Is uninsured motorist coverage required in California?

It must be part of every California auto policy with bodily injury liability unless you and the insurance company agree in writing to delete it (Insurance Code section 11580.2).

What happens if you drive without insurance in California?

It is an infraction with a fine of $100 to $200 plus penalty assessments for a first conviction, and $200 to $500 for another within three years. After a collision without insurance, your driving privilege will be suspended for up to four years.

California · Car insurance

California car insurance requirements

California requires insurance or another form of financial responsibility on every vehicle driven or parked on its roads. The minimum liability limits are $30,000 for injury or death to one person, $60,000 for injury or death to more than one person and $15,000 for property damage.

This page is general information, not legal or insurance advice. InsuranceFinder doesn’t sell insurance, give quotes or take applications.

Official pages: California DMV: Insurance requirements; California DMV Driver Handbook: Financial responsibility and insurance

Minimum coverage

California minimum liability limits

Injury or death, one person

Minimum: $30,000

Injury or death, more than one person

Minimum: $60,000

Property damage

Minimum: $15,000

California minimum liability limits
Coverage	Minimum
Injury or death, one person	$30,000
Injury or death, more than one person	$60,000
Property damage	$15,000

Comprehensive and collision coverage do not meet the requirement.

Instead of a policy, the DMV also accepts a $75,000 cash deposit with the DMV, a $75,000 surety bond or a DMV self-insurance certificate.

Official page: California DMV: Insurance requirements

Who must carry it

Every vehicle driven or parked on California roads must be insured, and proof must be in the vehicle.
You must show proof when you drive, for a drive test and to the other drivers after a collision.
Parents or guardians take on financial responsibility for drivers under 18. Drivers 18 and older take on their own.
The DMV suspends a vehicle’s registration when it has no proof of insurance on file.

Official pages: California DMV: Insurance requirements; California DMV Driver Handbook: Financial responsibility and insurance

Uninsured motorist coverage

Every California auto policy with bodily injury liability must include uninsured motorist coverage unless you and the insurance company agree in writing to delete it. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage are offered together as one coverage.

Official page: California Insurance Code section 11580.2

SR 22 filings

If you are in a collision without proper insurance, your driving privilege will be suspended for up to four years, whoever was at fault.
You can get your license back during the last three years of that suspension by filing a California Insurance Proof Certificate (SR 22/SR 1P) and keeping it for those three years.
The SR 22 comes from an insurance company authorized in California. A copy of your policy is not accepted in its place.
After a DUI conviction, the DMV requires a California Insurance Proof Certificate (SR 22/SR 1P).

Official pages: California DMV Driver Handbook: Financial responsibility and insurance; California DMV Driver Handbook: Alcohol and drugs

Penalties for driving without insurance

First conviction: a fine of $100 to $200, plus penalty assessments.
Another conviction within three years: a fine of $200 to $500, plus penalty assessments.
The court may order the vehicle impounded.

Official page: California Vehicle Code section 16029

If you cannot afford liability insurance

You may be eligible for the California Low Cost Automobile Insurance Program. Check with the program for your situation.

Official page: California DMV Driver Handbook: Financial responsibility and insurance

Questions about this page

What car insurance does California law require?: State law requires at least liability coverage of $30,000 for injury or death to one person, $60,000 for more than one person and $15,000 for property damage, according to the California DMV. Comprehensive and collision coverage do not meet the requirement.
Is uninsured motorist coverage required in California?: It must be part of every California auto policy with bodily injury liability unless you and the insurance company agree in writing to delete it (Insurance Code section 11580.2).
What happens if you drive without insurance in California?: It is an infraction with a fine of $100 to $200 plus penalty assessments for a first conviction, and $200 to $500 for another within three years. After a collision without insurance, your driving privilege will be suspended for up to four years.