California Auto Insurance Coverage Limits

In order to be a legal driver in California, you must show financial responsibility by buying California auto insurance. This doesn’t mean you have to have the most expensive policy you can afford. In fact, if you understand what’s required of you, you’ll learn that even cheap California auto insurance can supply all the coverage you need.

Your financial responsibility when buying auto insurance is simple. You can satisfy all the legal requirements by purchasing automobile liability insurance. Even cheap California auto insurance plans cover the basics outlined by the California Department of Motor Vehicles.

These are the minimum limits of coverage you must buy according to Section 16451 of the Vehicle Code:

- Bodily injury liability minimum of $15,000 per person and $30,000 total for all persons per accident.

- Property damage liability minimum of $5,000 per accident

If you are caught driving without the minimum liability insurance in California you can be charged up to hundreds of dollars in fines for a first time offense. If you are involved in an accident - even if it’s not your fault - and you don’t have liability insurance, your license may be suspended. If you own a car you don’t use you don’t have to insure it, but you must surrender its current license plates and registration cards to the DMV.

As you can see, the California auto insurance requirements aren’t that strict. A good insurance company can provide you all the protection you need while staying within your budget. If you need more information on the state’s requirements you can contact your local DMV office or speak to a licensed insurance agent or broker.

Cheap California auto insurance doesn’t mean bad auto insurance coverage. Be informed - you can save money and still follow the law.