What happens if you drive without insurance in California?

Driving without insurance in California isn’t just a risky move—it can lead to significant financial and legal troubles. While the cost of car insurance in the Golden State might seem high, the consequences of being caught driving uninsured are far steeper. If you are caught driving without insurance in California, you could face hefty fines, license suspensions and even vehicle impoundments. At Bankrate, we understand the intricacies of car insurance and are here to guide you through the potential pitfalls and legal ramifications of what happens if you drive without insurance in California.

California car insurance laws

First, let’s take a second to understand what it means to be driving without insurance in California. In this state, you only meet the legally required amount of coverage when you have:

• $15,000 of bodily injury liability coverage per person
• $30,000 of bodily injury liability coverage per accident
• $5,000 of property damage liability coverage

Your policy might list these limits as “15/30/5.”

Ultimately, having this much liability coverage gives you something to fall back on. If you cause an accident or hit a person or object with your car, you can rely on your liability coverage to pay for the damages up to the limits listed above. However, most insurance experts recommend carrying higher liability limits if you can afford to do so, as the damages from an at-fault incident could quickly surpass these minimum limits.

In California, driving without insurance means not carrying at least the above amounts of liability coverage. But that’s not all. Per the state vehicle code, you’re also required to show proof of that coverage to a law enforcement officer when requested to do so. You could show a paper copy of your insurance card or pull it up on your phone. Either way, to avoid a ticket for no insurance, you’ll need to show proof of insurance when asked.

There are alternatives to carrying an insurance policy. In California, you have a couple of other ways to prove financial responsibility. One way to prove you are able to be financially responsible for an accident is that you could deposit $35,000 cash with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or get a $35,000 surety bond. However, in most cases, buying an insurance policy is the cheapest and easiest way to get the proof of financial responsibility that you need to legally drive in the state.

What happens if you are caught driving without insurance in California?

California is a state that takes driving without insurance very seriously. Penalties for driving without insurance in California can add up quickly, especially if California penalty assessments are added to your infraction. If you’re a repeat offender or get into an accident without coverage, you may face more severe consequences for driving without insurance. Understanding what happens if you don’t have car insurance in California can help you avoid these legal and financial penalties.

First conviction

Getting caught driving without insurance in California once typically results in a fine between $100 and $200. Penalty assessments may be added on top of this fine, which could bring the total closer to $400. A more severe risk is that the court could also decide to impound your vehicle, even if this is the first time you were caught driving without insurance.

Second and subsequent convictions

If you are caught driving uninsured in California more than once within a span of three years, the fine significantly increases to an amount between $200 and $500. Penalty assessments also increase to somewhere between $520 to $1,300, which can bring total fines to $1,020 and $1,800. Again, you also face the possibility of your vehicle getting impounded.

California penalty assessments

Driving without insurance in California can lead to substantial penalties on top of the initial fine. These assessments can multiply the original fine several times over. Here’s a breakdown of how these penalties can add up:

• Penal Code 1464: $10 for every $10 or part of $10 of your fine (so if your fine was $25, you could be hit with a $30 penalty assessment here)
• Government Code 7600: $7 for every $10 of part of $10
• Government Code 70372: $5 for every $10 or part of $10
• Government Code 76104.6: $1 for every $10 or part of $10
• Government Code 76104.7: $4 for every $10 or part of $10
• Government Code 76000.5: $2 for every $10 or part of $10

These assessments can quickly escalate the cost. For example, a $100 fine can rise to $390 when all penalties are included. The maximum $500 fine could total $1,950 with these assessments applied. This does not even account for additional costs if you cause damage while driving uninsured.

Local officials have discretion over which assessments to apply, so the total amount may vary based on your location. However, understanding these potential costs highlights the importance of maintaining the required insurance coverage in California to avoid severe financial consequences.

What happens if you cause an accident without insurance?

Causing an accident without insurance in California can be costly. If you caused the accident, you’re on the hook for paying the damages. That means you’ll need to cover repairs to the other person’s vehicle and their medical expenses out of your own pocket. A 2019 report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association found the average critically injured car accident survivor amassed nearly $980,000 in medical costs and lost wages. Even if you can’t pay the money right away, the other driver could sue you and have your wages garnished until they get the amount you owe in full.

On top of that, getting into an accident without insurance or the ability to provide evidence of financial responsibility puts you at risk of license suspension. Usually, you’ll be without your license for one year, at which point you can get your license reinstated if your insurance company files an SR-22 on your behalf. You’ll need to keep that SR-22 in place for three years. Average car insurance rates for high-risk drivers, such as those with SR-22 requirements, are typically much higher than rates for standard drivers.

Even if you weren’t the at-fault driver, driving without insurance in California limits your recourse after an accident. The other driver’s liability policy can pay for your car repairs and medical bills up to the policy limits, but because California is a “no pay, no play” state, you can’t try to get compensation for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the best car insurance in California?

  There is no single company that stands out from the pack as the best car insurance company for all Californians. Rather, the best insurance car in California will be the one that meets your insurance needs. If you prefer to manage your policy in person, an insurer with a robust agent network will probably be best for you. Or, if you prioritize cheap rates, a carrier with lots of applicable discounts may be a better option. Your vehicle can also affect the best insurance company for you. If you’ve added customized parts, you might need an insurer that offers coverage for aftermarket upgrades.
  

• How much does car insurance cost in California?

  As of July 2024, the average cost of car insurance in California for a full coverage policy is $2,573 annually. Minimum coverage costs an average of $637 per year. However, it is important to remember that California insurance premiums vary based on a variety of individual factors, including age, location, driving record, insurance history, coverage selections, and vehicle type. For example, drivers in Los Angeles pay an average full coverage premium 36 percent higher than the state average.
  

• What are the risks of driving without car insurance in California?

  Driving without insurance in California can impact you financially and legally. If you don’t have car insurance in California and are convicted of driving without insurance, you could end up paying thousands of dollars out of pocket in fines and potentially risking vehicle impoundment and license suspension. If you cause an accident while uninsured, you will be responsible for paying for the other driver’s damages out of pocket. Furthermore, if someone else hits your car, you will not be able to collect money for certain damages as an uninsured party.
  

• When should you contact a traffic attorney?

  Most traffic attorneys will tell you to contact them immediately after getting caught driving without insurance in California. However, you might decide to handle the matter yourself. For instance, if you had insurance at the time but didn’t have proof, you could go to the court and ask them to dismiss the fine. If your situation is more complex, you don’t have car insurance in California or this is a subsequent violation, you might consider reaching out to an attorney to represent you.
  

• Can you appeal your fine for driving without insurance?

  If you were pulled over for driving without insurance in California but you were insured at the time, you can ask the court to dismiss the fee. First, go to court and show your proof of insurance or go to the DMV to get the citation signed off. Then, pay the court’s $25 dismissal fee.
  

• What if I can't afford car insurance in California?

  If you’re unable to afford car insurance in California, the California Low-Cost Auto Insurance (CLCA) program might help. This state-sponsored program offers affordable liability coverage to low-income drivers to ensure they are able to meet legal requirements. CLCA policies provide basic coverage limits at reduced rates, making it easier for those with limited financial resources to maintain car insurance. Eligibility depends on factors such as income, vehicle value and driving record. The program aims to provide essential coverage and keep you legally compliant without straining your budget.