What are the minimum California auto insurance requirements?California car insurance laws require all drivers to have coverage. While the state has minimum requirements, sometimes extra insurance makes sense. The minimum amount of liability insurance in California is as follows: Show
You can always increase your auto liability limits to fully protect your assets. Consider setting your limits high enough to cover your total net worth. Uninsured motorist coverage in CaliforniaUninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) bodily injury coverage covers medical expenses for you and your passengers if you are hit by a driver with too little or no insurance. California also recommends uninsured/underinsured bodily injury coverage (UM/UIM BI) with the following minimum limits:
Note: This coverage can be rejected. Ready to make the switch? Drivers nationwide who switch and save with Progressive save over $650 on average.* Get an auto insurance quote today. Adding comprehensive and collision coverage protects your vehicleIf you're leasing or financing a vehicle, most lenders in California will require you to carry comprehensive and collision coverages. Comprehensive coverage helps pay for damages to your car that are out of your control, such as theft, fire, or deer strikes. Collision coverage helps cover damages if your car is in an accident with another car or stationary object, like a tree. It's generally worth considering these coverages if you're not sure you could afford to repair or replace your vehicle yourself if it were damaged or stolen. California medical payments coverageMedical payments cover the cost of injuries to you or your passengers after a covered accident. Learn more about medical payments coverage. How much is car insurance in California?In 2020-2021, the average cost of a California liability-only auto policy (single driver/single car) with Progressive was $68 per month.** Keep in mind that your rate varies based on many factors, including your ZIP code, driving history, coverage selection, and the number of vehicles on your policy. Can I get cheaper car insurance in California through discounts?Progressive offers several auto insurance discounts to California drivers, including:
Interesting facts about California car insurance
How to get insurance in CaliforniaCall a repA licensed representative can help to guide you through the process. Call 1-866-749-7436 What Is the Difference Between No-Fault and Fault Systems?In no-fault states, motorists injured in car accidents file a claim with their insurance company to seek compensation for medical bills, property damage, and lost income or loss of earning potential—even if another motorist was responsible for causing the accident in question. In fault system states such as California, car accident victims have far more options when another driver is responsible. They can file a claim with their insurance company; issue a claim with the insurance company of the driver who caused the accident; or file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault motorist to pursue compensation for damages. California Motorist Financial RequirementsCalifornia law mandates that all drivers have liability insurance coverage at or exceeding certain amounts. If a driver is at fault for causing an accident, these liability thresholds ensure compensation to other motorists or passengers for medical bills and property damage to their vehicle. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires the following amounts for minimum insurance coverage:
Drivers with insufficient household income may qualify for California's Low Cost Auto Insurance program. This program has restrictive eligibility requirements, but assists individuals with the purchase of more affordable minimum coverage that meets the state's mandate. Many California motorists not only comply with the required minimums, but also purchase additional coverage. In the event they are found to be at fault for an accident, their insurance company will only cover the maximum amount of their policy. Once they've exhausted this coverage, they'll have to pay any remaining damages out-of-pocket. An additional coverage policy provides a safeguard against financial hardship. Also, while liability car insurance is the only type of coverage mandated by California state law, some drivers choose additional plans. Other options include:
The DMV requires specific financial responsibility requirements for all motorists, but minimum liability insurance is only one option to meet this obligation. For example, instead of purchasing a policy, motorists can:
California motorists must show proof of financial responsibility whenever asked by law enforcement or the DMV. Not having an authorized option, or failing to show proof of it, results in penalties and fines. Fines can be substantial. A first offense carries a penalty of $100, plus the infraction fees and assessments, which may total approximately $450. A second offense within three years carries a fine of $200 to $500, plus additional infraction fees, which may bring the total penalty cost to $2,500. Law enforcement may also impound the vehicle and hold it until proof of financial responsibility is provided, or suspend the vehicle's registration. Were You Injured in an Accident?If you were injured in a car accident, the California fault law permits you to pursue compensation. Your incident may allow a settlement for current and future medical bills related to the accident; property damage to your vehicle; lost wages as a result of the accident; loss of earning potential if those injuries forced you to take a lower-paying position, and even pain and suffering. Complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation with a member of the Inland Empire Law Group to discuss your case. We have offices in Rancho Cucamonga and Victorville, and are proud to serve Fontana and the entire High Desert and Inland Empire region. Related Links:
Is it mandatory to have car insurance in California?Most people show financial responsibility by buying auto liability insurance. California law states, "All drivers and all owners of a motor vehicle shall at all times be able to establish financial responsibility and shall at all times carry in the vehicle evidence of the form of financial responsibility in effect for ...
What type of insurance is required in California?What type of insurance is required in California? Liability insurance is the only type required for California drivers. They are required to have both bodily injury and property damage liability coverage.
What is considered full coverage insurance in California?Full coverage insurance in California is usually defined as a policy that provides more than the state's minimum liability coverage, which is $15,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, up to $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 in property damage coverage.
What is the legal minimum car insurance?Third party insurance is the bare minimum you need to drive legally on public roads. It has been compulsory since it was introduced with the Road Traffic Act 1930.
|