How to find out if one is insured in CA for Motor Vehicles?

Posted: Sat Jan 10, 2009 6:19 pm

How does one go about getting information on whether there current or expired insurance is valid? I need to find out if the husband has lasped his insurance carrier however when I call the number for his carrier it states that the zip code is wrong, as he is working out of the area. Concerned as CA laws state everyone must have insurance on their vehicles regardless.
Any suggestions on how to find out if he is still insured? Thank you, Sweetsusy

Posted: Sat Jan 10, 2009 8:33 pm

Are you also listed on the registration or pink slip?
If so contact DMV and verify your vehicle is still registered and not suspended for canceled insurance.
If your vehicle registration is suspended, contact the Vehicle Registration Financial Responsibility Program at 1-866-664-4545. Hope this helps.

Posted: Sat Jan 10, 2009 10:49 pm

According to the cop shop where I reside, they say regardless if your name is not on the pink or regrat, CA is a community property state. I have the right to know if the vehicle in question is or isn't insured. I called the company that he did have, and they said the address was wrong along with the zip code. Nice of him to tell me he moved or changed his address while working out of county. The insurance co however will not tell me if he is current or not, I only have a copy of the paperwork, and the expiration date was jan 9th of this yr. I asked him the other night if he wanted to have me add his name to my insurance as I am older & have better rates, he replied no. This almost sounds like your lying post ....GRRRREEEEAAAAAAAATTTT. On his part that is. But seeing how it is the weekend, I will have to wait till the week day to call DMV. But thanks for the imput anyways, sweetsusy

Posted: Sun Jan 11, 2009 1:33 am

Yes California is a community property jurisdiction and most property acquired during the marriage except for gifts or inheritances is owned jointly by both spouses and is divided upon divorce, annulment or death. Good luck convincing a DMV clerk that you’re entitled to this information without your name on the paper work or a court order.
When it comes to civil law I would consult an attorney and not a cop. To make a long story short, in the past I investigated a situation where an Officer using community property as his reason and without the consent of the husband gave the keys to a Corvette to the wife knowing she was not on the title or reg. The wife suspected infidelity and trashed the vehicle. The husband retained an attorney, filed a claim against the City and eventually collected.

If I may ask, how often do you drive his vehicle and who paid or is paying for it?

Posted: Sun Jan 11, 2009 4:05 am

At the moment he is driving the vehicle for the majority of the time and you may wonder why I am not. Mainly my car was impounded and I couldn't afford the impound charges for one of his stupid acts. As for the vehicle in question, I paid half of the cost of the vehicle and it was brand new in 2003. But we elected then that the vehicle would be in his name only, and now I am kicking myself after reading your post. We should have had so and so put on the title, as when I read your post I fully understand what you are saying. So the police officer gave misimformation concerning DMV rules for CA, how special. Thanks for the reply, your knowledge is awesome! Very Happy

I was under the impression that "community property" also included vehicles, boats, RV's etc regardless of the title information. Sweetsusy

Posted: Sun Jan 11, 2009 6:32 am

Quote:

According to the cop shop where I reside, they say regardless if your name is not on the pink or regrat, CA is a community property state. I have the right to know if the vehicle in question is or isn't insured.
I was under the impression that "community property" also included vehicles, boats, RV's etc regardless of the title information.

I agree with the Officer you have a right to know and you should know for liability reasons in case of a law suit resulting from an accident however without documentation how will a DMV employee know if you’re legally entitled to this info? If you have time make an appointment and bring whatever documents you have re- the vehicle and marriage and maybe you’ll get lucky or you can call DMV. I usually have better results in person. I‘m also in California and by design my vehicles are not community property nor is my spouse entitled to these specific DMV records.

Good luck.