I live in California but I’m currently working in Canada. What do I have to do to have insurance on my vehicle? I just want the cheapest liability only coverage.

Judy

Good question Judy.

It is compulsory to have car insurance in Canada. The liability insurance is required by the law for the protection from other people for the damage that you may cause in the event of an accident.

All motorist visiting Canada can be assured of the coverage using their current insurance policy if their insurance company agreed with the Canadian authorities to provide the coverage. There is no amendments necessary on your insurance coverage.

You should also get the yellow non-resident inter-province Motor Vehicle Liability insurance card from your insurance provider. This would serve as a proof that your insurance company has agreed to provide the minimum legal required coverage in any jurisdiction in Canada in where you travel. You will need to keep this card all the time in your vehicle as a proof of your insurance in case an officer will ask for it.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

Can I register my car in California but still keep my insurance policy in Las Vegas, Nevada?

Ria

Good question.

The Department of Motor Vehicle states that your car insurance needs to meet the minimum liability requirement by the state of California and it should be issued by the insurance company licensed to do business in the state of California.

The minimum insurance required in California is 15/30/5. This means $15000 for the injury or death per person, $30000 per injury or death to more than one person and $5000 for property damage coverage.

Nevada has a different minimum requirement from CA. The basic coverage in the state of Nevada is 15/30/10. This means that the bodily injury coverage is $15000 per injured person up to the total of $3000 per accident and the property damage liability has the minimum limit of $1000.

Your insurance company is required to report or inform the California Department of Motor Vehicles the insurance information for of all private use vehicle liability policy. Most insurers will not insure vehicles if you move to out of state.

On the other hand, if your insurance company is licensed to do business in the state of California, you can contact your insurance provider on how to go about changing your Nevada insurance policy to California car insurance policy so you may be able to register it in the state of California. It is best to contact the California Department of Motor Vehicles to get more information of getting California car insurance and requirements for vehicle registration.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

What is the minimum liability insurance required for California drivers?

Michael

Thank you for asking.

The state law in California requires all motorist to show proof of financial responsibility. They must show their ability to pay for damages and injuries to others resulting from an accident.

Every driver and car owners are required by the California’s Compulsory Financial Responsibility Law to be financially responsible for all their actions. Here’s the minimum liability insurance requirement in California:

Bodily Injury:

- $15,000 for injury or death of one person per accident
- $30000 for all persons per accident

Property Damage:

- $5,000 per accident

There are ways to accomplish the financial responsibility

1. the coverage by a motor vehicle /automobile liability insurance policy
2. Financial Responsibility (FR) /cash deposit of $35000 with the DMV
3. certificate of self insurance issued by DMV to owners of fleets of more than 25 vehicles
4. surety bond for $35000 obtained from the licensed insurance company in CA

All motorist should have the minimum liability insurance or may have an alternative way to pay for the damages they may cause. Personal injury is not required but its an optional coverage that one might want to buy for reasonable and necessary medical expenses payment for you and your passengers.

Goodluck!

MariCAR