Auto and recreational vehicle insurance in California

Coverage for your cars, trucks, boats, motorcycles and RVs, shopped across multiple carriers.

Coverage

What it can cover

Personal auto

Liability, collision and comprehensive for your vehicles.

Motorcycles

Coverage for street bikes and cruisers.

Boats and watercraft

Coverage on California waterways and beyond.

RVs and campers

Coverage for motorhomes and travel trailers.

In depth

Auto and recreational insurance in California: what to know

On this page

California's minimum auto liability limits

California requires drivers to carry auto liability insurance with at least these limits for policies issued or renewed since January 1, 2025 (Senate Bill 1107):

  • $30,000 for bodily injury to one person
  • $60,000 for bodily injury per accident
  • $15,000 for property damage per accident

This is often written as 30/60/15. These are minimums, not recommendations. A serious accident can easily cost more than these limits, and you may be personally responsible for the rest. Many drivers choose higher limits, and a personal umbrella can add more protection on top.

Uninsured motorist coverage in California

Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage protects you and your passengers when the at-fault driver has no insurance, and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage helps when they don’t have enough. Under California Insurance Code § 11580.2, insurers must include this coverage on auto policies unless you reject it in writing.

In California, underinsured motorist coverage is reduced by what the at-fault driver’s insurance pays. For example, with a $100,000 UIM limit and an at-fault driver who carries $30,000, your policy would pay up to $70,000 more. That means UIM only helps when your limit is higher than the other driver’s, which is one reason to carry more than the minimum.

Check your UM and UIM limits on your declarations page, and ask us to quote higher limits so you can compare. This is general information, not legal advice.

Collision, comprehensive and other options

Collision pays to repair your vehicle after a crash, regardless of fault, minus your deductible. Comprehensive covers things like theft, hail, falling trees, fire and hitting a deer. If you have a loan or lease, the lender usually requires both. Other common options include medical payments, rental reimbursement, roadside assistance and gap coverage for financed vehicles.

When your personal truck is a work truck

Many personal auto policies limit or exclude coverage when a vehicle is used for business, such as hauling tools and materials to jobs, carrying crew members or making deliveries. If the truck is titled to your company or used mostly for work, it likely belongs on a commercial auto policy. Tell us how each vehicle is used so we can place it on the right policy.

Motorcycles, boats, RVs and ATVs

Recreational vehicles usually need their own policies or endorsements, since a standard auto or homeowners policy often covers them only in a limited way, if at all.

  • Motorcycles: liability, collision and comprehensive, plus options for custom parts, riding gear and passenger injury.
  • Boats and personal watercraft: physical damage to the hull, motor and trailer, plus liability on the water. Homeowners policies often cover only small boats with low limits.
  • RVs and travel trailers: motorhomes need auto-style liability, while towable trailers usually need physical damage coverage. Full-time RVers may need extra personal liability and belongings coverage.
  • ATVs, UTVs and golf carts: many homeowners policies limit coverage for off-road vehicles, especially away from your property. A separate policy can cover damage, theft and liability.

Seasonal vehicles can sometimes be insured with lower premiums during the months they’re stored, depending on the carrier. Ask about lay-up options when we quote.

Keeping it with one broker

Your cars, toys and home can often be placed with the same carrier, which may reduce premiums and simplify claims. Learn more about home and renters insurance or go back to our personal insurance overview.

Bundle

Bundle with your business coverage

Keep your home, auto and life insurance with the same broker who handles your business. One contact, one renewal calendar, and carriers that may offer bundle discounts.

FAQ

Auto and recreational questions

Is my personal truck covered when I use it for work?

It depends on how you use it. Many personal policies limit business use. If your truck carries tools or crew, ask us about commercial auto.

Often yes, and bundling may lower your premium with some carriers.

It meets the legal requirement, but it may not be enough to protect you in a serious accident. If damages go beyond your limits, you could be personally responsible. Many drivers choose higher liability limits.

California underinsured motorist coverage pays the difference between your UIM limit and what the at-fault driver’s insurance pays. If both limits are the same, it may pay nothing, so higher UM and UIM limits usually give you more real protection.

Many auto policies extend liability to a trailer you’re towing, but not physical damage to the trailer itself. Utility, boat and camper trailers may need their own coverage, depending on the policy.

Many homeowners policies cover only small boats, with low limits and little or no liability coverage. A separate boat policy usually offers broader protection. We’ll check what your current policy includes.

Motorcycles driven on public roads generally must meet California’s minimum liability requirements, like other vehicles. Collision and comprehensive are optional unless a lender requires them.

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