Like most states, California requires all drivers to carry a minimum level of insurance to operate a vehicle legally. The purpose of required auto insurance is to protect drivers involved in collisions while upholding financial responsibility in the event of an accident. The state’s minimum insurance requirements include liability insurance, which covers bodily injury and property damage. If you do not have auto insurance and find yourself involved in an automobile accident, you may be faced with fines, license suspension, and even jail time, regardless of whether you were at fault for the accident.
What Are the Minimum Insurance Requirements in California?
California requires drivers to have liability insurance that covers the following:
- $30,000 for injury or death of two or more people
- $15,000 for injury or death of another person
- $5,000 property damage
Effective January 1, 2025, SB 1107 increases the minimum financial responsibility requirement for private passenger vehicles:
- $60,000 for injury or death to more than one person
- $30,000 for injury or death to one person
- $15,000 property damage
What Are the Legal Consequences of Driving Without Auto Insurance in CA?
The legal consequences of driving without auto insurance in California include:
Fines
For the first offense, the fine can range from $100 to $200. For subsequent offenses, the fine can range from $200 to $500. Additionally, penalty assessments may increase the total fine amount.
License Suspension
Driving without auto insurance can result in a suspended license. How long a driver’s license will remain suspended will depend on previous offenses and the circumstances of the violation.
Vehicle Impoundment
If you are involved in an auto accident and law enforcement responds to the scene, they may impound your vehicle. The length of impoundment can depend on the severity of the violation.
Vehicle Registration Suspension
If the DMV is notified that you were driving without insurance they can suspend your registration. When your registration is suspended you cannot legally drive on public roads until you provide the DMV with proof of insurance.
What if I’m At Fault for the Automobile Accident?
If you were at fault for the accident and you don’t have auto insurance, you will have to pay for the other driver’s damages out of pocket. If you are unable or unwilling to pay, the other driver may pursue compensation in court by filing a lawsuit against you.
What if the Other Driver Is at Fault?
If the other driver was at fault for the accident, you would file a claim with their insurance provider to cover the cost of your accident-related damages. However, you will still be faced with penalties for driving without auto insurance.
What to Do After a Car Accident in California
Knowing what to do after a car accident in California can help protect your rights and your legal claim:
- Contact law enforcement if you’re uninjured or 911 if you or a passenger has been injured.
- Exchange insurance information with the other driver. If you or the other driver does not have insurance, exchange contact information.
- Gather evidence such as photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and vehicle damage.
- Obtain the contact information of anyone who witnessed the accident.
- Seek medical treatment as soon as possible after the accident to protect your health and strengthen your claim.
- Contact a lawyer to schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your case, learn about your legal rights, and explore your options.
When Should I Contact a Car Wreck Lawyer?
You should contact a car wreck lawyer as soon as possible after an accident. This will allow them to conduct a thorough investigation, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and take over all communication with the insurance company to protect your claim and prevent you from accepting a lowball settlement offer. At Avaness Law, our car crash attorneys understand the many challenges accident victims are faced with, especially if life-changing injuries are involved. During this difficult time, our experienced legal team will go above and beyond, handling every aspect of your case and fighting for your right to fair compensation, allowing you to focus on your recovery and moving forward with your life.
Contact Us Today
If you were injured in a motor vehicle collision in California that was caused by a negligent driver, you may be entitled to compensation. At Avaness Law, our car accident lawyers can investigate your accident, gather evidence, and build a strong case that can help you recover the compensation you deserve, for an accident that was not your fault. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a car crash attorney on our legal team to learn more.
