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  • A List of California Automobile Insurance Requirements

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  • Automobile insurance requirements usually vary from one state to another and it is important to make sure that you know the requirements in your state before purchasing an automobile insurance policy. Here is a list of the automobile insurance requirements that you need to know if you are living in California.

    California requires its drivers to have liability insurance as a minimum part of their coverage. A $15,000 minimum is required for the coverage of medical expenses for the injury of one person and a $30,000 total per accident if there are more people involved. Drivers are also required to have a minimum of $5,000 coverage for property damage, which should cover vehicle repair. The state, however, does not require a proof of liability insurance for special equipment vehicles, off-highway vehicles, trailers, vehicles which are registered under planned non-operation and vehicles which are registered to any level in the government.

    As for financial responsibility, California generally allows it drivers to have other options when establishing who or what is financially responsible in the event of a vehicular accident or other damages which are driving-related. Liability insurance is not required for individuals who can: make a deposit of $35,000 with the state DMV or Department of Motor Vehicles; obtain a bond of $35,000 from a company that is state-approved; or show proof of funds and receive a certificate of self-insurance.

    California can also suspend the registration of a vehicle in instances when there is a failure to provide a proof of financial responsibility. Vehicle registration can also be suspended when there is a liability insurance lapse for 45 days or more as well as when the insurance company fails to report coverage within a month of purchase for those vehicles which have not been registered in California in the past. A driver can also receive a $1,000 fine if an officer pulls him over and he is unable to provide proof of insurance or any other means of financial responsibility.

    These are just some California automobile insurance requirements that you need to know and understand when looking for an automobile insurance policy. Make sure that you would be considering these as you set out to get an automobile insurance quote in California so that you would get the policy that would not just suit your budget but also have the minimum requirements of the state.