California Auto Insurance Quotes and Coverage Guide

California Motor Vehicle Insurance Questions & Answers

Q: Is auto insurance mandatory?

A: Words straight from the horse’s mouth (or from the California Department of Motor Vehicles when we’re being nice) proclaim: “You must maintain in force evidence of financial responsibility as specified by law if: · You drive a motor vehicle, whether you own it or not. · You own a motor vehicle, whether you drive it or not, but allow others to drive it.”

If you need it any clearer than this, you probably should not be driving anyway.

Q: Is California a "tort" state?

A: Yes. In tort states, restrictions on lawsuits don’t exist. This means you can get your pants sued off (or your insurance company can) if you’re the one who caused all the pain and suffering and medical costs incurred by the other driver and/or the other driver’s passengers. And if you’ve got anything more than pants, and they’ve got more pain and suffering and medical costs than what your minimum liability insurance covers, they can get everything else you own, too.

Q: What type of insurance is required to purchase and maintain a California tag and registration?

A: California requires minimum liability insurance of 30/15/5 ($15,000 for a single death or injury, $30,000 for death or injury to more than one person, and $5,000 for property damage). This law is to keep the financially irresponsible people off California’s roads and highways, so if you’re the type who can’t find two nickels to rub together, you’re probably better off walking anyway – unless you sent them to the insurance company that you gave those two nickels. And before you buy insurance from anybody, make sure they’re licensed by the California Department of Insurance (1-800-927-HELP). Even though that guy in the park wearing the trench coat and shades promised you a deal, he may be one of those types who doesn’t have two nickels to rub together and couldn't possibly insure you for any thing any way any where -- except maybe in the Twilight Zone.

Q: Can I maintain my current policy issued in my previous state of residence?

A: You have 20 days to get your act together about your car insurance after you’ve come to California, but before you even drive here from whatever state you’re coming from, you should ask your insurance company if you are covered in case of an accident. Before those 20 days are up, you need to get insurance through someone licensed through the state’s Department of Insurance (see above). And, please, avoid that guy in the park.

Q: What if I fail to keep insurance on my vehicle that I’ve registered in California?

A: You can get fined, get your vehicle impounded, or lose your driver license for up to four years if you don’t produce proof of insurance in one of those close encounters of the third kind with a California peace officer. And don’t try to pass off that obviously fake piece of paper that looks like it was written by someone from the Twilight Zone and that’s already starting to smudge – the cops know all about that guy in the park.

Q: I am not a resident of California, but I visit for several months during the year. Do I need California insurance?

A: Unless your current residency is in the Twilight Zone, you can drive in California with your existing state’s registration for up to six months, but be aware you are subject to the same financial responsibility laws as valid California licensed drivers, i.e., you’ve got to have at least the 30/15/5 minimum liability insurance. You also need to call your agent in your state of residency to make sure your policy protects you from liability in California.

Q: I own several vehicles but do not operate some of them. Do I need insurance for the inoperative ones?

A: You must obtain minimum liability coverage on all vehicles that are registered to you, both operational and non-operational, despite what that guy in the park may have said. You never know when your broken-down heap might suddenly come alive and run someone down, at which time you’ll be glad you’re covered. Since you’ve obviously taken a short vacation back to the Twilight Zone, it could come in handy.

You can save on your registration renewal fees, however. For a $15 fee, you can apply for a Planned Non-Operation (PNO) certificate if you plan to store and not operate your vehicle during the next renewal year. If you do drive it or park it where it might get a citation, though, then you’re out the full registration fees, and penalties for that year become due. And then you may wish you were back in the Twilight Zone, along with the park guy.

Q: How can I own a vehicle and not need insurance?

A: Currently, the only vehicles you can own and not have liability insurance on are the following: · Trailers · Off-highway vehicles · Government vehicles · IRP registered vehicles · Permanent fleet registered vehicles · Special equipment vehicles · Vehicles registered under a Planned Non-Operation (PNO) status · Vehicles you’ve bought at the hobby shop, put together with airplane glue, and display on your mantel, along with the one the park guy had Special Delivered to you from – you guessed it – the Outer Limits. (Gotcha!)