Insurance Requirements for Vehicle Registration - California DMV (2024)

Do I Need Financial Responsibility?

Financial responsibility (commonly known as insurance) is required on all vehicles operated or parked on California roadways.

You must carry evidence of financial responsibility in your vehicle at all times and it must be provided as specified below when:

• Requested by law enforcement.
• Renewing vehicle registration.
• The vehicle is involved in a traffic collision.

Insurance companies in California are required by law (California Vehicle Code [CVC] §16058) to electronically report private-use vehicle information and as of January 1, 2023, Commercial and Fleet vehicle insurance information.

Electronic reporting of insurance information and programming changes that took effect in 2006 and 2023, allow DMV to monitor insurance coverage and take appropriate actions through vehicle suspension as required by law.

Law enforcement and court personnel have electronic access to insurance status on DMV records.

What Are the Minimum Liability Insurance Requirements for Private Passenger Vehicles (California Insurance Code§11580.1b)?

• $15,000 for injury/death to one person.
• $30,000 for injury/death to more than one person.
• $5,000 for damage to property.

Liability insurance compensates a person other than the policy holder for personal injury or property damage.

Comprehensive or collision insurance does not meet vehicle financial responsibility requirements.

Does not include any additional Insurance requirements for Commercial and/or Fleet Vehicles deemed necessary by any Federal, State or Local Agency.

What Are the Types of Financial Responsibility?

• Motor vehicle liability insurance policy.
• Cash deposit of $35,000 with DMV.
• DMV-issued self-insurance certificate.
• Surety bond for $35,000 from a company licensed to do business in California.

For information regarding cash deposits or self-insurance, contact the DMV Financial Responsibility Unit at (916) 657-6520.

To locate a company that issues surety bonds, contact the Department of Insurance atinsurance.ca.govor by calling 1-800-927-4357.

Is Low Cost Insurance Available?

If you cannot afford liability insurance, you may be eligible for the California Low Cost Automobile Insurance Program. Additional information is available atmylowcostauto.comor by calling 1-866-602-8861.

Will I Be Asked to Provide Evidence of Financial Responsibility?

You may be requested to submit additional insurance information to DMV, such as:

• A document or identification card from your insurance company.
• A DMV authorization letter, if you are a cash depositor or are self-insured.
• California Proof of Insurance Certificate (SR 22) form for broad coverage or owner’s policy.
• Evidence that the vehicle is owned or leased by a public entity defined in California Government Code §811.2.
• AStatement of Facts (REG 256)form certifying the motor carrier has evidence of insurance on file with the Public Utilities Commission or DMV pursuant to CVC §34630.

Must I Notify DMV Before I Cancel My Insurance?

Yes. To prevent a vehicle registration suspension, you must notify DMV before you cancel your insurance. If you are not operating your currently registered vehicle, and it is not parked on a California roadway, you may submit an Affidavit of Non-Use (ANU) (REG 5090) form to DMV online at dmv.ca.gov, by calling the automated voice system at 1-800-777-0133, or by mail to one of the addresses at the end of this brochure.

When Is My Vehicle Registration Subject to Suspension (CVC §4000.38)?

Vehicle registration is suspended when:

• DMV is notified that an insurance policy has been cancelled and a replacement policy is not submitted within45 days.
• Insurance information is not submitted to DMV within30 daysof issuance of a registration card upon initial registration or transfer of ownership.
• The registration is obtained by providing false evidence of insurance.

What Do I Do If My Vehicle Registration Is Suspended?

If you have received a letter from DMV stating your vehicle registration will be suspended in the near future or has already been suspended, submit your insurance information and/or reinstatement fee:

• Online atdmv.ca.gov(with or without a notification letter). TheVehicle Registration Suspensions and Insurance Program pagesprovide up-to-date vehicle registration insurance suspension status and options to submit a reinstatement fee payment electronically, submit insurance information, submit/remove anAffidavit of Non-Use (ANU), andfrequently asked questions (FAQ).
• At aDMV NOW Kioskwith your renewal notice, registration card, or letter from the Vehicle Insurance Program with a Personal Identification Number (PIN) located at the top middle portion of the document.
• By mail with your notification letter. Mail the detachable stub from your notification letter, proof of liability insurance, and/or a reinstatement fee payment to:

  DMV
  PO Box 997405
  Sacramento, CA 95899-7405

• By mail without a notification letter. Mail proof of liability insurance and/or a reinstatement fee payment to:

  DMV-VIP Unit
  PO Box 997408 MS N305
  Sacramento, CA 95899-7408

• By telephone on the automated voice system at 1-800-777-0133. You may also verify your registration insurance suspension status, submit a reinstatement fee payment, submit proof of liability insurance, and submit/remove an ANU.

DMV field office and call center personnelcannotprocess paperwork to clear vehicle registration insurance suspensions. You will be referred to one of the service options listed previously.

What Are the Consequences of Driving a Vehicle With Suspended Registration?

In addition to the vehicle registration suspension, you may:

• Be cited.
• Have your vehicle impounded.
• Be personally liable for damages, if you are involved in a collision.