California Auto Insurance Requirements

California, like most states, requires you to have proof of a car insurance policy or other form of financial responsibility (see below) before you can register your vehicle or renew your vehicle’s registration.

Currently, California’s liability insurance requirements are:

• $15,000 for injury/death to one person.
• $30,000 for injury/death to more than one person.
• $5,000 for damage to property.

California’s liability insurance requirements cover personal injury protection (PIP) for people (other than the policyholders) injured in accidents.

In addition to vehicle registration and renewal, you’ll need proof of coverage if you’re ever stopped by law enforcement. Too, insurance companies are required to notify coverage information to the CA DMV. So, really, there’s no getting around it, and trying to could land you with a ticket, fines, registration suspension, and vehicle impoundment.

If you can’t afford to meet the state’s liability insurance requirements, you might be eligible for the California Low Cost Automobile Insurance Program. Call (800) 602-8861 for details.

Additional Forms of Financial Responsibility

Adequate coverage is required; an actual car insurance policy is not.

If you’re interested, you could establish and prove financial responsibility by:

• Making a $35,000 cash deposit with the DMV.
• Obtaining a self-insurance certificate issued by the DMV.
• Posting a $35,000 surety bond with a company licensed to do business in California.

For more details, contact the CA DMV at (800) 777-0133.

Protecting Yourself Against Personal Injury

Despite what the law requires, not everyone meets the state’s auto insurance requirements.

If you ever sustain a personal injury during an accident with an uninsured person with a person who’s insurance doesn’t cover your injuries, it’s in your best interest to contact a personal injury attorney. A personal injury lawyer is experienced with the state’s insurance laws and can make sure you receive the compensation you not only deserve but also, by law, have a right to.