California SR-22 & High-Risk Auto Insurance
California requires 30/60/15 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.
Find Coverage with Points on Your LicenseCalifornia 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
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) mandates SR-22 filing for drivers with DUI convictions, license suspensions for points or negligent operator status, at-fault accidents without insurance, or repeat violations.
Liability Insurance
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
SR-22 Insurance
Full Coverage
Non-Standard Auto Insurance
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
- Point accumulation: 4 points in 12 months triggers negligent operator status and potential SR-22 requirement; points remain for 3 years
- Claim history: a second at-fault accident or violation within 3 years can trigger non-renewal or force placement with a non-standard carrier
- Time since violation: most carriers reduce surcharges after 3 years and return to standard rates after 5 years with no new incidents
See What Points Are Really Costing You
Find Coverage with Points on Your LicenseCoverage Types
Liability Insurance
Covers injuries and property damage you cause to others in an at-fault accident. California's 15/30/5 minimums are often insufficient—medical bills and property damage in urban areas frequently exceed these limits.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Protects you if an at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient coverage. Covers medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle damage when the other driver cannot pay.
Full Coverage
Combines liability, collision, and comprehensive to cover damages to your vehicle and others'. Required by lenders if you finance or lease, and provides maximum protection after an accident or theft.
SR-22 Insurance
A certificate filed by your insurer proving continuous coverage to the California DMV. Required for DUI, suspended license, or at-fault accidents without insurance—not a separate policy but proof of an active policy.
Non-Standard Auto Insurance
Coverage designed for drivers with violations, suspensions, SR-22 requirements, or poor driving history. Non-standard carriers specialize in high-risk profiles that standard carriers decline or price prohibitively.
Collision Coverage
Pays for damage to your vehicle after a collision, regardless of fault. Required by lenders for financed vehicles and recommended if your vehicle is valued above $4,000–$5,000.