California Auto Insurance

"Being insured is the law in California"

Consumers have questions and so did we...

• What are the types of insurance coverage and what are the amounts required for the province of California.

• What does the law say pertaining to minimum insurance coverage in California?

California has strict mandatory policies about vehicle registration, insurance coverage minimums, and financial responsibilities pertaining to every vehicle owned, operated, or parked on its roadways. In California, you can obtain your learner’s permit at fifteen and a half and your restricted license at sixteen, with a full license at seventeen.

To adhere to California's auto insurance rules, you must...

In California, you must maintain a current insurance policy with a registered insurance company or broker carrying the minimum insurance requirements or greater. There are many different types of insurance, at competitive rates, so shop around for the best price. Be aware that once insured, if you miss a payment on your policy, your insurance could be cancelled, without notice.

1. California requires each driver to carry third party liability insurance, also called PLPD, accidental benefits coverage, and uninsured and unidentified driver’s coverage, which insures you, in case you injure someone, cause a death, or damage someone’s property in a motor vehicle accident.

In California, you must have third party liability insurance for bodily injury with each person allowed $15,000.00, up to maximum of $30,000.00, as well as an additional $5,000.00 for property damages. If there are more than two people injured, whoever files first gets the settlement.

2. In California, you must carry your driver’s license and proof of insurance, which has not expired, in your motor vehicle. If you driver’s license has been suspended, or your insurance has expired, your vehicle could be towed to the compound by the police. You driver’s license can also be suspended if you owe back child support.

Important facts about auto coverage in California:

• Your driver’s license can be suspended, if you are caught driving without adequate insurance, with too many fines, or driving while under the influence of alcohol or refusing to take a blood-alcohol test, and leaving the scene of an accident or failing to file an accident report. Seat belts are mandatory in California.
• You are required to change your driver’s license, if you move, within seven days.
• Your insurance agent has access to your driving record to check for fines, suspensions, and accidents that can cause your policy to increase or be cancelled.
• If you are in an accident, and do not have the minimum insurance, you are financially responsible for all injury and damage settlements awarded by the courts.

Comprehensive or collision insurance does NOT meet minimum requirements.

Used Cars in California

Auto Insurance FAQ

Question: Is my California auto insurance valid in other states?
I have insurance with the minimum requirements for the state of California. I am going to drive to some states for a short period of time. For example, in the State of Nevada, the minimum requirements are slightly different than in California. Please answer only if you know! Thanks

Answer: Yes, it's valid in other states. The limits in your policy will adjust to meet any states minimum requirement. If you travel to Mexico your insurance will not be effective.

Question: What is the best rated auto insurance in California and why?
I'm having trouble finding ratings by people regarding their auto/home insurance. I'm located in Southern California. I don't mind paying a premium for better coverage.

Answer: That's because there aren't any. There's no one top "best" insurer, as "best" is in the eye of the beholder. To many people, it means cheapest.

Question: I just moved from Massachusetts to California. Will my auto insurance/accident history get transfered?
I have heard that Massachusetts insurance companies are typically independent of California insurance companies. As a consequence, California insurance companies wont have access to my records in Mass. This would mean that my old claims/history won't affect my new insurance policy in California. Can someone tell me if this true. Thanks

Answer: Short answer: Yes it will. Long Answer: CLUE stands for Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange, which is run by ChoicePoint Inc. in Atlanta. It maintains a claims database that insurance companies use to decide who gets auto and homeowners insurance and how much they pay. When it comes to auto reports, claims related to your vehicle or to your address show up on your CLUE report even if they have nothing to do with you. ChoicePoint says it encourages insurance companies to verify the information. If you plan to insurance shop, consider ordering your CLUE report ahead of time so you won't be surprised as I was and will have a chance to correct errors. As I found out, you only need to order one report for your whole household. You can order over the Internet (www.choicepoint.com or www.consumerdisclosure.com) if you were denied insurance or by calling 1-866-527-2600. You might want to check your credit report too if you haven't recently, since many insurance companies also rely on it in setting rates. These questions can also be answered by a qualified insurance agent. I would suggest going to a free service such as: http://www.insureme.com/landing.aspx?Refby=614498&Type=auto. It’s a web site that offers insurance information & information on policies nationwide. It also gives you the option to call local agents to get any of your questions answered. This service is 100% free and you are not obligated to buy anything. It is simply a way to get insurance information and be able to instantly compare rates in your area to find the best price/coverage.

Question: How can I sell a car without auto insurance in California?
My auto insurance is expired and I want to sell my car immidiately as I am moving out of country. Can I sell the car even if my auto insurance is expired. though car tag is good till June 09.

Answer: For auto insurance the quickest way to get a low quote is do a auto policy comparison. Be sure to choose the same coverage amounts, you can get an quick quote to compare against others. Use the same city/state, car make/model, mileage and driving history to make sure you get an apples to apples comparison. To get fast auto insurance quotes, go to http://www.simpleautoquotes.com/Auto-Insurance.html and you can compare the major auto insurance companies.

Question: Anyone know the California Auto Insurance laws well, and can claim other insurance without collusion coverage?
My car was hit by a drunk and hit-n-run driver. Although I have the police report with proof, the other insurance said they have to contact the insured first in order to determine whether to accept/deny my claim. This insurance company said the insured did not contact them and very conveniently do not have its insured's phone number. I personally found the insured's phone number and contacted him, and he told me he contacted his insurance already. The insurance company said he didn't, and will try to contact him with the number I gave to them. But the insurance company also said when they contacted the insured, they will decide whether his policy was effective or not. Help! It's been a month and I haven't fixed my car yet. My insurance is not doing anything because I don't have collusion coverage.

Answer: Not having your own insurance to go after the other drivers insurance is always difficult. You may need to hire an insurance lawyer. If you have the police report that states the other driver was at fault, then you are in the right. It sounds like the other driver has a shady insurance company. Probably one of those last chance places that will insure anybody. His insurance should have repaired your car by now. Have you told the insurance company that you have the police report? If you have, and they have not responded to you, you need to obtain the services of a lawyer right away. You can always include your legal fees in the settlement with the insurance company.

Question: Can you share your experiences with AAA and California Casualty auto insurance?
I am currently with AAA. Service has not been bad but far from ideal: -My agent, an unbearably chatty chap, forgot to disclose a couple of important things related to payments. -Whenever I've to call my local office I always get a weary response and an "I'd rather be at the beach" attitude. I'm a teacher, so I qualify for discounted premiums at California Casualty. I wonder if I could get any endorsements/experiences here. Janie P, thanks for your answer, but that page you refer is an invitation for unwanted calls. Have you checked their TOS? Kay H. I'm not asking you what I should do, I just want people that have used AAA and/or Cal Casualty for auto insurance to share their experience. Period. And let's not go into who is short of reading/writing skills here.

Answer: For car insurance the fastest way to get a free quote is do a policy comparison. Be sure to choose the same coverage levels, you can get an accurate quote to compare against others. Use the same zip code, car make and model, mileage and driving history to make sure you get an apples to apples comparison. To get fast auto insurance quotes, go to http://www.usinsuranceadvisor.com/Auto-Insurance.html and you can compare all the major auto insurance companies.

Question: Who has the cheapest auto insurance in California?
I have a second car that has been inop and I want to sell. I only need insurance for about a month.

Answer: The best way to find the cheapest auto insurance is to get an online quote. This will compare all companies in California and find the company that offers you the lowest prices.. You can get a free quote at http://www.auto-insurance-knowledge.com/24-hour-insurance-quote-auto.html

Question: Who in california needs auto insurance?
Does an 18 year old driving a car under his parents name need auto insurance? Or is it only have your own registered car? its the car i use because its the third car i was just wondering is it okay to drive anywhere even if not close to home?

Answer: As long as your listed on their policy as an additional driver, your covered.

Question: What is the cheapest auto insurance in california and can you please tell me the monthly rate for liability?

Answer: That depends on a number of different things. It really depends on the individual, how many violations they have, their age and I have heard it even depends on their credit rating.

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