Key California facts: Insurance & Collisions
A California crash with an injury, a death or over $1,000 in property damage goes to DMV on form SR 1 within 10 days. Section 10, Financial Responsibility, Insurance Requirements, and Collisions A crash causing over $1,000 in property damage must be reported to DMV. Section 10, Financial Responsibility, Insurance Requirements, and Collisions The SR 1 duty applies on private property, too. Section 10, Financial Responsibility, Insurance Requirements, and Collisions Law enforcement does not file the DMV report for a driver, and failing to file brings a suspension. Section 10, Financial Responsibility, Insurance Requirements, and Collisions An injury or death must be reported to law enforcement within 24 hours. Section 10, Financial Responsibility, Insurance Requirements, and Collisions Sample Insurance & Collisions questions
You have a California crash that injures someone, and an officer takes a report at the scene. Must you still file an SR 1?
No, your insurer must always file it Yes, law enforcement won't file it for you No, the officer's report is enough Show the answer
Yes, law enforcement won't file it for you
You or your representative must file it. Failing to file leads to a suspension.
Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 10, Financial Responsibility, Insurance Requirements, and Collisions
You have a crash with injuries on private property in California. Must you file an SR 1?
Yes, it still applies No, only public roads count Only if you caused the crash Show the answer
Yes, it still applies
The duty applies even on private property, and whether or not you caused the collision.
Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 10, Financial Responsibility, Insurance Requirements, and Collisions
What will California DMV do after a hit-and-run conviction?
Send a warning letter only Revoke your driving privilege Add one point and take no other action Show the answer
Revoke your driving privilege
Revocation also follows a conviction for reckless driving that caused injury.
Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 7, Laws and Rules of the Road (continued)
How long do you have to send California DMV the SR 1 report after a crash that injured someone?
Show the answer
10 days
California gives each driver 10 days to file form SR 1 when someone is hurt or killed, or property damage tops $1,000. This applies no matter who caused the crash.
Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 10, Financial Responsibility, Insurance Requirements, and Collisions
How soon must an injury collision be reported to law enforcement in California?
Within 30 days Within 10 days Within 24 hours Show the answer
Within 24 hours
You, your insurance agent, your broker or a legal representative can make this report.
Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 10, Financial Responsibility, Insurance Requirements, and Collisions
Someone without a license is caught behind the wheel of your car in California. What can happen?
Nothing, if you gave permission It may be impounded for 30 days It may be impounded for one year Show the answer
It may be impounded for 30 days
Your vehicle may be impounded for 30 days, so be sure anyone driving it is licensed.
Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 7, Laws and Rules of the Road (continued)
What is the minimum property damage coverage California requires in a liability policy?
Show the answer
$15,000
California's minimum for property damage is $15,000. The $30,000 figure is the minimum for one person's injury or death.
Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 10, Financial Responsibility, Insurance Requirements, and Collisions
What is the minimum California liability coverage for a single death or injury?
Show the answer
$30,000
The minimums are $30,000 for one person, $60,000 for more than one, and $15,000 for property damage.
Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 10, Financial Responsibility, Insurance Requirements, and Collisions
You are in a California collision with no insurance, and it was not your fault. What can happen?
Suspension for up to four years No penalty, as you were not at fault A warning letter from DMV only Show the answer
Suspension for up to four years
Fault makes no difference. You can get your license back during the last three years with an SR 22 or SR 1P.
Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 10, Financial Responsibility, Insurance Requirements, and Collisions
Above what amount of property damage must a crash be reported to California DMV?
Show the answer
$1,000
Crashes with more than $1,000 in damage must be reported within 10 days, as must any crash with an injury or death.
Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 10, Financial Responsibility, Insurance Requirements, and Collisions
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About these questions
We wrote these practice questions from the facts in the California Driver's Handbook (2025 edition) and from official sources on road signs. Every answer links to its source, so you can check it and read more.
DMV Decoded is an independent guide, not a government agency. This practice test is not connected to the California DMV, and your actual test will have different questions. Study the handbook, and check the agency's website for current rules.
