How to insure a car: Car insurance in California -USA, Africa

Car insurance is a legal requirement in California in the US and in most African countries. At a minimum, drivers must hold liability insurance. The state, however, offers discounts and a program for low-income drivers. Are you shopping for affordable car insurance quotes? California insurance companies are required to offer you a good driver's discount if you have a clean driving record.

Read More: Car purchase and maintenance guide

    Car Insurance Requirements

    California law requires that you have a way to cover costs related to damages or injuries you may have caused in a car accident. Purchasing liability car insurance is the simplest and most common way people choose to meet this requirement.
    The minimum amount of liability insurance you must have on your policy is:
        - $15,000 for injury/death to one person.
        - $30,000 for injury/death to more than one person.
        - $5,000 for damage to property.

    Other Car Insurance Coverage

    While liability coverage is the only type of car insurance coverage you are required to carry in California, there are several other types of coverage available to you, including:
        Comprehensive coverage – This coverage insures you against damages that might occur to your car that do not involve traffic accidents such as theft-related damage.
        Collision coverage – This insures you against damages to your car that occur as a result of a traffic collision such as an accident with another driver.
        Medical and funeral services coverage.
        Uninsured/Underinsured motorist coverage – According to the latest statistics from the California Department of Insurance (CDI), in 2004, 14.43% of California drivers had no car insurance. Uninsured/underinsured coverage can cover damages caused by one of these drivers.
        Rental car coverage.
        Towing and labor coverage.

        Note: Adding comprehensive and/or collision coverage is generally optional. However, if your car is being financed, your lending or leasing company will require you to purchase comprehensive and collision coverage.

    Other Forms of Financial Responsibility

    Buying car insurance is the most common way to fulfill your financial responsibility requirements, but it isn't your only option.
    Other options to meet the requirement include:
        - A $35,000 cash deposit with the CA Department of Motor Vehicles.
        - A Certificate of Self-Insurance from the DMV.
     - A surety bond of $35,000 from any company licensed to do business in CA.

    Proof of Insurance

    You must be able to prove you have auto insurance to register your car or renew your registration. Your insurance company will give you an insurance card that can serve as your proof of insurance.
    Your car insurance card will have:
       - Your car's information- Make, Model, Year, Safety rating, Value
       - Your name and the name of any other drivers under your car's policy.
         - The expiration date of your insurance policy's term.
        

You will receive a new card every time you renew your car insurance policy. Additionally, insurance companies in California are required to electronically report your insurance information to the DMV. The California DMV can use these electronic records to verify that you have car insurance.

    Getting Pulled Over in California

    If you are pulled over by a police officer, you must show your proof of insurance, along with your driver's license and car registration.

    Violation Fines and Penalties

    If you are pulled over in California without proof of car insurance or any other form of financial responsibility, you may face the following fines:
        $100 - $200 for your first offense.
        $200 - $500 for each offense within 3 years after your first.
        The court may impound your car and hold it until you are able to show a proof of insurance.
    For people living in other states and cities in the US apart from california visit this site https://www.dmv.org/ca-california/car-insurance.php and choose your city to see car insurance procedures in your zone, city or region.

Tip: Definition of Insurance and Car Insurance

 Insurance is a noun formed from the verb insure. To insure means to protect yourself against risk by regularly paying a special company that in exchange will provide a fixed amount of money if in the future you are killed or injured or your home or possessions like cars are damaged, destroyed or stolen. Car insurance simply means paying regularly a company that in exchange will provide fixed amount of money if in the future your car is stolen, damaged or destroyed. Discover the  Top Best car insurance companies in Cameroon.