California Driver's Handbook, Section 10: Insurance and Collisions
Minimum insurance in California, what happens if you drive without it, and what to do and report after a collision.
Summary written by MyPermitExam from the official handbook, DL 600 (REV. 6/2025). Not a copy of the handbook. Checked Oct 2026. Not affiliated with the DMV. California Driver's Handbook
Key rules
- Minimum insurance: $30,000 for the injury or death of one person, $60,000 for more than one person, and $15,000 for property damage. p. 76
- Parents or guardians are financially responsible for drivers under 18; at 18 you take on your own responsibility. p. 76
- If you are in a collision without proper insurance, your driving privilege is suspended for up to four years, no matter who was at fault. p. 76
- The most common causes of collisions: distraction, unsafe speed, improper turns, ignoring right-of-way rules or stop signals and signs, driving on the wrong side, and going faster or slower than traffic. p. 77
- After a collision you must stop. Leaving the scene is a hit-and-run. Call 911 if anyone is hurt; if no one is, move out of traffic and then call. p. 77
- If anyone is injured or killed, report the collision to law enforcement within 24 hours. p. 77
- If you hit a parked car or property and cannot find the owner, leave a secure note with your name, phone number and address, and report it to law enforcement. p. 77
- Report the collision to DMV on form SR 1 within 10 days if there was more than $1,000 in property damage or anyone was hurt or killed, no matter who caused it. p. 78