Learn About the Laws and Regulation Before You Get an Auto Insurance Quote in California

No matter where you live, you need to have car insurance. Otherwise, people would have no way to pay for damage they accidentally cause to someone else. Driving would be terrifying and expensive! That being said, all insurance is not the same. This is because all states have their own rules and regulations. California is different from Florida and Massachusetts and everyone else. If you are new to the state, you need to reach out to one of the auto insurance companies California pretty soon after moving here. Your quote will tell you how much money your new car insurance policy will be each month, plus what is actually covered and how much you’re responsible to pay before the policy steps in to cover the rest in the event of major damage.

Make sure you’re following all of the state laws and rules in order to stay compliant. A few of the most important things to understand include:

#1 There is a minimum amount of car insurance you must have. California requires drivers to carry at least the following auto insurance coverages:

Bodily injury liability coverage: $15,000 per person / $30,000 per accident minimum

Property damage liability coverage: $5,000 minimum

Uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage: $15,000 per person / $30,000 per accident minimum

Uninsured motorist property damage coverage: $3,500 minimum

#2 We have the “California Deductible Waiver.” If your chosen auto policy includes collision coverage on your vehicle, then you may be eligible for the California Deductible Waiver. With this waiver, your insurance company will pay the collision deductible on your car if an uninsured driver causes an accident. This is great peace of mind to have, so be sure it is included in the auto insurance quote in California you recieve!

#3 Failure to meet California state requirements is not taken lightly. In fact, it will result in an Intent to Suspend Registration letter. If the state of California cannot confirm that you have insurance on your vehicle, you will receive a letter stating that they plan to cancel your car’s registration. You won’t be allowed to legally drive your car anymore! It goes without being said that continuing to drive without insurance and without a registration is an even bigger deal, one the state of California takes very seriously. You’ll be forced to get all of this paperwork caught up eventually, so you may as well do it right the first time to avoid unnecessary stress and fines.

#4 Driving without car insurance could land you in jail! In most states, California included, driving while uninsured is considered a misdemeanor offense. However, it can potentially lead to a prison sentence. Jail time will most likely not be imposed for a first offense, unless you cause a serious accident that results in extensive damage, injuries, and death. Repeat offenses will incur higher fines and stiffer punishments, possibly including jail.

You don’t need to figure this all out on your own. If you have any other questions, reach out to a car insurance company and ask! They’ll know all the rules and regulations that affect your driving, your policy, and making sure you stay within the laws. They will give you a quote for a new policy effective here in the state while answering these questions.

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