Most states require you to purchase some form of auto insurance coverage if you own or operate a car. This is to ensure that all drivers are able to provide for medical and financial expenses resulting from an accident. Since minimum car insurance requirements vary from state to state, people who are new to California might not know exactly what type of coverage to get, and how much coverage they need. Getting caught with the wrong coverage, or no coverage at all, can be costly.
To help you avoid any auto insurance mix-ups we have provided an easy guide explaining everything you need to know about California car insurance laws and requirements:
The state of California requires that all motor vehicles registered in the state are covered by a minimum level of liability auto insurance. This means that every driver operating a vehicle in the state, even those with an out-of-state license or no license at all, still must abide by the minimum auto insurance requirements while driving in California.
In California, you are required to have the following two types of liability coverage:
The State of California also requires that you carry proof of your insurance with you whenever you are behind the wheel. To prove that you have sufficient liability coverage, you will need an insurance ID card, which lists the insured vehicle, the name of the policyholder, policy number and the start and end dates of the policy period.
If you are pulled over and found to be without sufficient evidence of insurance coverage while operating a vehicle, it may result in your vehicle being impounded, and your driver’s license or vehicle registration could be suspended. California auto insurance laws could also leave you with fines ranging from $100 - $200 for the first offense, and $200 - $500 for each subsequent offense within three years of the first.
Luckily, the California Vehicle Code allows for the use of electronic documents for proof of insurance, which can be accessed via smartphone, even when offline, with apps like Wawanesa Mobile.
While liability insurance coverage is mandatory in California, there are also several other auto insurance options and add-ons available to drivers in the Golden State. And while these are not required by law, they can add some peace of mind to your road trip or daily commute. Here are a few examples of optional insurance coverage:
These are some of the most common types of optional coverage. Others include roadside assistance, rental expense coverage and uninsured motorist coverage. For more information contact a Wawanesa Insurance professional to get the most up-to-date info on everything you need to know about California car insurance requirements. Looking for better coverage with lower rates? Get a free quote today to see how Wawanesa Insurance can help.
Disclaimer: The above content is for informational purposes only and is not a direct representation of coverages offered by Wawanesa or its policies. The information does not refer to any specific contract of insurance and does not modify any definitions, provisions, exclusions or limitations expressly stated in any contracts of insurance. All references within the above content are illustrative and may not apply to your situation. The terms and conditions of the actual insurance policy or policies involved in a claim are determinative as to whether an accident or other loss is covered. To understand the coverage under your current policy, please log into the account management platform to review your policy or contact an agent directly.
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