Automobile Insurance Law

Generally yes. All California drivers and owners must have at least the statutory limits of minimum liability insurance.

Actually, there are several ways to satisfy one’s financial responsibility for owning an auto, but for most people the only practical option is purchasing auto insurance with at least the statutory limits of insurance for liability.

The statutory minimum limits for bodily injury liability insurance in California are as follows:

  • $15,000 for death or injury of any one person, any one accident
  • $30,000 for all persons in any one accident

The statutory minimum limits for property damage liability insurance in California are as follows:

  • $5,000 for any one accident.

Uninsured and Underinsured Coverage, which is not required by law, provides coverage for a policyholder involved in a collision with a driver who does not have liability insurance or who does not have sufficient liability limits to pay for damages.

Uninsured Motorist Property Damage, which is not required by law, provides coverage for the cost or repairs to your vehicle not covered by collision insurance, subject to a limit of $3,500. Such coverage pays for the property damage to your car when there is a collision with an identified uninsured driver.

Medical payments, which is not required by law, provides coverage for medical expenses incurred without regard to fault or legal liability of the policyholder.

Comprehensive, which is required by lenders and leasing companies, provides coverage for the cost of repairs or the fair market value of the vehicle.

Collision, which is required by lenders and leading companies, provides coverage for the cost of repairs or the fair market value of the vehicle.