Your California Auto Insurance Checklist
Welcome to California. The state has specific requirements for new residents that differ from most states. Getting your insurance and vehicle registration sorted quickly keeps you legal on California roads and avoids DMV penalties.
Get California auto insurance
Within 20 days of establishing residency
Register your vehicle with CA DMV
Within 20 days of establishing residency
Get a California driver's license
Within 10 days of establishing residency
Notify your lender (if you have a car loan)
As soon as you switch carriers
Cancel your out-of-state policy
After your CA policy is confirmed active
California Minimum Insurance Requirements
All California drivers must carry at minimum the following liability coverage, known as 30/60/15:
$30,000
Bodily Injury
Per person injured in an accident you cause
$60,000
Bodily Injury
Per accident (total for all persons injured)
$15,000
Property Damage
For damage you cause to other vehicles or property
Note: These are state minimums. Many financial advisors recommend higher limits to fully protect your assets. If you finance your vehicle, the lender will also require comprehensive and collision coverage.
How California Is Different From Other States
If you're moving from another state, there are a few California-specific insurance rules worth knowing:
No Credit-Based Pricing (Prop 103)
California prohibits insurers from using your credit score to set auto insurance rates — one of only three states with this protection. If your credit negatively affected your rates elsewhere, you may be pleasantly surprised by California quotes.
At-Fault State (Not No-Fault)
California is an at-fault state, meaning the driver responsible for an accident is responsible for the resulting damages. If you're coming from a no-fault state (like Florida or Michigan), your coverage approach may need to change.
California Low Cost Auto Insurance Program (CLCA)
CLCA is a state program for income-eligible drivers who can't find affordable coverage elsewhere. It provides liability-only coverage at reduced rates and is sold only through state-certified CLCA producers. Auto World is not a CLCA producer, but if you don't qualify or want more than the state minimum, we can shop low-cost non-standard auto coverage for you.
Uninsured Motorist Rate
Approximately 1 in 8 California drivers drives without insurance. Adding Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage to your policy is strongly recommended to protect yourself from these drivers.
How to Switch Your Insurance to California
No SSN? No Problem.
California law allows drivers without a Social Security Number to obtain auto insurance. Several carriers we work with specialize in coverage for ITIN holders, international license holders, and drivers with foreign-issued IDs. Learn more about no-SSN insurance in California.