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California Minimum Car Insurance and Penalties for Driving Without It
The short answer
California requires liability insurance of at least $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for injuries, and $15,000 for property damage (30/60/15).
California at a glance
| Minimum liability | $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for injuries, and $15,000 for property damage (30/60/15) |
|---|---|
| Other required coverage | No other coverage is required besides liability. |
| First offense for driving uninsured | Failing to show proof of insurance when a peace officer asks is an infraction with a fine of $100 to $200, plus penalty assessments, and the court can order your vehicle impounded. The DMV suspends your registration if it does not receive proof of insurance. If you are in a reportable accident without insurance, your license stays suspended until one year has passed and you file an SR-22, which you must keep for three years. |
| Repeat offense | A second conviction within three years carries a fine of $200 to $500, plus penalty assessments. |
| Fee to restore after a lapse | A restricted license after an uninsured accident suspension requires an SR-22 and a $250 penalty fee. A registration reissuance fee set by the DMV also applies. |
Penalties depend on the court and your record; your citation or notice decides what applies to you.
FAQ
What is the minimum car insurance in California?
California requires liability insurance of at least $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for injuries, and $15,000 for property damage (30/60/15).
What happens if you drive without insurance in California?
Failing to show proof of insurance when a peace officer asks is an infraction with a fine of $100 to $200, plus penalty assessments, and the court can order your vehicle impounded. The DMV suspends your registration if it does not receive proof of insurance. If you are in a reportable accident without insurance, your license stays suspended until one year has passed and you file an SR-22, which you must keep for three years.
Sources
- www.dmv.ca.gov/insurance-requirements
- dmv.ca.gov/sr104.pdf
- www.dmv.ca.gov/payments-refunds
- www.dmv.ca.gov/financial-responsibility-insurance-requirements-and-collisions
- leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/codes_displaySection.xhtml
- leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/codes_displaySection.xhtml
- leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/codes_displaySection.xhtml
- leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/codes_displaySection.xhtml