Expert Advice for California
All Articles on California
Do You Need Motorcycle Insurance in California?
California requires motorists to carry minimum amounts of liability coverage to register and ride their bikes in the state. Learn more here!
Pat Roache
Rental Car Liability in California, Explained
California requires you to meet the minimum liability coverage when you rent a car. If your personal auto policy isn’t enough, purchase additional insurance.
Jessica Gibson
How to Get a Learners Permit in California
You can apply for a learner’s permit in California once you turn 15 and a half years old, but you’ll need to complete a driver’s ed course first.
Shannon Fitzgerald
Can You Get Car Insurance Without a License in California?
Getting car insurance without a license in California can be tricky—but it’s not impossible. Find out how to do it with this guide!
Sarah Gray
What are the car rental insurance requirements in California?
California requires drivers to carry liability coverage to drive a rental car—but your current policy may already provide all the coverage you need.
Sarah Gray
Does Insurance Follow the Car or the Driver in California?
Car insurance in California usually follows the car, but there may be limits on your auto insurance policy for insuring other drivers when they drive your car.
Cameron Thiessen
California Motorcycle Insurance: Costs, Laws, and Quotes
California has the highest motorcycle insurance rates in the country. Here’s how to beat them.
R.E. Fulton
Driving On a Suspended License in California
Knowingly driving on a suspended license in California could land you with fines up to $2,000 and up to a year in jail.
R.E. Fulton
The Best Gap Insurance Companies in California
You aren’t required to have gap insurance in California, but it can save you from making loan payments on a totaled or stolen vehicle.
Shannon Fitzgerald
How to Find Low Income Car Insurance in California
California offers affordable car insurance to low-income drivers. Even if you don’t qualify for the program, you can still find cheap auto insurance with Jerry.
R.E. Fulton
Non-Owner Car Insurance in California: What You Need to Know
Non-owner car insurance is available in California for drivers who do not own a car but frequently drive or who want to avoid a coverage lapse.
Claire Beaney
How to File a Diminished Value Claim in California
Filing a diminished value claim in California can help you recoup the invisible decrease in value in your car after an accident—but it’s a little tricky.
Bonnie Stinson
California Provisional License
A California provisional license is the second step in the state’s three-phase licensing system for young drivers. Learn more here.
Melanie Krieps Mergen
California’s New Car Insurance Grace Period
After purchasing a vehicle in California, you have 30 days to get insurance and provide proof of that coverage to the California DMV.
Jacqulyn Graber
How to Get Roadside Assistance in California
California operates a state-wide free roadside assistance program in several counties—but purchasing your own coverage is still a good idea. Here’s why.
Kathryn Mae Kurlychek
Everything You Need to Know About California’s Dog in Car Laws
Leaving a dog in a car in California isn’t illegal, but if it’s left in conditions that endanger its health or well-being, you could be subject to a fine, jail time, or both.
Andrea Barrett
How to Get Non-Owner SR-22 Insurance in California
If you need to file an SR-22 in California but don’t own a car, you can purchase non-owner car insurance and ask your insurer to submit an SR-22 on your behalf.
Melanie Johnson
Do You Need a Car In San Francisco?
Unless you’re spending most of your time in the country, you don’t need a car to get around San Francisco.
Jasmine Kanter
Do You Need a Car In L.A.?
While you don’t necessarily need to rent a car in L.A., it might be nice for people with large families and those hoping to explore areas off the beaten path.
Liz Jenson
All the California Traffic Laws You Should Know
California has its own set of unique state and local ordinances that apply to Golden State drivers.
Jacqulyn Graber
Gifting a Car vs. Selling for $1 In California
Gifting a car is better than selling it for $1 in California. Jerry has answers for California drivers.
R.E. Fulton
Who Needs a Smog Check in California?
California requires smog checks for most vehicles every two years—however, some counties are excluded.
Andrea Barrett
Do You Need a Car in San Diego
San Diego’s public transit system is functional enough, but the general consensus is that a car is still the most convenient way to get around the city.
Cameron Thiessen
How To Register a Car In California
If you just moved to California, you’ll need to get an inspection and head to the local tax office to complete your registration. After that, you can renew online!
Claire Beaney
What Counts as Proof of Residency in California?
Rental agreements, house deeds, mortgage and utility bills, and employment documents all count as proof of residency in California.
Meaghan Branham
Buying a Car in California From Out of State
Buying a car in California from out of state can be a complicated process due to the state’s many laws and restrictions.
Melanie Johnson
2023 California CDL Requirements Guide
Requirements for getting a CDL in California include having a high school diploma or GED, a clean driving record, and a class D license in good standing.
Mary Cahill
What To Do If You’re In a Car Accident Without Insurance But Not At Fault In California
Driving without insurance is a serious offense in California—and if you’re in an accident while uninsured, you could lose your license.
R.E. Fulton
You Can Get a Digital License Plate if You Live in California
After a successful pilot program, digital license plates are available for all registered vehicles in California.
Alexandra Maloney
Electric Car Charging Stations in California
There are 79,023 EV charging stations in the Golden State, of which 35,594 are public chargers. Learn more here.
Andrea Barrett
All Questions on California
How can I get a car towed?
Help! I'm a small business owner from Southern California and a beat-down van is blocking my parking lot. How can I get this vehicle towed?
Matthew Macgugan
How do you report a car stolen in California?
I was visiting my brother in California and my car got stolen while we were away from his apartment. How do I report a car stolen in California?
Holden Easterbrook
How long will it take my insurance company to pay out a claim?
How long will we have to wait for my husband's claim check? He was in an accident about two weeks ago and had to have surgery on his leg. We have already started receiving hospital bills! We live in California if that helps.
Shannon Martin
Is a hit and run a felony in California?
I think I’m going to be charged with a hit and run and I’m really scared. Is this going to be a felony? I live in California and I’m not sure what the consequences are here.
Liz Jenson
Do I need an international driving permit for California?
I’m going to visit my family in California but I moved to Italy several years ago. I have a valid Italian driver’s license. Do I need an international driver’s permit if I want to rent a car in California?
Andrea Barrett
Does car insurance in California cover fires?
I live in California. Wildfires are common and I want to protect my vehicle. Is there a type of insurance I can add to my policy for protection?
Emily Maracle
How do you self insure your car in California?
Is it true you can self insure your car? I don't want to pay for car insurance. I heard you can self insure in California. If so, how do you do it?
Emily Maracle
How much is home insurance in San Diego?
I’ve been thinking about moving to California and have been looking at houses in San Diego for a little bit. If I did decide to move there, how much would my home insurance in San Diego be?
Claire Beaney
How far is Canada from California driving?
I’m currently planning a little road trip up the West Coast. I’m really excited to drive up to Vancouver from San Francisco. How far is the drive to Canada from California?
Kevin Martinez
Can I get free or almost free car insurance?
I've heard that you can get cheap or free car insurance if you demonstrate financial need. I'm a college student with a good driving record and good grades. Unfortunately, my job let me go due to the pandemic. Is there any way at all I can get free car insurance? And if so, how?
Eric Schad
How far is it to drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco?
My boyfriend is working in San Francisco and I’m Los Angeles-based. I’m planning on driving up for the weekend to visit and I would like to know how far of a drive it is from LA to San Francisco?
Mary Cahill
What do I do with my child's car insurance if she's going to school in another state?
Will I need to change my policy when my daughter moves away? We live in California and in the fall my daughter will be attending the University of Arizona. She currently drives one of our cars and is on our policy.
Sophie Newman
Can a car dealer cancel a sale in California after I've owned the car for a month?
Can a dealer cancel a loan after a month? A car dealer I purchased a car from in California over a month ago wants me to return the car after a month because financing fell through.
Eric Schad
How do I report auto insurance fraud in California?
I saw someone posted on social media about having a fake car insurance card. They live in my area and I'm wondering how I can report them. I know this is super illegal, so I don't really think it's fair that they're getting away with it.
Emily Maracle
In California, can I return a car to the dealer if I didn't sign a full-coverage insurance agreement?
"I financed a car through the dealership, but I didn't get a good deal.
The dealer forgot to give me a full-coverage insurance agreement to sign. They've promised to upgrade my car if I sign it.
Can I return the car to the dealer, as banks will void the loan because I didn't sign this agreement?"
Eric Schad
How many hours is it driving from Las Vegas to San Diego?
My girlfriends and I are headed to San Diego for a weekend on the beach. How long will it take us to drive to San Diego from Las Vegas?
Sarah Gray
Do I need to get California auto insurance before registering my car in California, or do I need to register my car first?
"Will my insurance ask me for my registration, or will the DMV ask for my insurance? I'm confused."
Sophie Newman
What are the height and weight requirements for a child to sit in the front seat in California?
I just moved, and I was wondering if California has laws regarding a child’s height and weight when it comes to letting them ride in the front seat of a car.
Sarah Gray
How can I change my car insurance to another state?
Hi! I'm moving from New Jersey to California next month. Can you walk me through how to change my car insurance to another state?
Matthew Macgugan
What happens to a car loan during a divorce in California?
My wife and I took out a loan on a Subaru several years ago before we decided to split up. There's still about $20,000 to pay off. We've decided that she can keep the car, but my name is still on the loan. Is there any way to remove my or am I stuck with it?
Sophie Newman
Which auto insurance companies are recommended in CA?
I need to get some insurance quotes and I'm just looking for a list of recommended companies that offer auto insurance in CA. Any ideas?
Shannon Martin
How long does reckless driving stay on your record in California?
I got a reckless driving charge about a month ago just outside of Oakland. While I’m aware that I’ll receive points on my license, I’m not sure how long the charge stays on my record. How long does a reckless driving charge stay on my record if I live in California?
Eric Schad
How do you find towed cars in Los Angeles?
My car was towed. I live in Los Angeles. How do I find my car?
Lauren Smith
Do I need to add my roommate to my insurance in California if he occasionally drives my car?
My roommate doesn't have a car, so he uses mine to run occasional errands. We live in California. Do I need to add him to my insurance policy?
Eric Schad
Does California require renters insurance?
My sister and I are planning to rent an apartment together in California. We don’t have much and don’t really feel that renters insurance is necessary for us, so if we can avoid getting it, we will. Does California require renters insurance?
Chloe Jenkins
How do I sell car insurance in California?
I would like to start selling car insurance. I haven't worked in insurance before, so I'm not sure where to start. How do I sell insurance in California?
Emily Maracle
Can you travel in LA without a car?
I’m considering a move to Los Angeles but I don’t have a car. Is public transportation good in LA, or will it be hard for me to get from place to place?
Sean Boehme
How far is Atlanta from California driving?
I recently got a new job and need to relocate to Atlanta. I plan to drive all my belongings for the move to keep costs low and maybe visit some national parks. How far will the drive be?
Tiffany Leung
What happens if you get pulled over without insurance in Los Angeles or the rest of California?
If I don't have insurance and get pulled over, what are the associated costs or fines?
Sophie Newman
How do you schedule a driving test in California?
I’ve just passed all the coursework and driving lessons to get my license in California. What do I need to do to schedule a driving test?
Eric Schad
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