Car insurance requirements in California (CA)
California Insurance companies are required by law (California Vehicle Code [CVC] §16058) to electronically report to DMV all private-use vehicle insurance information. This allows California Department of Motor Vehicles to monitor whether a car is insured or not. Law enforcement required to report any vehicles that does not covered. They as well as court personnel have all electronic records to check the insurance status in DMV database.
California (CA) car insurance requirements
Please read carefully these car insurance requirements for CA:
Any car driven or even parked on California roads is responsible financially.
Financial responsibility proof must be carried in your auto all time and must be provided when
- Requested by law enforcement officer
- Vehicle registration being renewed
- Car is involved in a traffic accident
- Requested to providing the evidence of financial responsibility
Minimum liability requirements for private vehicles
$15,000 for injury or death to one person.
$30,000 for injury or death to more than one person.
$5,000 for property damage.
(California Insurance Code §11580.1b)
Comprehensive or collision insurance is not required.
Financial responsibility:
- A motor vehicle liability insurance policy
- A cash deposit of $35,000 with DMV
- A DMV issued self-insurance certificate
- A surety bond for $35,000 from a company licensed to do business in CA.
Vehicle registrations are subject to suspension in following cases:
DMV is notified that a policy has been cancelled and a replacement policy has not been submitted within 45 days.
Insurance information is not submitted to DMV within 30 days of the issuance. The registration was obtained by providing false evidence of insurance. Vehicle registration is suspended.
What to do if your vehicle registration suspended
If you have received a letter from the Department of Motor Vehicles stating your vehicle registration will be suspended or already suspended, you may submit your insurance information and/or reinstatement fee with one of the following:
1. Online: Page at DMV.ca.gov that provides up-to-date vehicle registration suspension status, and submit/remove an Affidavit of Non-Use (ANU).
2. By mail: Mail the detachable stub from your notification letter with proof of liability insurance and/or reinstatement fee payment through remittance to:
DMV
PO Box 997405
Sacramento, CA 95899-7405
Proof of liability insurance and/or reinstatement fee payment can be mailed to:
DMV – VIP Unit
PO Box 997408 MS N305
Sacramento, CA 95899-7408
3. BY PHONE: Call 1-800-777-0133 to verify registration insurance suspension status, submit a reinstatement fee payment, submit proof of liability insurance, and submit/remove an ANU.
If you moved out of California
If you are not operating your currently registered vehicle, and it is not parked on a California roadway, you may submit an Affidavit of Non-Use (ANU) at DMV.ca.gov or by calling 1-800-777-0133.
If the vehicle is still not in use when registration renewal fees are due you must pay renewal fees or request the vehicle be placed on non-operational (PNO) status. In this case you are not eligible for an ANU. You can obtain additional PNO information at DMV.ca.gov.
How to contact Insurance Commissioner in California
Phone: California (800)927-4357
Official website: http://www.insurance.ca.gov/
http://dmv.ca.gov/pubs/brochures/fast_facts/ffvr18.htm
Other contacts:
For those who can not afford liability insurance they may have an eligibility for the Low Cost Automobile Insurance Program. Additional info at www.aipso.com/lc/ or call 1-800-602-8861.
For information regarding cash deposits, or self insurance, please contact DMV Financial Responsibility Unit, at (916) 657-6520.
To locate a company that issues surety bonds, please contact the Department of Insurance at 1-800-927-4357 or visit insurance.ca.gov
For full and updated information regarding car insurance requirements in California please refer to the official website of DMV of the state of California.