Getting a DUI or a reckless driving violation is not a good situation, and if you already have one then you know it’s a grueling process. After all the court and DMV issues you have to face, you get an insurance renewal that is 2x the amount or even non-renewed! Unity One Insurance is here for you to get the most competitive pricing on SR-22/DUI insurance in California, just give us a call now at 949-450-1822!
What Is California SR-22 Insurance?
After getting a certain violation, like a DUI or reckless driving, an SR-22 is usually needed by the DMV for you to be able to drive again. Once you have purchased an auto SR-22 policy, the insurer will send a form to the DMV to notify them that you meet the minimum coverage requirements of liability. If you don’t own a car, then you will have to purchase the non-owner SR-22, which is only liability coverage.
Drivers that are in need of an SR-22:
- if you have been convicted of a DUI
- violation of reckless driving
- high-risk driver, multiple moving violations
- license has been suspended
Cost, Coverage & More Details
The SR-22 is giving the DMV proof of financial responsibility and that you carry the minimum limits of liability. The minimum amount of liability that any driver in California can carry is:
- $15,000 of bodily injury per person in an accident
- $30,000 of bodily injury per accident
- $5,000 of property damage per accident
These limits are the bare minimum you can carry and if you have assets or a house, we highly recommend carrying higher limits. The SR-22 does need to be carried at all times while you are driving a car and make sure that all cars you own or are going to be driving are listed.
California SR-22 Insurance can be very costly, especially if the conviction along with it is a DUI. The good news for you is that we have very affordable rates and have been known to save people lots of money in this situation.
The length of time that a driver must carry an SR-22 varies by what the violation was. We have seen anything from 3 years to 10 years, 3 being the most common. Never lapse on coverage for your SR-22! It needs to be in effect for the full period of time the DMV requires. If there is a lapse in coverage, an SR-26 form is sent to the DMV by your insurer and you could lose driving privileges again. If you move out of California, liability requirements must still be met for CA limits and you will still need the SR-22.
California Car Insurance, Life After DUI
Unfortunately, DUIs stay on your driving record for 10 years. The good news is that after that 10 years, it does fall off your record! While the DUI is on your record, any good driver discounts will not be included and your rates will be higher. Each year the DUI is on your record and you have no other tickets, accidents, or violations, it will get a little cheaper. After 5 years, the price does seem to drop a good amount.
Call us, your local Orange County Insurance Broker with any questions or to get started on your auto insurance policy! 949-450-1822
