How to get Auto Insurance After a DUI in California

A DUI in California will affect your ability to get auto insurance for up to 10 years. In order to be allowed to drive, you will need to get a California form SR-22 filed with your insurer. This means you are telling your insurance company that you have a DUI which may cause them to drop you. Nevertheless, you can still get auto insurance with a DUI in California with a bit of work.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Find a California auto insurance company willing to issue you a SR-22.
   
   The SR-22 form serves as proof of financial responsibility after a DUI conviction. Only an auto insurer can issue a SR-22 form and transmit to the DMV. Your age, vehicle, location, and non-DUI driving record will affect what type of rates you're able to get. Unfortunately, the DUI conviction itself will raise your rates significantly for ten years.
   
   Because the DUI stays on your record for ten years, it is important to find an auto insurer that serves your needs and is affordable for years to come. You will need to go through an SR-22 insurer for a decade before you're able to put the DUI behind you for good. This means it pays to shop around to find someone you can stick with.

2. Get your license or restricted driver's license once the SR-22 has been filed at the DMV by your insurer. The filing of the SR-22 with the California DMV comes before getting your license back. Without an insurer to support you, your license will not be given back to you.
   
   If you let your insurance lapse, your driver's license will be automatically suspended once your insurer drops you and notifies California DMV. It is very important your California SR-22 auto insurer is somebody you can be with for a decade.

3. Get an ignition interlock device, if necessary.
   
   Depending on the disposition of your DUI in court, you may be required to get an ignition interlock device. Most first time DUI offenders do not need this. Repeat offenders may need to have this device installed in order to have your driver's license reinstated.