California requires every driver to carry auto insurance with a minimum of $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident for Bodily Injury, and $5,000 per accident for Property Damage. This is relatively low compared with other states, and it is highly recommended by some auto insurance companies to carry coverage of $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident for Bodily Injury and $100,000 for Property Damage.

Drivers who are covered under the California Automobile Assigned Risk Plan are required to carry $10,000 per person and $20,000 per accident for Bodily Injury and $3,000 per accident for Property Damage. This plan is designated for those individuals who have trouble purchasing auto insurance and is a last resort for them to be covered by an auto insurance company.

Having Bodily Injury liability will cover costs of the injuries or death of the other driver when you’re at fault in the accident, but it does not cover the injuries or death of you, your passengers, or anyone else on your policy. It will also cover any pain and suffering and lost wages the other driver sustains. In the event you need a lawyer to defend you in court for your accident, this coverage provides you representation from your auto insurance company.

Property damage liability covers damage you incur to property that is not your own, be it someone’s car, fence, pole, guardrail, et cetera. Note that you should carry enough to cover any damages you could possibly cause. Any cost that exceeds your coverage amount will leave you paying the difference between the two numbers for the repairs out of your pocket. If you want coverage of your own vehicle in this instance, you will need to purchase Collision coverage.

While other states require additional coverage such as uninsured motorist, comprehensive, or collision, California does not. However, you should look into and possibly add them to your policy to protect yourself and your assets in the event of your involvement in an accident. Check with your auto insurance company to understand the details of coverages they offer given that all coverages are limited to any terms and liabilities provider by your auto insurance company.

In the state of California, any time you are stopped by a traffic officer, you will be asked to provide proof of insurance and you will be penalized for driving without it. If you cannot produce proof or do not have auto insurance, you will be given a citation and a fine of no less than $500 and possible court costs, and it’s also possible your vehicle will be impounded. It’s better to purchase auto insurance and always have proof of it in your vehicle.

California follows a tort auto insurance system. According to the law, in any accident, the at fault driver and their auto insurance is responsible to pay for all medical expenses, including pain and suffering and loss of wages, of the driver and passengers in the other vehicle. California does not honor the no-fault system.

California Auto Insurance Requirement Chart:

• Bodily Injury Liability: $15,000/$30,000 Limit
• Property Damage Coverage: $5,000 Limit

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