Violation Insurance
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California DUI & Violation Insurance Requirements

California requires 30/60/15 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.

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California at a Glance

30/60/15

Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)

At-fault

The at-fault driver's insurance pays for the damage they cause

Optional

PIP and uninsured motorist coverage are not required by law

Yes

A defensive driving course can reduce points on your record

Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 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.

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.

Liability Insurance

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.

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.

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.

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.

What Drivers Pay in California

$318–$437/mo

Typical monthly rate in California, drivers after a speeding ticket

Rate data: ValuePenguin and CarInsurance.com, 2026

What Affects Your Rate

  • 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
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Get Back to a Fair Rate After a Violation

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Coverage Types

High-Risk Auto Insurance

Coverage designed for drivers with DUIs, suspensions, multiple violations, or accidents. Policies include SR-22 filing and meet California's financial responsibility requirements.

Non-Standard Auto Insurance

Policies from carriers that specialize in drivers denied by standard insurers. These carriers typically have fewer underwriting restrictions and streamlined SR-22 filing processes.

SR-22 Insurance

Any auto insurance policy that includes an SR-22 certificate filing with the California DMV. The SR-22 itself is not insurance—it is proof that you carry the required coverage.

Liability Insurance

Bodily injury and property damage coverage required by California law. After a violation, you'll pay significantly more for the same minimum limits you carried before.

Find Your City in California

Los Angeles

urban

San Diego

urban

San Jose

urban

San Francisco

urban

Fresno

urban

Sacramento

urban

Long Beach

urban

Oakland

urban

Bakersfield

urban

Anaheim

suburban

Stockton

urban

Riverside

urban

Santa Ana

urban

Irvine

suburban