Auto Insurance

U.S. Citizens

U.S. citizens who currently have auto insurance should bring the insurance card issued by the auto insurance company to show proof of coverage. Foreign students will have to buy the car insurance offered by the rental car agency in order to fulfill the State of California mandatory auto liability insurance requirement unless they can demonstrate proof that their personal auto insurance meets the necessary requirements. If you don’t have auto insurance, check into coverage you may possibly have under your parents’ auto policy.

To be absolutely sure, we recommend receiving confirmation (letter or email) from your parents’ insurance agent about the coverage you receive under their automobile policy when renting vehicles in Los Angeles. When in doubt BU strongly recommends that you purchase both the Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and liability coverage from the auto rental company.

Remember, you are ultimately responsible for negotiating and adhering to the terms of any car rental agreement and for making sure that you meet the State of California’s insurance requirements. Make certain you understand the terms of your car rental agreement and the insurance requirements before you sign on the dotted line and drive your car away.

State of California Auto Insurance Requirements

The State of California REQUIRES all drivers to carry liability insurance.

If you are going to drive your vehicle to California, you should be aware of the regulations involved in maintaining adequate car insurance.

The following passage was taken from the CA Dept. of Motor Vehicles website:

Persons operating a vehicle in this state who are unlicensed or have an invalid California or out-of-state driver license are subject to the same financial responsibility laws as valid California licensed drivers.

California requires that drivers and vehicle owners carry the following minimum monetary limits:

  • $15,000 for injury or death of 1 person per accident
  • $30,000 for injury or death of 2 or more persons per accident
  • $5,000 for any property damage per accident

Nonresidents whose vehicles are properly registered to them in their home state or jurisdiction may operate their vehicles in California until they:

  • Accept gainful employment in California
  • Claim a homeowner’s exemption in California
  • Rent or lease a residence in California
  • Intend to live or be located here on a permanent basis (for example, acquire a California driver license, acquire other licenses not ordinarily extended to a nonresident, registered to vote)
  • Enroll in an institution of higher learning as a California resident or enroll their dependents in school (K–12)

Please visit the CA Dept. of Motor Vehicles site for more information.