These answers explain general rules, not what a particular policy will pay. The California Department of Insurance emphasizes that the issued policy controls. Dates and statutory amounts are reviewed as of August 11, 2026.
What auto-liability limits does California require?
For policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2025, the minimum liability limits are $30,000 for injury or death to one person, $60,000 for injury or death to more than one person in one accident, and $15,000 for property damage. Official and related resources are linked below.
Does a standard California home or renters policy cover earthquake shaking damage?
Generally no. The California Department of Insurance says homeowners, renters, and condominium policies do not cover earthquake damage, while California fire insurance must cover fire caused by or following an earthquake. Separate earthquake coverage can address some shaking losses. Official resources are linked below.
What does the California FAIR Plan provide?
It provides basic property coverage for eligible applicants who have difficulty obtaining coverage in the voluntary market. It is not equivalent to a comprehensive homeowners policy and does not include every peril or liability coverage. Official and related resources are linked below.
Does renters insurance cover a landlord's building?
A renters policy is designed around the renter's covered personal property, loss of use, personal liability, and medical payments to others. Building coverage belongs to a separate property interest and policy. The lease and actual policies determine each party's responsibilities. Official resources are linked below.
Does a standard homeowners or renters policy cover flood?
Standard residential policies generally exclude flood. Flood insurance is separate, and coverage, waiting periods, limits, and exclusions depend on the issued policy. The official NFIP resource is linked below.
Does a California employer need workers' compensation for one employee?
California generally requires employers to carry workers' compensation even with one employee, but status and statutory exceptions can be fact-specific. Official and related resources are linked below.
What is the required California contractor license bond amount?
The Contractors State License Board states that a $25,000 contractor bond or approved alternative must be on file for an active contractor license. The bond is not liability insurance and does not guarantee the contractor's work. Official and related resources are linked below.
What did California SB 446 change about breach notices?
Current Civil Code section 1798.82 generally gives a covered business 30 calendar days after discovery or notification to provide resident notice, subject to stated delays. If one breach requires notice to more than 500 California residents, a sample notice is due to the Attorney General within 15 days after consumers are notified. Official and related resources are linked below.
When is Covered California open enrollment?
Covered California's regular calendar runs November 1 through January 31. Outside that period, qualifying life events usually use a 60-day window, with event-specific exceptions. Official and related resources are linked below.
What does a personal umbrella policy do?
A personal umbrella can provide additional liability and defense coverage over designated underlying policies and may cover some liability claims an underlying policy does not, subject to its own terms. It does not insure damage to your own home or vehicle and is not life insurance. Official and related resources are linked below.
Official sources and related guides
- Auto minimums: California DMV insurance requirements and the California minimum-limits guide
- Earthquake: California Department of Insurance earthquake guide
- FAIR Plan: California Department of Insurance residential-insurance guidance and the California FAIR Plan guide
- Renters: California Department of Insurance homeowners and renters guide
- Flood: FloodSmart, the official NFIP site
- Workers' compensation: California Division of Workers' Compensation FAQ and the workers' compensation page
- Contractor bonds: CSLB bond requirements and the contractor bond guide
- Cyber breach notices: enrolled SB 446 text and the California cyber guide
- Health enrollment: Covered California dates and deadlines and the enrollment guide
- Umbrella: NAIC consumer explanation and the umbrella guide
For policy-specific questions, use the declarations, forms, endorsements, and exclusions for the policy at issue. For a claim or cancellation dispute, the California Department of Insurance provides consumer assistance.
General educational information only; not legal, tax, medical, or financial advice and not an offer or guarantee of coverage. The policy, program rules, and current law control.
For a policy-specific question, identify the coverage type and provide only a non-sensitive summary. Do not include Social Security numbers, payment details, passwords, medical records, or claim evidence in the website form.