California Minimum Car Insurance Requirements
California law requires all drivers to carry liability insurance: minimum $15,000 bodily injury per person, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 property damage. These are the absolute minimums—most drivers carry more.
Driving without insurance is illegal. Penalties include fines up to $250, license suspension, and vehicle impound. If you cause an accident uninsured, you are personally liable for all damages.
Proof of insurance (card or phone) must be shown to police if stopped. Your insurer will file proof with the DMV automatically.
Can Immigrants Get a Driver License in California?
Yes. California issues driver licenses to all residents regardless of immigration status under AB 60, passed in 2013. You do not need to prove legal residency or citizenship.
Required documents: valid passport or consulate ID from your country, proof of California residency (utility bill, lease, bank statement), and your ITIN or Mexican consulate ID number. No Social Security Number required.
Learn more: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-education-and-safety/educational-materials/fast-facts/ab-60-driver-licenses-fast-facts/
An AB 60 license cannot be used for federal purposes like flying, but it is 100% valid for driving and car insurance.
Best Insurance Options for Immigrants in California
Many major insurers in California accept ITIN numbers instead of Social Security Numbers. These include State Farm, Geico, Progressive, and Allstate. Call ahead to confirm they accept ITIN in your situation.
You will need: valid California driver license (AB 60 licenses work), vehicle registration, and ITIN. Rates vary widely—get quotes from at least 3 companies.
California has strong consumer protections. Insurers cannot deny you based on immigration status. Getting insurance does NOT create immigration risk or share data with ICE.
If English is difficult, ask your insurer for a translator. Many have free language support.
Tips for Immigrant Drivers in California
Keep your proof of insurance card in your vehicle at all times. California police can fine you $250+ for not having proof available during a traffic stop.
If you are in an accident, stay calm. You have the right to remain silent about anything except your name, license, and insurance. Do not sign anything except accident reports or citations.
California has many immigrant legal aid organizations. Search "California immigrant legal aid" if you face a traffic violation or accident issue.
Your insurance data is protected by the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act. Insurers cannot share your information with immigration authorities.
| Coverage Type | Minimum Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily Injury (per person) | $15,000 | California state minimum |
| Bodily Injury (per accident) | $30,000 | California state minimum |
| Property Damage | $5,000 | California state minimum |
| Uninsured Motorist (BI per person) | $15,000 | Required in California |
| Uninsured Motorist (BI per accident) | $30,000 | Required in California |
| Uninsured Motorist (PD) | $3,500 | Required in California |
| Medical Payments (PIP) | Not required | Optional coverage |
📋 Official Sources
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Use an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead. Most California insurers accept ITIN. You do not need SSN to buy car insurance. Get ITIN at https://www.irs.gov/individuals/individual-taxpayer-identification-number
Yes. California AB 60 allows undocumented immigrants to get a driver license using an ITIN and California residency proof. No citizenship required. See https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-education-and-safety/educational-materials/fast-facts/ab-60-driver-licenses-fast-facts/
California requires: 15,000 bodily injury per person, 30,000 per accident, 5,000 property damage. This is liability only. Rates vary by driver and car. Get quotes from insurers.
State Farm, Geico, CSAA, California Casualty, and many others insure immigrants using ITIN. Shop around. Some smaller carriers specialize in non-traditional documents. Rates vary significantly.
California insurers prefer a California license. A foreign license alone may not work. Get AB 60 license first using ITIN. It takes 2-4 weeks. Then buy insurance with that license.
No. Insurance companies are not immigration agents. The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act protects your data. Your information stays private. Buying insurance does not trigger ICE reports.
Yes. Most insurers require a California residence address. A utility bill, lease, or bank statement can prove residency when getting your AB 60 license and insurance.
ITIN, proof of California residency, proof of vehicle ownership or lease, and a California driver license (AB 60). Some insurers accept consulate IDs instead of driver license.
