A “motor vehicle liability policy,” as used in Chapters 1 (commencing with Section 16000), 2 (commencing with Section 16250), and 4 (commencing with Section 16500), and this chapter, means an owner’s policy or an operator’s policy, or both, of liability insurance, certified as provided in Section 16431 as proof of financial responsibility, issued by an insurance carrier authorized to transact that business in this state to or for the benefit of the person named therein as assured. Any requirements set forth in Chapters 1 (commencing with Section 16000), 2 (commencing with Section 16250), and 4 (commencing with Section 16500), and this chapter relating to a motor vehicle liability policy shall apply only to those policies which have been certified as proof of financial responsibility as provided in Section 16431.
Proof of Financial ResponsibilityInsurance Policy
Section § 16450
This law explains what a "motor vehicle liability policy" is in terms of certain California vehicle laws. It refers to either an owner's or operator's liability insurance policy that has been officially certified as proof of financial responsibility. These policies must be issued by authorized insurance companies for the benefit of the person insured.
The law specifically applies only to those liability insurance policies that have been certified according to a specific section, Section 16431. This certification is a requirement to show that the insured person has the financial coverage necessary as outlined in related vehicle chapters referenced.
motor vehicle liability policy owner's policy operator's policy
Section § 16451
California law requires motor vehicle liability insurance to cover both the vehicle owner and others using the vehicle with permission. Right now, it covers up to $15,000 for injury or death to one person per accident, $30,000 for injuries or deaths in total per accident, and $5,000 for property damage per accident.
Starting January 1, 2025, the coverage increases to $30,000 for one person's injury or death, $60,000 total for all injuries or deaths, and $15,000 for property damage per accident. Beginning January 1, 2035, these minimum liability amounts will increase further, adding $20,000 more per person, $40,000 more total for all injuries, and $10,000 more for property damage.
(a)Copy CA Vehicle Code § 16451(a)
(1)Copy CA Vehicle Code § 16451(a)(1) An owner’s policy of motor vehicle liability insurance shall insure the named insured and any other person using any motor vehicle registered to the named insured with the express or implied permission of the named insured against loss from the liability imposed by law for damages arising out of ownership, maintenance, or use of the motor vehicle within the continental limits of the United States to the extent and aggregate amount, exclusive of interest and costs, with respect to each motor vehicle, of fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) for bodily injury to or death of each person as a result of any one accident, and, subject to the limit as to one person, the amount of thirty thousand dollars ($30,000) for bodily
injury to or death of all persons as a result of any one accident and the amount of five thousand dollars ($5,000) for damage to property of others as a result of any one accident.
(2)CA Vehicle Code § 16451(a)(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), an owner’s policy of motor vehicle liability insurance issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2025, shall insure the named insured and any other person using any motor vehicle registered to the named insured with the express or implied permission of the named insured, against loss from the liability imposed by law for damages arising out of ownership, maintenance, or use of the motor vehicle within the continental limits of the United States to the extent and aggregate amount, exclusive of interest and costs, with respect to each motor vehicle, of thirty thousand dollars ($30,000) for bodily injury to or death of each
person as a result of any one accident, and, subject to the limit as to one person, the amount of sixty thousand dollars ($60,000) for bodily injury to or death of all persons as a result of any one accident and the amount of fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) for damage to property of others as a result of any one accident.
(b)CA Vehicle Code § 16451(b) For an owner’s policy of motor vehicle liability insurance issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2035, the minimum liability coverage shall be increased by twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) for bodily injury or death for one person, by forty thousand dollars ($40,000) for bodily injury or death for all persons, and by ten thousand dollars ($10,000) for property damage.
(c)CA Vehicle Code § 16451(c) This section shall become operative on January 1,
2025.
motor vehicle liability insurance bodily injury coverage property damage coverage
Section § 16452
This law states that a motor vehicle liability insurance policy for a driver must cover the person named in the policy against legal responsibility for damages when driving a vehicle they don't own. It also covers any vehicle they purchase for up to 10 days after buying it. This coverage has to be within the same area and under the same conditions as in an owner's liability insurance policy.
An operator’s policy of motor vehicle liability insurance shall insure the person named as insured therein against loss from the liability imposed on that person by law for damages arising out of use by that person of any motor vehicle not owned by that person, and for any subsequently acquired motor vehicle for a period not to exceed 10 days from date of purchase, within the same territorial limits and subject to the same limits of liability as are provided for in an owner’s policy of liability insurance.
motor vehicle liability insurance operator's policy coverage non-owned vehicle coverage
Section § 16453
This law allows motor vehicle liability insurance policies to offer extra or additional coverage beyond what is legally required, as long as these additions don't go against any laws or the provisions of the code.
Any motor vehicle liability policy may grant any lawful coverage in excess of or in addition to the coverage herein specified or contain any agreements, provisions or stipulations not in conflict with the provisions of this code and not otherwise contrary to law.
motor vehicle liability policy extra coverage additional coverage
Section § 16454
This law states that a motor vehicle liability insurance policy does not have to cover certain types of liabilities. Specifically, it doesn't need to cover injuries to the policyholder, liabilities related to workers' compensation laws, or damage to property that's under the control of the policyholder or their employees or agents.
Any motor vehicle liability policy need not cover any liability for injury to the assured or any liability of the assured assumed by or imposed upon the assured under any workers’ compensation law nor any liability for damage to property in charge of the assured or the assured’s employees or agents.
motor vehicle liability insurance exclusions injury to policyholder
Section § 16455
This law says that if you have a vehicle that is in storage, you don’t have to follow Section 16451 as long as you give the current license plates and registration cards to the department in Sacramento.
The provisions of Section 16451 shall not apply to vehicles in storage if the current license plates and registration cards are surrendered to the department in Sacramento.
vehicles in storage current license plates registration cards
Section § 16457
If you're required to prove you can financially cover any accidents, you can't drive a car that isn't listed on your financial responsibility certificate filed with the state. You also can't hide the fact that you own a car when applying for this proof or after you've obtained new vehicles.
Whenever proof of financial responsibility is required to be filed pursuant to this chapter, no person of whom that proof is required shall drive any motor vehicle not covered by the certificate of proof of financial responsibility filed by him or her with the department, nor shall any applicant for that proof knowingly fail to disclose ownership of a motor vehicle in the application for proof of financial responsibility or to disclose any subsequently acquired motor vehicle.
financial responsibility motor vehicle prove financial responsibility
