/300/100, which most agents recommend for drivers already carrying elevated risk. The incremental cost over minimum limits is often small relative to the additional protection.

Full Coverage

$400-$800/month

Liability plus collision and comprehensive coverage. Required if you have a loan or lease. Non-standard carriers often impose higher deductibles ($1,000-$2,500) for collision on high-risk policies.