Frequently asked questions

Since 1 January 2025 it's 30/60/15: $30,000 for injury to one person, $60,000 per accident, and $15,000 for property damage. We'll check your declarations page against it for free, whether or not you buy from us.

Often, yes. Some California carriers accept a foreign licence, a passport or a matrícula consular. Tell us what you have and we'll find the carriers that take it.

It narrows the field, but it rarely ends it. We work with carriers that specialise in high-risk drivers, and if the DMV wants an SR-22 we arrange that too.

Three years is typical, and it can be longer after repeat offences. Your DMV notice or court order states your exact term.

Your insurer has to tell the DMV, and the DMV can suspend your licence again. If a payment or a renewal is going to be a problem, call us before it becomes a lapse.

Yes — a non-owner SR-22 policy. It covers you driving vehicles you don't own and is usually the cheapest way to satisfy the requirement.

No. The landlord's policy covers the building. Your belongings and your liability need a renters policy of your own.

Rebuild cost. Market value includes the land, which doesn't burn down — insuring to market value can leave you over- or under-insured.

Not by a standard policy. Earthquake cover is bought separately — ask us about adding it to your home or renters policy.

Yes. California requires it from your first employee — there's no size threshold. A sole owner with no employees usually doesn't need it.

Many personal policies exclude business use — hauling for pay, deliveries, carrying tools between job sites. A commercial auto policy covers that use.

A one-page summary proving you carry the cover a client or landlord requires. We issue them for our commercial clients on request.

Not for liability. Mexican law requires liability cover from a Mexican-licensed insurer. Some US policies extend damage cover a short way into Mexico, but that never satisfies the liability requirement.

Yes — daily policies are made for short trips across the border. If you cross often, a six-month or annual policy usually costs less per day.

No. Walk in during opening hours.

It depends on the vehicle and the transaction, and state fees change. Call (562) 273-3989 or email hello@baruainsurance.com and we'll tell you the full cost — state fees and anything we charge — before we start.

Yes — and if you're registering a vehicle you'll need proof of insurance anyway. We can quote it while you're at the counter.