Nobody denies that California is one of the most beautiful and interesting states in the United States. It’s a great state to live in and to drive around. However, California auto insurance law requires that all drivers carry insurance. It makes no difference if you are driving your own car or someone else’s car.
What is the California Auto Insurance Law?
So, here are already three pieces of advice that you can get from this.
First of all, if, for some reason, you are driving someone else´s car, make sure that the other person has insurance. Or else, take a taxi. It doesn’t matter if the person is very close to you or you’ve known him or her for several years. Also, don’t think that because the distance you’re going is very short you’re risk free. Yes, the risk is lower, but it is still there, and the penalty for getting caught overrides the low risk. If you feel too embarrassed to ask the person if the insurance policy hasn’t expired, you can look for it in the glove compartment.
Second, if you rent a car in California, make sure that it has the proper insurance. Don’t just trust the word of some clerk; ask to see the actual policy. If you don’t think that the policy is enough to cover your risks (which will depend on where you will be driving in California), you can always buy extra coverage. Fortunately, all major car rental companies have basic insurance as part of their plans. That’s why it’s a good idea to go for an established and well known company than an unknown and obscure one.
Types of Vehicles Covered Under California Auto Insurance Law
Third, the California law applies to all vehicles in the state of California, regardless of whether they are registered in California or elsewhere. Thus, if you come into California from Oregon, Nevada, or Arizona, make sure that your state insurance also complies with the requirements of California law. The same applies if you come from Mexico, with the added inconvenience that an immigration officer will check your car papers, including your car insurance, of course. If you are coming from Mexico, it’s highly advisable that you get informed on the exact insurance requirements beforehand, as any irregularity may stop you from crossing the border.
California auto insurance law is not only for people who live and buy cars in the state of California. If you drive in California at all, even if you come from another place, or rent a car, or borrow somebody’s car, you must have an insurance that complies with California’s law.