California Car Insurance: Requirements Every Motorist Should Know

There’s no doubt about it, California provides a cornucopia of sights and sounds for those who have not lived there long enough to become jaded; however, California’s population is steadily growing and as a result there are more drivers on California roads then ever before. This means that it is absolutely essential for every motorist to carry a quality car insurance policy.

Like most states CA has made it a requirement for every driver to possess liability insurance. Liability will pay for damages inflicted to the body and vehicle of the driver whose vehicle was struck by the insured. The minimum level of coverage is as follows: fifteen thousand dollars for medical expenses if there was only one occupant of the vehicle, thirty thousand dollars for the combined expenses of all occupants of the vehicle and five thousand dollars to pay for additional property damages, including vehicle repair. This is considerably less than is required in other areas of the country.

While liability will pay for the damages to the other driver’s vehicle it leaves the driver responsible for the accident holding the bag for their own repairs. Collision and comprehensive insurance exists to pay for these costs. Aside from accidents with other vehicles this also allows the insured to have necessary repairs made at their insurance company’s expense (less the amount of their deductible) in the event that damages were caused by other factors, such as rolling off of an icy road or being struck by a deer.

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage will pay for repairs to the vehicle of the insured and any medical expenses incurred as a result of injury suffered by the insured in the event that they are involved in either a hit and run or an accident with a driver who does not carry insurance or whose level of coverage is insufficient to pay for all expenses.

Neither collision and comprehensive insurance or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage are required for CaA drivers; however, they are strongly recommended, as well as carrying a liability policy greater than the minimum required. More information regarding California auto insurance can be obtained by contacting the California Department of Insurance in Los Angeles at 800-927-HELP (4357) or by visiting their website, http://www.insurance.ca.gov.