What Is SR-22 Insurance?

SR-22 isn't actually insurance—it's a certificate your insurance company files with the California DMV to prove you're carrying the state-required minimum liability coverage. You typically need an SR-22 after a DUI, driving without insurance, or multiple traffic violations. The certificate shows the DMV you're continuously insured, which is required to reinstate or maintain your driving privileges. Our agents help you understand exactly what you need and find carriers that offer SR-22 filing.

The SR-22 requirement usually lasts three years in California, though the exact duration depends on your violation. During this time, your insurance company monitors your coverage and immediately notifies the DMV if your policy lapses or cancels. Even a single day without coverage restarts your entire SR-22 period, so maintaining continuous coverage is critical. Many people worry about the complexity, but getting SR-22 insurance is straightforward when you work with experienced agents who handle these situations regularly.

What Does SR-22 Insurance Cover?

SR-22 itself doesn't provide coverage—it's just the filing that proves you have insurance. What matters is the underlying auto insurance policy. California requires SR-22 holders to carry minimum liability coverage of:

• $15,000 bodily injury per person – Covers medical expenses and lost wages if you injure someone in an accident


• $30,000 bodily injury per accident – The maximum your policy pays when multiple people are injured


• $5,000 property damage – Covers damage you cause to another person's vehicle or property

While these are the minimums, many San Bernardino drivers choose higher limits for better protection. If you cause an accident that exceeds your coverage, you're personally responsible for the difference. Given that medical bills and vehicle repairs often exceed these minimums, carrying higher liability limits protects your assets and future earnings.

You can add optional coverages to your SR-22 policy just like any other auto insurance. Collision coverage pays for damage to your vehicle regardless of fault. Comprehensive coverage protects against theft, vandalism, weather damage, and hitting animals. Uninsured motorist coverage steps in when someone without insurance hits you. These additions increase your premium, but they provide significantly more protection than state minimums.

What About Mexico Coverage?

Your California auto insurance, including SR-22 policies, generally doesn't cover you in Mexico—even if you're just driving into Tijuana or other border cities. Mexican law requires drivers to carry Mexican auto insurance issued by a company licensed in Mexico. If you're involved in an accident without valid Mexican coverage, you could face serious legal consequences, including jail time until financial responsibility is established.

Mexico coverage is a separate policy you purchase specifically for trips across the border. You can buy it by the day, month, or year depending on how often you travel to Mexico. This coverage protects you under Mexican law and provides liability protection, medical payments, and physical damage coverage while you're driving in Mexico. Many San Bernardino residents who regularly visit Mexico find annual policies more convenient and cost-effective than buying coverage for each trip.

The key is understanding that SR-22 and Mexico coverage serve completely different purposes. Your SR-22 proves to California that you maintain required coverage within the United States. Mexico coverage protects you legally and financially while driving south of the border. If you need both, you'll maintain your SR-22 policy for driving in California and purchase separate Mexico coverage when crossing the border.

How Much Does SR-22 Insurance Cost?

The SR-22 filing fee itself is modest—usually between $15 and $50 depending on your insurance company. However, your overall insurance premium increases significantly because you're now classified as a high-risk driver. The violation that triggered your SR-22 requirement (DUI, multiple tickets, driving without insurance) signals to insurers that you're more likely to file a claim, so they charge higher rates to offset that risk.

Several factors influence how much you'll pay for SR-22 insurance in San Bernardino. Your driving record plays the biggest role—a single DUI costs less to insure than multiple violations. The length of time since your violation matters too. Rates typically decrease as you demonstrate responsible driving without new incidents. Your age, the vehicle you drive, where you live in San Bernardino, and your coverage limits all affect your premium as well.

Mexico coverage pricing depends on the level of protection you choose and how long you need coverage. Daily policies cost less upfront but add up quickly if you travel frequently. Annual policies provide better value for regular border crossers. Liability-only Mexico coverage costs less than policies that include physical damage protection for your vehicle. The key is matching your coverage to how often you actually drive in Mexico—there's no point paying for annual coverage if you only cross the border once or twice a year.

Shopping multiple carriers is essential when you need SR-22 insurance. Different companies view violations differently, and rates can vary dramatically. Some insurers specialize in high-risk drivers and offer more competitive rates than others. Working with an independent agent gives you access to multiple options without making dozens of phone calls yourself. Getting quotes from several carriers ensures you're not overpaying simply because you accepted the first offer you received.

Do I Need SR-22 Insurance?

You need SR-22 insurance if the California DMV requires it as a condition of reinstating or maintaining your driving privileges. Common situations that trigger SR-22 requirements include DUI or DWI convictions, reckless driving, driving without insurance, accumulating too many points on your license, or causing an accident without insurance. The DMV will notify you in writing if you're required to file an SR-22.

You cannot legally drive in California without filing the SR-22 if it's required. Even if you own a vehicle, it must remain parked unless you maintain valid SR-22 coverage. Some people assume they can avoid the requirement by not driving, but if the DMV mandates SR-22 filing, you must maintain it for the full required period even if you're not actively driving. The clock only starts when you file the SR-22 and maintain continuous coverage.

Mexico coverage isn't legally required in California, but it's essential if you plan to drive across the border. Mexican authorities don't recognize U.S. insurance policies, and driving without valid Mexican coverage exposes you to serious legal and financial consequences. Even a short trip into Tijuana for dinner or shopping requires proper Mexico coverage. Many San Bernardino residents assume their regular auto insurance extends into Mexico, but it doesn't.

If you frequently travel to Mexico for work, family visits, or recreation, maintaining year-round Mexico coverage makes sense. The convenience and cost savings outweigh the hassle of purchasing coverage before each trip. If you only occasionally drive into Mexico, short-term policies provide flexibility. Either way, never cross the border without valid coverage—the risks simply aren't worth it.

How to Get SR-22 Insurance in San Bernardino

Getting SR-22 insurance starts with contacting an insurance agent who can file the certificate on your behalf. Your current insurance company might offer SR-22 filing, but many standard carriers drop high-risk drivers or charge excessive rates. That's where working with an independent agency helps—we access multiple carriers, including those specializing in SR-22 coverage, to find you competitive rates.

California requires SR-22 holders to maintain minimum liability coverage, but you'll choose your exact coverage limits and any optional coverages when setting up your policy. Once you purchase coverage, your insurance company electronically files the SR-22 certificate with the DMV. The filing typically processes within a few days. You'll receive a copy for your records, though you don't need to carry it in your vehicle—the DMV tracks it electronically.

For Mexico coverage, you can purchase a policy online, by phone, or through an agent. You'll provide your vehicle information, driver details, and travel dates. Most Mexico policies take effect immediately, so you can purchase coverage right before crossing the border. However, buying in advance ensures you're not scrambling at the last minute or dealing with potential technical issues when you're ready to travel.

FOCO Insurance Services has helped San Bernardino drivers navigate SR-22 requirements for over 19 years. We understand the stress of dealing with license suspensions and higher insurance costs. Our team shops multiple carriers to find you the best combination of price and coverage. We also help you understand exactly how long you need to maintain your SR-22 and what happens if your policy lapses. For Mexico coverage, we explain your options and help you choose the right level of protection for your travel needs.

Get Your Free SR-22 Insurance Quote

Don't let SR-22 requirements or Mexico travel plans stress you out. FOCO Insurance Services makes the process simple and straightforward. We shop top carriers to find you coverage that meets California's requirements and fits your budget. Our experienced team handles all the DMV filing paperwork, so you can focus on getting back on the road legally and safely.

Ready to get started? Contact our team for a free quote today. We'll review your situation, explain your options, and help you find the right coverage—whether you need SR-22 filing, Mexico coverage, or both. Call us at (866) 315-7564 or visit our office at 2075 E Highland Ave G in San Bernardino. We're here Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM, and we're ready to help you get covered in just minutes.