Whether you’ve just moved to California or are looking to update your current policy, understanding California’s unique auto insurance requirements is crucial. This guide will walk you through the essentials of car insurance in the Golden State, including mandatory coverages, registration details, and available discounts.
Minimum California Auto Insurance Coverage
California mandates specific minimum insurance coverages to ensure drivers are protected in case of accidents. Here’s what you need to know:
- Bodily Injury Liability: $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident.
- Property Damage Liability: $5,000 minimum.
- Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury: $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident.
- Uninsured Motorist Property Damage: $3,500 minimum.
While these are the legal minimums, it’s worth evaluating if additional coverage is right for you. Use a coverage calculator to determine the best policy for your needs.
California Car Insurance Laws for New Residents
New to California? The California Driver Handbook is an essential resource. It covers everything from registering your vehicle to obtaining a California driver’s license. Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need:
- Complete an Application for Title or Registration (REG 343)
- Submit your out-of-state registration certificate and title
- Provide a California Smog Certification
- Provide an odometer mileage certification (for vehicles under 10 years old)
- Schedule a DMV appointment for vehicle identification number verification
- Pay registration fees
- Note: Commercial vehicles might require a weight certificate, and a use tax applies to vehicles purchased outside California but brought into the state within 12 months.
The California Deductible Waiver
If you have collision coverage, you may qualify for the California Deductible Waiver. This benefit allows your insurance company to cover your collision deductible if an uninsured driver is at fault for an accident.
Handling an Intent to Suspend Registration Letter
If you receive a letter from California indicating that your registration is at risk of suspension, it’s crucial to act swiftly. This notice may be due to issues such as incorrect VIN details, lapsed insurance coverage, or data errors. If you’re a GEICO policyholder, you can access necessary documents through the GEICO Mobile app. Not with GEICO? Get a quote today to find suitable insurance coverage.
Car Insurance Discounts in California
California offers several discounts that can help reduce your insurance premiums:
- Good Driver Discount: Save at least 20% if you have a clean driving record, verifiable license experience, and no more than one DMV point in the past three years.
- Good Student Discount: Teen and young adult drivers with a B average or better and less than eight years of driving experience may qualify for this discount.
To explore how these discounts could benefit you, request a quote from your insurance provider today.
California Teen Driving Laws
For parents of teens, California’s driving laws are designed to ensure young drivers gain experience safely:
- Provisional Permit: Available at age 15½ after completing driver training.
- Provisional License: Granted at 16, after holding the provisional permit for six months and passing the driving test.
- Driving Restrictions: During the first 12 months, teens can drive between 5:01 am and 10:59 pm and can only transport passengers over age 21.
