Typically if you have insurance on a vehicle in one state it will extend and cover your car in another state by conforming to at least that state's minimum auto insurance requirements.

If you are traveling from one state to another you will need to have insurance on the vehicle so that it is covered during the drive. Even if you came from a state where insurance is not strictly required on a car and drove to California, since CA state law requires cars on their roadways to have insurance, or another form of financial responsibility, on them you would need to adhere to this state law.

The CA DMV states that all vehicles driven or parked on a California street, road or highway must be insured. If you plan on staying in CA then you should be aware that the minimum accepted car insurance 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.

If you do not want to obtain a motor vehicle liability insurance policy then financial responsibility can also be acquired in the form of:

• A cash deposit of $35,000 with DMV; or
• A DMV issued self-insurance certificate; or 
• A surety bond for $35,000 from a company licensed to do business in California.

To get a quote for California auto insurance, or for insurance from your home state, click here.