DUI and Car Insurance: SR-22 Forms - California DUI Law and Legal Information

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California driver's who are convicted of driving under the influence (DUI), or driving while intoxicated (DWI) in a violation of California Vehicle Code Section 23152 or Section 23153 and lose their driver's license during a DMV administrative per se (APS) hearing are required to file an SR-22, or formal certificate of insurance, with the California Department of Motor Vehicles.

The filing of an SR-22 form is typically the last step required to restore a California driver's license after a suspension. To complete the filing, a driver must provide his or her vehicle license number and VIN number to an insurer, and the insurer prepares the form and sends it to the driver for his or her signature. Most insurance companies will then send the form directly to the California Department of Motor Vehicles.

Because SR-22 forms are only required after an APS suspension or a drunk driving conviction, requesting one from an insurance company is like announcing a DUI conviction. However, some companies specialize in providing SR-22s, and will provide personalized service.

One of the first questions often asked by motorists arrested on suspicion of drunk driving is whether they should immediately report the arrest to their insurance companies. However, there is no obligation to report a DUI arrest to an insurer unless a conviction occurs. An experienced California DUI defense lawyer can give the best advice on how to communicate with an insurance company after a DUI arrest.