California requires every driver to carry at least the state’s minimum liability insurance and to show proof of it at any traffic stop or accident. Proof can be your insurance card or an electronic copy on your phone.
Fines
- First offense: a base fine of $100 to $200, plus penalty assessments that can multiply the total several times over.
- Later offenses: $200 to $500 plus assessments, and your vehicle may be impounded.
If you crash without insurance
If you’re in an accident that injures someone or causes more than $1,000 in property damage, you must report it to the DMV within ten days. If you didn’t have insurance, the DMV can suspend your license for up to four years, and you’re personally responsible for the damage and injuries you caused, which can mean lawsuits and wage garnishment.
Getting your license back
Reinstatement usually requires filing an SR-22 and keeping it on file for years, and the violation can raise your rates long after the suspension ends.
Minimum coverage costs far less
A basic liability policy almost always costs less than a single uninsured-driving ticket once penalty assessments are added. If cost is the issue, ask us about low-cost options, including California’s Low Cost Auto Insurance Program for income-eligible drivers.