How many times each week do you get in your car? Twenty? Thirty? Or maybe you're driving to work and to run errands, and you're shuttling your kids from activity to activity. Forty times? Fifty? With gas costs rising, you're probably paying more attention to your driving habits. But how long has it been since you thought about your car insurance?

Every state in the United States requires that licensed drivers carry auto insurance, and California is no difference. California auto insurance laws are similar to laws in other states. The minimum level of auto insurance in CA is called "liability insurance."

Liability auto insurance in CA must meet the following statutory minimum limits: it must cover bodily injury of one person in one accident up to $15,000; it must cover bodily injury of every person in one accident up to $30,000; and it must cover property damage up to $5,000 for any one accident. It is crucial to note that this is the absolute minimum level of coverage - and that it is required by law.

All drivers are required to possess proof of adequate insurance coverage at all times. This requirement increases safety for you, your family, and other drivers. If the unfortunate incident of an accident should occur, this requirement helps to ensure that all parties involved have the necessary information to efficiently resolve the situation.

California requires that you carry proof of auto insurance. Failing to have this available so can cause significant problems. Without proof of proper CA auto insurance, you can not register a new vehicle or even renew an existing one. Also, if you are caught without the necessary proof, either by the Department of Motor Vehicles or a police officer, then your registration may be suspended until you are able to provide proof. Losing the right to drive until you resolve this can really be a hardship.

Everyone knows that having car insurance in California is mandatory. And while it might seem that even minimal coverage is expensive, some insurers can provide minimal coverage at surprisingly low rates. If you look carefully, you can get coverage cheaply. Plus, with a clean driving slate, rates will be even lower. In the end, you're better off, safer and a law abiding citizen if you obtain car insurance. If you are involved in an accident, you'll be OK. And if you are a careful drive, you'll be on the right side of the law.