California drivers must carry a minimum amount of liability insurance to avoid fines, penalties, and legal liability.
The car insurance minimums in California are often summarized as 15/30/5 (or, $15,000 of bodily injury liability per person; $30,000 of bodily injury liability per accident; and $5,000 of property liability per accident).
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What is the minimum insurance requirement in California?
California drivers are required to carry a certain amount of minimum liability insurance
—but they may choose between four different ways of demonstrating financial responsibility. The most practical way is to purchase a car insurance policy that meets the California minimum car insurance limits of $15,000 bodily injury liability per person, $30,000 bodily injury per accident, and $5,000 of property liability per accident.
Drivers can also take out a $35,000 surety bond, file a $35,000 deposit with the California DMV, or obtain a self-insurance certificate.
California drivers are required to show proof of insurance
if they are pulled over by law enforcement or if they are involved in an accident. They also need to show proof of insurance when they go to register their vehicle
. Required auto insurance in California
Minimum liability coverage | |
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Bodily injury per accident | |
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Property damage per accident | |
Key Takeaway California drivers have different options available to purchase their minimum state liability coverage.
Will California minimum car insurance be enough?
California’s minimum insurance is low compared to most states—and could easily leave you vulnerable if you cause an accident.
If you are found at fault, the liability insurance that California requires drivers to carry will only cover the costs associated with the other party. You will have to purchase additional coverage options like collision insurance
and medical payment coverage
to help cover expenses for you and your passengers if you cause an accident. Here is a detailed breakdown of the California minimum insurance requirements and what they cover. If the minimum insurance requirements fall short, you might have to pay additional expenses out-of-pocket.
$15,000 of bodily injury liability
coverage per person Your insurance company will pay up to $15,000 per person to help cover the cost of injuries resulting from an at-fault accident.
$30,000 of bodily injury liability coverage per accident
$30,000 is the total amount that your insurance company will pay out to cover the costs of injuries in an at-fault accident.
Your insurance company will pay up to $5,000 to cover the costs of property damage for other parties in an at-fault accident.
Key Takeaway California minimum car insurance limits can easily fall short of covering the expenses associated with an accident.
What is the penalty for not having car insurance in California?
Drivers who can’t prove they have insurance will face fines and penalties—and will be on the hook for any damages they may have inflicted while driving. In addition, their license could be revoked, and their car might be impounded.
If you are involved in an accident
and can’t produce valid proof of your minimum liability coverage in California, your license will automatically be suspended for one year. Penalties for not having car insurance in California
MORE: How to remove a car registration suspension in California
What is a mandatory SR-22 or FR-44?
SR-22s or FR44s
are forms that prove to the state that you have the minimum insurance coverage required. California requires that any drivers who have their license suspended for driving without minimum liability insurance file an SR22
. Your insurance company will typically charge a small fee to file an SR-22 with the California DMV. Drivers caught without insurance
will have to keep an SR-22 on file for three years. Since SR-22 drivers are considered high risk, you can expect your insurance premiums to increase as well. If you let your insurance policy lapse, you will have to keep an SR-22 on file for a full three years or until you have successfully fulfilled your requirements. RECOMMENDEDNo spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms
Is additional coverage worth it?
You might want to consider increasing your liability limits so you will have more coverage to help cover the costs associated with causing an accident. There are many additional coverage options that you can choose to add to California’s minimum liability insurance requirements.
Here are some popular insurance options that you might want to add to your minimum California car insurance.
Medical payments (MedPay) insurance
Medical payment insurance will help cover medical expenses for you and your passengers.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
If you get an accident with a driver who doesn’t have coverage or doesn’t have enough coverage, uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance
will help cover your expenses. Collision insurance
Collision insurance will help cover the cost of the damage to your car after a collision with another object or a rollover.
Comprehensive insurance
Comprehensive insurance
will help cover the cost of non-collision-related damage resulting from external events, like fire, floods, storms, or theft.Gap insurance
If your loaned or leased car is totaled after an accident, gap insurance
will help make up the difference between your insurance payout and the money you still owe on your car. Rental car reimbursement insurance
Rental reimbursement insurance
will help cover the costs of a rental car or alternate transportation while your vehicle is in for repairs after an accident. Roadside assistance insurance
Many insurance companies will offer roadside assistance coverage that will help cover the costs of standard roadside services.
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How to find cheap car insurance in California
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Frequently asked questions
Do I have the right to sue another driver in California?
Yes, you can sue another driver in California, but only if the at-fault driver’s insurance doesn’t cover your damages.
Is it mandatory to have car insurance in California?
Yes. It is mandatory to carry a liability insurance split of 15/30/5 in California. The minimum liability limits are $15,000 bodily injury per person, $30,000 bodily injury per accident, and $5000 property damage liability.
Is the car or person insured in California?
In California, car insurance typically follows the car, not the driver. If another driver borrows your car, you will still be covered as long as they are listed on your policy or you give them explicit permission to drive.
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