SR-22 - Proof of Financial Responsibility
California Insurance Proof Certificate, SR-22
is the mechanism in California to monitor the insurance of problem drivers and authorize the DMV to suspend upon cancellation (SR-26) or expiration. An SR-22 is a certificate issued by an insurance company and kept on file at the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This document is a guarantee that at least the California required minimum liability coverage has been obtained by the respective person. The insurance company will notify the DMV if the insurance coverage should lapse or be canceled for any reasons. If this should happen, California DMV will immediately issue an order of suspension.
 |
The requirement to show proof of insurance comes in the form SR-22. This is a Department of Motor Vehicle form (similar to SR-1). The only difference is the SR-1 is required when you have an accident or are ticketed for not having proof of insurance, the SR-22 is for DUI. If you are asked to prove “future financial responsibility” by having an SR-22 on file with DMV, a copy of your insurance binder or your insurance card is not considered acceptable proof. |
So, it is 'known' by the person you are asking, that the SR-22 is in most cases for a DUI. The Department of Motor Vehicles will not accept any other form (policy, identification card, etc.) as a substitute for the SR-22. An SR-22 is required by all those persons arrested (or convicted - you don't have to be convicted to get a restricted license) for a DUI and who are in a program and who want to get a restricted license.
The purpose of the Compulsory Financial Responsibility Law is to ensure that drivers and owners of vehicles are financially responsible for any damage or injury caused by a traffic accident, regardless of fault, and to remove financially irresponsible drivers from the highways (California Vehicle Code §§16000-16078). Your insurance must cover all vehicles operated by you and/or registered in your name.
How do I get a Restricted License ?
To get a restricted license after being suspended for a first time DUI, assuming you are over 21 years, is:
- Pay DMV a re-issue fee of $125;
- Show proof of financial responsibility (Form SR-22) Must be Maintained for 3 years;
- Show proof of enrollment in a DUI approved Program (AB-541 or SB-762)
Other situations where you will need to show an SR-22 to the DMV to have your license returned:
- Those convicted in the court of a DUI and sent to a DUI school. If the four months is not up by the time the DMV receives notice from the court of your conviction, then the requirement to show an SR-22 goes into effect.
- Those who had their licenses restricted by the court for a DUI or "Wet Reckless". Proof of insurance must be maintained for a period of three years (from the date the original 4 month suspension would have been up). Proof of insurance WILL stay active (and you need not re-submit an SR-22) if you do not cancel the policy or get dropped during the 3 year period. The insurance policy that the SR-22 is filed under must remain in effect. If for any reason your policy is no longer in effect the insurance carrier is REQUIRED to notify the DMV. The DMV will then notify you that by a certain date you will have to file another SR-22 with them or your license will be suspended.
SR-22's are associated with and normally required for the following driving related issues:
- At the time of reinstating your driving privileges following a DUII suspension
- You failed to provide proof to DMV that you have liability insurance
- You’ve been involved in an uninsured accident
- Repeat traffic offenses or getting too many tickets in a short time period
- License suspension or revoked license
- You are applying for a hardship or probationary permit
State Specific
SR-22's are state specific so a California SR-22 will only be valid for California. So if you move to another state you may need a different SR-22 to show proof of financial responsibility in that state.
An SR26 form cancels the SR22 once future proof is no longer required.
How much insurance am I supposed to carry in California ?
The minimum liability insurance coverage required for private passenger vehicles per accident is $35,000 and is defined by the following levels of coverage:
- $15,000 for injury/death to one person.
- $30,000 for injury/death to more than one person.
- $5,000 for damage to property.
Call 1-800-927-HELP before you purchase insurance to make sure your agent/broker and insurer are licensed by the California Department of Insurance.
When Do You Have To Provide Evidence of Financial Responsibility? You must provide proof of financial responsibility:
Each driver must make a report to DMV within 10 days, whether you caused the accident or not and even if the accident occurred on private property. Mail the completed report form to the address on the form.
Failure to provide valid evidence to a peace officer is grounds for a citation. If convicted of the violation, a fine of not less than $500 is required by law and additional penalties and court fees may be incurred. The court may also order the vehicle impounded.
Information on Insurance Companies in California
Association of California Insurance Companies
California Department of Insurance
List of Insurance Companies licensed to do business in California
| Insurance Company Name |
State of Domicile |
| 21ST CENTURY CASUALTY COMPANY (Info) |
CA |
| 21ST CENTURY INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
CA |
| AEGIS SECURITY INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
PA |
| AIG CENTENNIAL INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
PA |
| AIG INDEMNITY INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
PA |
| AIG PREFERRED INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
PA |
| AIG PREMIER INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
PA |
| AIU INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
NY |
| ALLIANCE UNITED INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
CA |
| ALLIED PROPERTY AND CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
IA |
| ALLSTATE INDEMNITY COMPANY (Info) |
IL |
| ALLSTATE INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
IL |
| ALLSTATE PROPERTY AND CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
IL |
| AMCO INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
IA |
| AMERICAN BANKERS INSURANCE COMPANY OF FLORIDA (Info) |
FL |
| AMERICAN CASUALTY COMPANY OF READING, PENNSYLVANIA (Info) |
PA |
| AMERICAN FAMILY HOME INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
FL |
| AMERICAN FEDERATION INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
FL |
| AMERICAN HOME ASSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
NY |
| AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY OF CALIFORNIA, INC. (Info) |
CA |
| AMERICAN MANUFACTURERS MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
IL |
| AMERICAN MODERN HOME INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
OH |
| AMERICAN RELIABLE INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
AZ |
| AMERICAN SAFETY CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
DE |
| AMERICAN SECURITY INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
DE |
| AMERICAN STATES PREFERRED INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
IN |
| AMERICAN STERLING INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
CA |
| AMEX ASSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
IL |
| AMICA MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
RI |
| ANCHOR GENERAL INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
CA |
| ARCH INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
MO |
| ARGONAUT INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
CA |
| ATLANTIC MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
NY |
| AXA RE AMERICA INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
DE |
| CALIFORNIA AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
CA |
| CALIFORNIA CAPITAL INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
CA |
| CALIFORNIA CASUALTY INDEMNITY EXCHANGE (THE) (Info) |
CA |
| CALIFORNIA STATE AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION INTER-INSURANCE BUREAU (Info) |
CA |
| CENTENNIAL INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
NY |
| CENTRE INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
DE |
| CENTURY-NATIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
CA |
| CIM INSURANCE CORPORATION (Info) |
MI |
| CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEES INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
CA |
| CLARENDON NATIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
NJ |
| COAST NATIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
CA |
| COMMERCE WEST INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
CA |
| CONSTITUTION INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
NY |
| CONVERIUM INSURANCE (NORTH AMERICA) INC. (Info) |
NJ |
| CSE SAFEGUARD INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
CA |
| DANIELSON NATIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
CA |
| DEERBROOK INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
IL |
| DEPOSITORS INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
IA |
| DIAMOND STATE INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
IN |
| DOCTORS' COMPANY, AN INTERINSURANCE EXCHANGE (THE) (Info) |
CA |
| EAGLE WEST INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
CA |
| ELECTRIC INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
MA |
| EMPIRE FIRE AND MARINE INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
NE |
| ESURANCE PROPERTY AND CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
CA |
| EVEREST NATIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
AZ |
| EXECUTIVE RISK INDEMNITY INC. (Info) |
DE |
| EXPLORER INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
CA |
| FAIRMONT INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
CA |
| FARMERS INSURANCE EXCHANGE (Info) |
CA |
| FIDELITY NATIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
CA |
| FIDELITY NATIONAL PROPERTY AND CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
NY |
| FINANCIAL INDEMNITY COMPANY (Info) |
CA |
| FIREMAN'S FUND INSURANCE COMPANY OF TEXAS (Info) |
TX |
| FIREMAN'S FUND INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
CA |
| FIRST AMERICAN SPECIALTY INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
CA |
| FIRST NATIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY OF AMERICA (Info) |
WA |
| FOREMOST INSURANCE COMPANY GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN (Info) |
MI |
| GALWAY INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
CA |
| GEICO CASUALTY COMPANY (Info) |
MD |
| GEICO GENERAL INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
MD |
| GEICO INDEMNITY COMPANY (Info) |
MD |
| GENERALI ASSICURAZIONI GENERALI S.P.A. (U.S. BRANCH) (Info) |
NY |
| GLENS FALLS INSURANCE COMPANY (THE) (Info) |
IL |
| GMAC INSURANCE COMPANY ONLINE, INC. (Info) |
MO |
| GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
MD |
| GRANGE INSURANCE ASSOCIATION (Info) |
WA |
| GRANITE STATE INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
PA |
| GREAT AMERICAN ALLIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
OH |
| GREAT AMERICAN INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW YORK (Info) |
NY |
| GREAT AMERICAN INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
OH |
| GREAT AMERICAN SPIRIT INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
OH |
| GREENWICH INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
DE |
| GUIDEONE MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
IA |
| GUIDEONE SPECIALTY MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
IA |
| HANOVER INSURANCE COMPANY (THE) (Info) |
NH |
| HARBOR SPECIALTY INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
NJ |
| HARLEYSVILLE MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
PA |
| HARTFORD CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
IN |
| HARTFORD UNDERWRITERS INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
CT |
| HAWAIIAN INSURANCE & GUARANTY COMPANY, LIMITED (THE) (Info) |
HI |
| HORACE MANN INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
IL |
| HORACE MANN PROPERTY & CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
CA |
| HUDSON INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
DE |
| INFINITY INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
IN |
| INFINITY NATIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
IN |
| INFINITY SELECT INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
IN |
| INSURANCE COMPANY OF THE WEST (Info) |
CA |
| INSURANCE CORPORATION OF HANNOVER (Info) |
IL |
| INSURANCE CORPORATION OF NEW YORK (THE) (Info) |
NY |
| INTEGON NATIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
NC |
| INTEGON PREFERRED INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
NC |
| INTERINSURANCE EXCHANGE OF THE AUTOMOBILE CLUB (Info) |
CA |
| INTERSTATE INDEMNITY COMPANY (Info) |
IL |
| JEFFERSON INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
NY |
| LANCER INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
IL |
| LEADER INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
OH |
| LIBERTY MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
MA |
| LIBERTY MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
MA |
| LINCOLN GENERAL INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
PA |
| LM PROPERTY AND CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
IN |
| MARKEL AMERICAN INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
VA |
| MARYLAND CASUALTY COMPANY (Info) |
MD |
| MERASTAR INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
TN |
| MERCURY CASUALTY COMPANY (Info) |
CA |
| MERCURY INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
CA |
| METROPOLITAN DIRECT PROPERTY & CASUALTY INSURANCE CO (Info) |
RI |
| MIC GENERAL INSURANCE CORPORATION (Info) |
MI |
| MID-CENTURY INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
CA |
| MODERN SERVICE INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
MN |
| MUTUAL SERVICE CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
MN |
| NATIONAL ALLIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
MO |
| NATIONAL AMERICAN INSURANCE COMPANY OF CALIFORNIA (Info) |
CA |
| NATIONAL GENERAL INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
MO |
| NATIONAL INTERSTATE INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
OH |
| NATIONWIDE MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
OH |
| NATIONWIDE MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
OH |
| NATIONWIDE PROPERTY AND CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
OH |
| NEW HAMPSHIRE INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
PA |
| NIPPONKOA INSURANCE COMPANY, LIMITED (Info) |
NY |
| NORTHERN INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW YORK (Info) |
NY |
| NORTHLAND INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
MN |
| NORTHWESTERN PACIFIC INDEMNITY COMPANY (Info) |
OR |
| OMNI INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
IL |
| OREGON MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
OR |
| PACIFIC PIONEER INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
CA |
| PACIFIC PROPERTY AND CASUALTY COMPANY (Info) |
CA |
| PACIFIC SPECIALTY INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
CA |
| PENNSYLVANIA GENERAL INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
PA |
| PERMANENT GENERAL ASSURANCE CORPORATION (Info) |
TN |
| PROGRESSIVE CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
OH |
| PROGRESSIVE CHOICE INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
OH |
| PROGRESSIVE HOME INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
OH |
| PROGRESSIVE WEST INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
OH |
| QBE REINSURANCE CORPORATION (Info) |
PA |
| REDLAND INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
NJ |
| REPUBLIC INDEMNITY COMPANY OF CALIFORNIA (Info) |
CA |
| REPUBLIC WESTERN INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
AZ |
| RESPONSE INDEMNITY COMPANY OF CALIFORNIA (Info) |
CA |
| RESPONSE WORLDWIDE INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
CT |
| ROCKY MOUNTAIN FIRE & CASUALTY COMPANY (Info) |
WA |
| SAFECO INSURANCE COMPANY OF AMERICA (Info) |
WA |
| SAFEWAY DIRECT INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
CA |
| SAFEWAY INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
IL |
| SEQUOIA INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
CA |
| SIRIUS AMERICA INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
DE |
| SOMPO JAPAN INSURANCE COMPANY OF AMERICA (Info) |
NY |
| SOUTHERN INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
TX |
| STANDARD FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY (THE) (Info) |
CT |
| STARNET INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
DE |
| STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
IL |
| STATE NATIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY, INC. (Info) |
TX |
| STERLING CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
CA |
| SUPERIOR INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
FL |
| SUTTER INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
CA |
| TIG INDEMNITY COMPANY (Info) |
CA |
| TIG SPECIALTY INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
CA |
| TOKIO MARINE & NICHIDO FIRE INSURANCE CO., LTD. (Info) |
NY |
| TOPA INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
CA |
| TRANSPORT INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
OH |
| TRENWICK AMERICA REINSURANCE CORPORATION (Info) |
CT |
| TRINITY UNIVERSAL INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
TX |
| TWIN CITY FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
IN |
| UNIGARD INDEMNITY COMPANY (Info) |
WA |
| UNIGARD INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
WA |
| UNITED SERVICES AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION (Info) |
TX |
| UNITRIN DIRECT INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
IL |
| UNITRIN DIRECT PROPERTY & CASUALTY COMPANY (Info) |
IL |
| UNIVERSAL UNDERWRITERS INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
KS |
| USAA CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
TX |
| USAA GENERAL INDEMNITY COMPANY (Info) |
TX |
| VALLEY INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
CA |
| VESTA FIRE INSURANCE CORPORATION (Info) |
AL |
| VIKING INSURANCE COMPANY OF WISCONSIN (Info) |
CO |
| VINTAGE INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
CA |
| VIRGINIA SURETY COMPANY, INC. (Info) |
IL |
| VOYAGER PROPERTY AND CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
SC |
| WAWANESA GENERAL INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
CA |
| WAWANESA MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY (THE) (Info) |
CA |
| WESTERN GENERAL INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
CA |
| WESTERN UNITED INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
CA |
| WORKMEN'S AUTO INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
CA |
| YOSEMITE INSURANCE COMPANY (Info) |
IN |
