What if a Driver Refuses to Share Insurance Information?
October 10, 2024
- Categories: Vehicle Accidents

If a driver refuses to share insurance information after a vehicle accident, they are in violation of California law. If you’ve been involved in a car collision and the other driver is belligerent and refuses to share insurance information …
- Call 911 and ask law enforcement to respond to the scene of the crash.
- Take identifying photos of the other driver, their vehicle, their license plate number, and the accident scene.
- Hire a skilled car accident attorney to represent you, particularly if you suffered serious injury in the collision.
Are Drivers Required to Share Insurance Information After a Car Accident in California?
Yes, under Cal. Veh. Code § 16025, motorists are required to share relevant vehicle and driver information with others after a crash. The Code text reads in part:
“(a) Every driver involved in the accident shall, unless rendered incapable, exchange with any other driver or property owner involved in the accident and present at the scene, all of the following information:
(1) Driver’s name and current residence address, driver’s license number, vehicle identification number, and current residence address of registered owner.
(2) Evidence of financial responsibility, as specified in Section 16020. If the financial responsibility of a person is a form of insurance, then that person shall supply the name and address of the insurance company and the number of the insurance policy.
(b) Any person failing to comply with all of the requirements of this section is guilty of an infraction punishable by a fine not to exceed two hundred fifty dollars ($250).”
You must carry evidence of insurance/financial responsibility (typically an insurance card or document) in your car, truck, or SUV at all times, according to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). A driver must present their insurance information when …
- Requested by law enforcement
- Renewing vehicle registration
- The vehicle is involved in a traffic collision.
Minimum Liability Insurance Requirements for Private Passenger Vehicles
California Insurance Code §11580.1b requires that drivers of private passenger vehicles carry the following minimum insurance amounts:
- $15,000 for injury/death to one person
- $30,000 for injury/death to more than one person
- $5,000 for property damage.
Effective January 1, 2025, the minimum liability insurance requirements in California for private passenger vehicles will increase to:
- $30,000 for injury/death to one person
- $60,000 for injury/death to more than one person
- $15,000 for property damage.
Insurance companies in California are required by law (California Vehicle Code [CVC] §16058) to electronically report private-use vehicle information as well as commercial and fleet vehicle insurance information to the appropriate parties. Recent programming changes in 2023 allow California DMV to monitor insurance coverage and take appropriate actions through vehicle suspensions. Law enforcement and court personnel also have electronic access to a driver’s/vehicle’s insurance status.
Additional Types of Financial Responsibility
In lieu of insurance, there are a few other methods of showing/providing financial responsibility when operating a motor vehicle. These include:
- Cash deposit of $35,000 with the California DMV
- A DMV-issued self-insurance certificate
- A surety bond of $35,000 from a company licensed to do business in California.
Effective January 1, 2025, the minimum amount for cash deposit and surety bond in California will increase to $75,000.
What Happens to a Driver Who Refuses to Share Insurance Information?
Drivers who refuse to share insurance information are not only in the wrong, but they are also simply delaying the inevitable. Their refusal could cost them a $250 fine and reprimand by law enforcement. Additionally, the other driver can simply contact the California DMV to get the information they need. You can request the insurance information of the at-fault driver by submitting form SR19C to your local DMV office. A car accident attorney at Neale & Fhima can also do this on your behalf.
What Should You Do at the Scene of the Car Accident?
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, especially if you or your passengers have been injured, you should take the following steps:
Call 911.
Call 911 and ask that police respond to the accident scene. This includes requesting emergency personnel if you or passengers are hurt. Get the responding police officer’s name and badge number.
Seek Medical Attention Right Away.
Allow responding medical personnel to treat your injuries, even if you don’t think they are serious. This not only prevents further injury, but it also establishes a paper trail documenting the harm you suffered in the accident. If you did not receive medical treatment at the scene, visit an urgent care center or your doctor’s office in the days after the wreck.
Get the Other Driver’s License and Insurance Information.
Exchange driver’s license and insurance information with the other driver. Responsible motorists should willingly agree to this.
Get Contact Info of Witnesses
If there are bystanders or other motorists who witnessed the accident, ask them for their name, phone number, and email address.
Take Pictures of Your Injuries and the Accident Scene.
If you are able, use your mobile phone to take pictures of your injuries, your damaged vehicle, the other driver’s vehicle, the other car’s license plate number, and any debris or road obstacles around the crash scene. Make note of any surveillance cameras on the side of buildings or near shop windows in the vicinity.
Don’t Have a Conversation with the Other Driver.
You can be cordial, but have as little conversation with the other driver as possible. When speaking to police, answer the officer’s questions but don’t elaborate at length. DO NOT admit fault for the accident. If you talk too much in the minutes after a collision, these comments could be used against you later when pursuing a personal injury claim.
Hire a Lawyer.
The best way to protect your legal rights and seek financial compensation after a crash is to hire an experienced car accident lawyer.
A Car Accident Attorney at Neale & Fhima Is Your Best Advocate
At Neale & Fhima, we have a powerful legal team who will fight hard for the compensation you deserve. Attorney Aaron Fhima is among the best and the brightest. We have many satisfied clients who think so highly of our legal services that they refer their friends and family. To find out more about what your case might be worth, call us for a free initial consultation at 888-407-2955.