Car Insurance Considerations for California Drivers with Out-of-State Plates
Many who live in California drive around with out-of-state plates. This happens for various reasons. Some are college students or military members who only recently moved, for example, and some are just making an extended visit to family. What these drivers don’t realize, though, is that they may be paying a higher price on car insurance for out-of-state plates in California.
Before you make any policy changes, it’s important to understand the state rules concerning vehicle registration. You also need to understand the risks of out-of-state coverage, driving with non-resident car insurance, and how to find a carrier that meets your needs. Before you get behind the wheel again, keep reading to discover everything you need to know about out-of-state car insurance.
Understanding California Vehicle Registration Rules
California vehicle registration rules can be complex, and they are especially difficult for many non-residents to understand. Those driving need to understand when they are required to register an out-of-state vehicle in California and what the exact California DMV regulations require of non-residents.
Depending on how long you will be in the state, it’s also important to understand what qualifies you as a resident.
When an Out-of-State Vehicle Must Be Registered in California
Registering an out-of-state vehicle in California is required no more than 20 days after getting a job or becoming a resident.
California DMV Requirements for Non-Residents
California DMV regulations allow non-residents to drive with a valid driver’s license from another state. However, you will automatically become a resident after six months of living in the state. At that point, you will need to obtain a new driver’s license within 10 days and register your vehicle with the DMV within 20 days.
What Qualifies You as a California Resident
You will qualify as a resident (and therefore be required to get a state driver’s license) if you get a job, register to vote, enroll your child in school, or rent/buy a home. For DMV purposes, you are also considered a resident if you live in the state for at least six months.
Is Out-of-State Car Insurance Sufficient in California?
If you’re visiting the state, you may be wondering if you need temporary car insurance in California. Will you need to get new coverage at all, or will your out-of-state car insurance be sufficient?
The short answer is that your non-resident car insurance will be sufficient as long as it meets the minimum state requirements. Once you become a resident, however, car insurance laws in California require you to get a new policy.
Insurance Coverage Minimums You Must Meet
Car insurance laws in California require you to have a minimum liability coverage of $30,000 for bodily injury/death to one person, $60,000 for bodily injury/death to more than one person, and $15,000 for property damage. You should strongly consider doing more than the minimum, though, and protecting yourself with both collision and comprehensive coverage.
Driving With Out-of-State Plates in California
Depending on how long you are in the state, you may not need to get new car insurance for out-of-state plates in California. Nonetheless, you need to be aware of the risks of driving without having the proper amount of coverage required by the state.
Whether or not you’re driving with out-of-state plates, there are major risks in not complying with state requirements.
Risks of Driving Without California-Compliant Coverage
The most obvious risk of driving with insufficient insurance is that you may be stuck paying major out-of-pocket expenses for any damages you are liable for. Additionally, the state can suspend your driving privileges for up to four years if you crash without insurance. This is regardless of who is at fault, so drivers with insufficient coverage may be penalized even if someone else is at fault.
Temporary and Non-Resident Insurance Options
If you are visiting from out of state, you can continue to rely on your existing car insurance so long as it meets California’s minimum requirements. Once you become a resident, you’ll need to get a new policy.
Temporary car insurance in California is relatively rare, as most carriers do not offer weekly or monthly options. However, you can get quotes for new policies and switch to new carriers at any time, allowing you to avoid any lapses in coverage, which may affect car insurance rates.
Penalties and Consequences for Non-Compliance
The primary consequence of driving without sufficient car insurance (whether with out-of-state plates or in-state ones) is that you may face major out-of-pocket expenses for any accidents that you cause. Your policy is meant to bear the brunt of any financial impact, but if it doesn’t meet state minimums, you will have to personally pay for the remaining damages.
Additionally, California may suspend your driving privileges for up to four years if you are caught driving with insufficient coverage. It doesn’t matter whether you are at fault or not. Therefore, it’s important to be compliant before you ever get behind the wheel. Additionally, you should consider uninsured motorist insurance to protect yourself from other drivers.
Transitioning to California Insurance
Once you become a resident, you must obtain California car coverage within 20 days. Fortunately, you can get free quotes from various carriers at any time, allowing you to find the policy that best suits your personal needs.
Whether you need car insurance for out-of-state plates in California or in-state ones, you should consider speaking to the professionals. For example, Cost-U-Less has friendly, local agents in your area, and they’re just waiting to help you customize the perfect policy!
Driving in California with Out-of-State Plates? Make Sure Your Insurance Is Compliant
Now you know the most important things about getting car insurance for out-of-state plates in California. This includes when to register your vehicle, when you need a state policy, and what the penalties are for not abiding by DMV regulations. But do you know where to find a carrier that offers compliant coverage and the best customer service in the state?
Here at Cost-U-Less, we can ensure that any out-of-state visitors have a policy that complies with California regulations. And once you become a resident, we can help you get the best coverage at the most affordable price. When you’re ready to get started, just give us a call at (800) 390-4071 or get a fast car insurance quote online. And don’t forget, you can always find a Cost-U-Less office near you.
FAQs
Can I Legally Drive a Car with Out-of-State Plates in California?
Driving with out-of-state plates is permitted so long as you have a valid license from another state and you have appropriate out-of-state car coverage. But you will need to register for new plates once you get a job or become a resident.
How Long Can I Use Out-of-State Insurance in California?
You can use out-of-state car insurance until you become a resident. That will happen automatically after six months of living in the state or as soon as you get a job. At that point, you will need to register with the DMV and get a new policy.
What Penalties Exist for Failing to Register a Vehicle in California?
If you are making a temporary visit (less than six months) and don’t intend to get a job, there are no penalties for failing to register your vehicle. After you become a resident, the penalties vary from $20 (if you are one to 10 days late) to $200 (if you are more than two years late). To avoid paying late fees altogether, it’s important to register your vehicle as soon as it is required.
Is It Possible to Have Insurance in One State and Registration in Another?
For residents of California, it is typically forbidden to have coverage in one state and registration in another. However, exceptions are made for college students, military personnel, and temporary workers. If you are ever unclear about whether you are fully in compliance, be sure to contact the state DMV and, as needed, your carrier.
