California auto insurance for the drivers others turn down
SR-22, tickets, an accident, a DUI, a lapse in coverage, or a foreign license - we shop the carriers that still say yes across California.
Who we help
Standard insurers price for clean records. The moment your situation gets complicated, they decline, non-renew, or quote a number that is not realistic. That is exactly where an independent non-standard broker earns its keep - we already know which California carriers write the risk the big names walk away from.
- Drivers who need an SR-22 (or FR-44-style proof) filed with the California DMV
- Tickets, at-fault accidents, or multiple violations
- A DUI or DWI on record
- A lapse in coverage or no prior insurance
- A foreign, international, or newly issued license
- Young or newly licensed drivers and high-risk vehicles
- Non-owner policies for drivers without a car
California's minimum coverage - and why it is rarely enough
California law requires every driver to carry at least liability coverage. As of recent legislation the state minimums increased, so an old policy may no longer meet the requirement. Minimum limits protect the other party, not you or your vehicle.
Coverages worth understanding
- Bodily injury and property damage liability - required, pays for harm you cause to others
- Uninsured and underinsured motorist - protects you when the at-fault driver has no coverage, a common problem in California
- Collision and comprehensive - pays for your own vehicle, including theft, vandalism, and weather
- Medical payments - helps with medical bills regardless of fault
- SR-22 filing - not coverage itself, but proof of financial responsibility filed on your behalf
How SR-22 works in California
An SR-22 is a certificate your insurer files with the DMV to prove you carry the required liability coverage. You typically need one after a DUI, driving without insurance, an at-fault accident while uninsured, or too many points. Not every carrier files them, and the ones that do price very differently - so shopping matters. We handle the filing and place the underlying policy in one step.
See our full SR-22 insurance guide for the details, timelines, and costs.
Why go through a broker instead of a direct insurer
A captive agent can only sell you one company's product. When that company says no, you are out of options with them. As an independent broker we represent you, not a single carrier - so a single conversation gets your risk shopped across many markets at once, including surplus lines and specialty non-standard insurers most consumers cannot reach directly. It costs you nothing; carriers pay our commission.
Frequently asked questions
Can you insure me if I was denied or non-renewed?
Yes. Declined and non-renewed drivers are our specialty. We shop non-standard and specialty California carriers that write the exact situations the big-name insurers decline, including SR-22, DUI, tickets, and lapses.
How fast can I get an SR-22 filed?
In many cases we can bind a policy and file the SR-22 the same day, so you can get back on the road and satisfy the DMV quickly. Timelines depend on the carrier and your situation.
Do you write non-owner and foreign-license policies?
Yes. We place non-owner policies for drivers without a vehicle who still need liability or an SR-22, and we work with carriers that accept foreign and international licenses.
How much does it cost to use InsuranceMonster?
Nothing to get a quote. As a broker we are paid by the insurance carriers, so our shopping service is free. You pay only the policy premium.
What areas of California do you cover?
We write auto insurance across the entire state of California, from Los Angeles and San Diego to the Bay Area, the Central Valley, and the far north.
Get your free quote
Turned down elsewhere? That is exactly who we help. Tell us what you need and a licensed California agent will reach out with real options.
Prefer to talk? Call (800) 555-0100.