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California Auto Insurance Requirements
The state of California requires drivers to purchase automobile insurance to prove financial responsibility before they are allowed to drive. The requirements are not that strict and can usually be provided under most cheap California auto insurance policies. But before you purchase insurance, you should familiarize yourself with the most common types of coverage.
The coverages available include:
Comprehensive coverage: This type of insurance covers damage from such things as theft, fire, and malicious mischief and any direct or accidental loss or damage of your vehicle and its equipment. This is the best coverage you can get for your car and is often required by your lender if you've recently purchased the car and still owe money on it. It can be pretty expensive depending on the type of car you drive, but fortunately this level of insurance is not required by California law.
Liability coverage: This is the minimum insurance coverage required and can be purchased inexpensively through most cheap California auto insurance plans. What it covers is property damages to another person's vehicle if you have an automobile accident and bodily injury to all drivers and passengers. It does not cover damages to your own car - you will have to pay for those repairs yourself.
Uninsured motorist bodily injury: This insurance coverage makes sure that, if you are in an accident caused by a driver without insurance, you and your passengers will be paid for bodily injury. If the uninsured driver is found negligent or you were injured in a hit-and-run where the driver could not be found, you would still be covered - even if the other driver's insurance company goes out of business or will not pay for any other reason.
Now with that knowledge, you know that all you need to be a legal driver is liability insurance. But how much of that do you need? According to Section 16451 of the Vehicle Code, your insurance must meet these limits of coverage: Bodily injury liability minimum of $15,000 per person and $30,000 total for all persons per accident; and, property damage liability minimum of $5,000 per accident.
Your licensed insurance agent or broker can help you insure that the requirements are met. Or if you prefer, you can contact your local DMV office for more information.
If you decide not to purchase car insurance you won't be saving money wisely. If you are stopped by the police and can't prove that you have insurance you can be charged hundreds of dollars in fines for a first offense. The penalty is even worse if you have an accident. Your license can be suspended even if you didn't cause the accident.
Cheap California auto insurance plans can be found easily throughout the state. There's no reason not to protect yourself, your passengers and other drivers when you get out on the road.
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