Car insurance after a rough few years.
Auto coverage for drivers with a DUI, several tickets, at-fault accidents or a gap in insurance, shopped with insurance companies that write drivers others turn down.
Quick answer Non-standard auto insurance is car insurance for drivers that standard insurance companies treat as higher risk, usually because of a DUI, several tickets or accidents, or a suspension.
- Non-standard auto policies carry the familiar coverages, such as liability, uninsured motorist, collision and comprehensive; what changes is which companies write them and the price.
- In California, a driver who can't get coverage in the regular market can go through the California Automobile Assigned Risk Plan, which assigns the driver to an insurance company.
- An SR-22 is a proof-of-insurance form an insurance company files with the DMV, so a driver who needs one must buy from a company that will file it.
- California's minimum auto liability limits are $30,000 per person, $60,000 per accident and $15,000 for property damage.
- In California, the Low Cost Auto program offers liability coverage to income-eligible drivers for cars valued up to $25,000.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · How this page is researched
Your record decides who will quote you
Insurance companies use your driving record to decide whether they'll insure you and at what price. With several accidents or speeding tickets, a DUI or a suspension, standard companies may say no, and what's left is usually called non-standard auto. The coverages are the familiar ones, liability, uninsured motorist, collision and comprehensive. What changes is which companies will write them and the price.
In California, a driver who can't get coverage in the regular market can go through the California Automobile Assigned Risk Plan, which assigns the driver to an insurance company, and income-eligible drivers may qualify for the state's Low Cost Auto program. If the DMV requires an SR-22, the policy has to come from a company that files it. I check the regular market first, then the assigned risk plan, so you see everything that's actually available.
- Who it's forDrivers with a DUI, several tickets or at-fault accidents, or a suspended license.
- Minimum liabilityIn California: $30,000 per person, $60,000 per accident and $15,000 property damage.
- Good Driver DiscountIn California, licensed three straight years with no more than one point; rates at least 20% lower at the same company.
- Assigned riskIn California, CAARP places drivers the regular market won't take; every CAARP company charges the same premium.
What underwriters will ask
Having these ready means I can go to market on the first call. The quote form asks for the same things, and anything you don’t know yet can wait.
- Drivers: everyone in the household who drives, with dates of birth.
- Violations: dates of tickets, accidents, DUIs or suspensions.
- DMV paperwork: any notice requiring an SR-22.
- Coverage history: your last policy and whether there was a gap.
- Vehicles: year, make, model and VIN.
- Use: commuting, pleasure or business, and where each car is parked overnight.
Non-standard auto insurance, answered
What is non-standard auto insurance?
Auto insurance for drivers that standard insurance companies treat as higher risk, usually because of a DUI, several tickets or accidents, or a suspension. The coverages are the familiar ones; the companies and prices differ.
Can I get car insurance in California if every company turns me down?
Yes. The California Automobile Assigned Risk Plan assigns you to an insurance company, and all companies in the plan must charge the same premiums. Installment payments are allowed, and there's no broker's fee for a CAARP policy.
How long will a DUI or accident follow me?
It depends on the violation and your state's rules. In California, after some years a violation or accident can come off your record, which may let you qualify for a standard policy again. That's when I re-shop.
What is California's Good Driver Discount?
Every auto insurance company in California must offer Good Driver rates at least 20% lower than its rates for drivers who don't qualify. Generally you need to have been licensed for three consecutive years with no more than one point on your record.
Do I need an SR-22?
Only if the DMV tells you so. The SR-22 is a proof-of-insurance form your insurance company files with the DMV, so the policy has to come from a company that will file it. My SR-22 page has the details.
Is there a lower-cost option for drivers with limited income?
In California, the Low Cost Auto program offers liability coverage that meets the state's financial responsibility law to income-eligible drivers, for cars valued up to $25,000. It's sold through certified agents, and the program can be reached at 1-866-602-8861.
Do you offer non-standard auto insurance outside California?
Yes. Clients across the country send the same quote form. California policies are placed directly; outside California the request is handled together with a partner agency in your state, and the shopping across carriers works the same way. Rules, minimums and markets differ by state — see insurance requirements by state.
Official sources
- California Department of Insurance: Automobile insurance guide, text version (high-risk driving record, CAARP, Good Driver)
- California Department of Insurance: California's Low Cost Automobile Insurance Program
- California DMV: Insurance requirements (minimum liability limits, SR 22 proof of insurance)
Tell me what's on your record. I'll shop it.
Violation dates and any DMV notice are enough to start.
Alishahi Insurance · Saman Alishahi, independent insurance broker, California License #4348151. General information, not a quote or a promise of coverage; coverage depends on underwriting and the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy actually issued.
Tell me how to reach you. I’ll take it from there.
Takes about 30 seconds. I review every request personally and call you back, usually the same day.
(424) 552-4545Answered 24/7 · CA License #4348151
Get a reminder before your renewal.
Tell me when your policy renews and I’ll email you about six weeks before, when it’s worth comparing. One email, no calls.