Requirements to get California auto insurance - What are they?

the auto insurance required by law

What is required to buy car insurance in California?

Drivers must be residents and have the ability to operate a vehicle. No CA driver's license is required to buy an auto insurance policy and vehicle does not have to be in the policyholder's name. Many of California's companies have "loosened up" their registration and license requirement to offer more flexibility to Californians without a license or driving a vehicle in someone else's name. Begin by getting your rate quotes below or call (800) 527-7225 for more information:

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What are the CA auto insurance requirements?

In the state, California car insurance policy requirements makes it mandatory for drivers to have at least the following coverage:

Minimum Car Insurance Requirements
Injuries caused to others -
Proper term: Bodily Injury Liability
A minimum of $15,000 is required for each injured person.
A minimum of $30,000 is required as the "coverage maximum" for multiple injured people.
Damages caused to other's property -
Proper term: Property Damage Liability
A minimum of $5,000 is required towards repairs of damages caused to other people's property.

Keep in mind that the above is only what the state requires and does not provide adequate coverage in the event of significant injury or damage to third parties. Also be aware that damages over the maximum limit will be due out of pocket if there is no other policy to cover it. The amount of damages can add up quickly; therefore, drivers should protect themselves from such occurrences. Take for example the following situation to get an idea of being underinsured and in a bad situation:

  • You run a traffic signal and have damaged a vehicle with damages estimated to be $12,420. Keep in mind that simply painting a newer vehicle costs upwards of $5,000 just for the paint job.
  • You injure a driver which broke his arm and incurred a $22,460 medical bill from urgent care and the ambulance ride. (a very low estimate)

In the above, based on having the minimum required auto insurance, you would be left owing a total of $14,880 out of your pocket which most of us can't afford to suddenly pay out that kind of money in such event.

The recommendation is to obtain online auto insurance quotes on different types of coverage limits to get an idea of what the impact would be on the rates if you were to add a little extra coverage. After all, the quotations are free and you may get as many as you need. As a matter of fact, a coverage comparison is encouraged by many professionals.


Car insurance companies that require no deposit:

Are you looking to get insured without having to put a down payment? If you reside in California you may be able to arrange this by allowing our agents to hold a check and not cash it until an agreed length of time. Contact one of our agents at (800) 527-7225 to arrange to buy a policy with no immediate deposit or down payment. Through Auto Solutions Insurance Services, a CA brokerage, we offer Californians a variety of quality auto insurance companies such as Progressive, GMAC, Infinity, Bristol West, Western United and many more.