California Motor Vehicle Insurance Requirements

What is Required by The State of California

People who own and operate vehicles in the state of California must have a valid form of motor vehicle insurance, or they can face serious legal penalties. California is a “fault” state, which means that anyone who is involved in an accident is responsible for their own damages and injuries. This is why it is so important that all drivers are adequately insured. In California, the minimum coverage required is bodily injury liability, property damage liability and uninsured motorist coverage.

Bodily Injury Liability Coverage

Bodily Injury Liability coverage helps to pay for medical expenses, lost wages and other costs that result from injuries caused by an insured driver. The minimum requirements for bodily injury liability coverage are $15,000 for each person for any one accident and $30,000 for all persons involved in any one accident.

Property Damage Liability Coverage

Property Damage Liability coverage helps to pay for damage to property caused by an insured driver. The minimum requirement for property damage liability coverage is $5,000.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured Motorist coverage helps to pay for medical expenses and damages to property that have been caused by a driver who is not insured. The minimum requirements for uninsured motorist coverage are $15,000 for each person per accident and $30,000 for all persons in any one accident. This coverage is optional and can be waived.

Additional Coverage

In addition to the minimum coverage requirements, drivers may also choose to purchase additional coverage such as medical payments, collision and comprehensive coverage. Medical payments coverage helps to pay for medical expenses that result from an accident, regardless of who is at fault. Collision and comprehensive coverage helps to pay for damages to the insured vehicle and other property that are caused by an accident, theft or other event.

Conclusion

It is very important that all drivers in the state of California have a valid form of motor vehicle insurance. The state requires a minimum of bodily injury liability, property damage liability and uninsured motorist coverage. Drivers may also choose to purchase additional coverage such as medical payments, collision and comprehensive coverage. Failure to have adequate insurance can result in serious legal penalties.