Filing an Affidavit is for a very specific scenario: This is an option when it is TOO LATE or TOO EARLY to file for a non-operation (non-op) status on your vehicle. The non-op can only be filed 70 days before or 90 days after the expiration date– so what do you do when you are out of the window AND you don’t want to continue paying for insurance for a vehicle that is not being used? You file an ANU.
Having auto insurance that meets the California limits of liability is a legal requirement if you are operating a vehicle in California. When you remove the insurance from a registered vehicle your insurance carrier notifies the DMV electronically that it no longer has insurance. The DMV in turn notifies you by mail of their intent to suspend your vehicle registration. If after roughly 3-4 weeks you do not get insurance on your vehicle, the DMV will suspend your registration and charges a $14 reinstatement fee. A suspended registration stops you from being able to get stickers or registration on your vehicle until you obtain insurance on your vehicle again. You can avoid getting suspended by filing a Affidavit(ANU).