Minimum Car Insurance Coverage in California: 10 Facts You Need to Know

Are You Covered?

California's minimum car insurance requirements are designed to protect drivers and their passengers in the event of an accident. However, many drivers are unaware of what is actually required by law. In this article, we will provide you with an overview of California's minimum car insurance coverage requirements, including:

• Bodily injury liability insurance
• Property damage liability insurance
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
• Personal injury protection (PIP)

We will also discuss the consequences of driving without insurance and provide tips on how to find affordable car insurance.

California Minimum Car Insurance Requirements

The minimum car insurance requirements in California are as follows:

• Bodily injury liability insurance: $15,000 per person/$30,000 per accident
• Property damage liability insurance: $5,000 per accident
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: $15,000 per person/$30,000 per accident

Bodily injury liability insurance covers the costs of injuries to other people that you cause in an accident. Property damage liability insurance covers the costs of damage to other people's property that you cause in an accident. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage protects you in the event that you are hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver.

Table 1: Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in California

Consequences of Driving Without Insurance

Driving without insurance is a serious offense in California. If you are caught driving without insurance, you may face the following penalties:

• A fine of up to $1,000
• A license suspension for up to one year
• A vehicle impoundment for up to 30 days

In addition, you may be held liable for any damages that you cause in an accident. This could include the costs of medical bills, property damage, and lost wages.

Table 2: Consequences of Driving Without Insurance in California

How to Find Affordable Car Insurance

If you are looking for affordable car insurance, there are a few things you can do:

• Shop around and compare quotes from multiple insurance companies.
• Ask for discounts, such as a good driver discount or a loyalty discount.
• Increase your deductible.
• Take a defensive driving course.

Table 3: Tips for Finding Affordable Car Insurance

Conclusion

California's minimum car insurance requirements are designed to protect drivers and their passengers in the event of an accident. However, many drivers are unaware of what is actually required by law. In this article, we have provided you with an overview of California's minimum car insurance coverage requirements, including the consequences of driving without insurance and tips on how to find affordable car insurance.

We hope that this information has been helpful. If you have any further questions, please contact your insurance agent or the California Department of Insurance.

Additional Resources

• California Department of Insurance
• National Association of Insurance Commissioners
• Insurance Information Institute

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between bodily injury liability insurance and property damage liability insurance?

A: Bodily injury liability insurance covers the costs of injuries to other people that you cause in an accident. Property damage liability insurance covers the costs of damage to other people's property that you cause in an accident.

Q: What is uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage?

A: Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage protects you in the event that you are hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver.

Q: What is personal injury protection (PIP)?

A: Personal injury protection (PIP) is a type of insurance that covers the costs of medical expenses and lost wages that you incur as a result of an accident, regardless of who is at fault.

Q: What are the consequences of driving without insurance in California?

A: If you are caught driving without insurance in California, you may face a fine of up to $1,000, a license suspension for up to one year, and a vehicle impoundment for up to 30 days.

Q: How can I find affordable car insurance?

A: There are a few things you can do to find affordable car insurance, such as shopping around and comparing quotes from multiple insurance companies, asking for discounts, increasing your deductible, and taking a defensive driving course.