What to Do After a Car Accident in San Diego: Insurance Claims Step by Step
A crash on the 805 or a side street in North Park takes a few seconds. Sorting out the money can take months, and small mistakes in the first hour can cost you later. This guide walks through a car accident claim in San Diego from the scene to the final check. It covers what to collect before you leave, which reports California requires, how insurers must treat you under state regulations, and how fault affects your payout and your future premium.
You will also find a deadline table, two worked examples with realistic local numbers, and the situations that are specific to San Diego, such as a crash with a city vehicle or a fender bender in Tijuana. All figures, fees and rules here are based on publicly available information as of September 2026 and can change. The Sources list at the end links to the current version of each one.
Quick Answer: After a San Diego crash, check for injuries, call 911 if anyone is hurt, photograph everything, and exchange license, plate and insurance details without arguing about fault. Notify your insurer right away. If anyone was injured or property damage is over $1,000, you must also file an SR-1 report with the California DMV within 10 days, even if police took a report. California insurers must acknowledge your claim within 15 days and accept or deny it within 40 days of receiving proof of claim. Lawsuit deadlines are generally two years for injuries and three years for vehicle damage, but claims against the City of San Diego must be filed within six months.
The First 30 Minutes at the Scene
What you do at the scene shapes every conversation you will have with an adjuster later. The California Department of Insurance (CDI) publishes a consumer guide, “So You’ve Had an Accident, What’s Next?”, and its checklist is a sensible baseline.
Safety first, then 911
Stop immediately, and move your car only if it is safe to do so. Call 911 if anyone is injured. CDI also says to try to notify police even for minor crashes, noting that some agencies will not come out to every scene, particularly on private property such as a mall parking lot.
A CDI consumer flyer adds that it is wise to get checked by a doctor even if you feel fine, because some injuries do not show up right away. Soft-tissue injuries after a rear-end collision on the I-15 are a classic example.
What to collect before you leave
CDI’s list is specific, and it is worth following exactly:
- Names, addresses, phone numbers and driver’s license numbers of every driver
- License plates and vehicle identification numbers (ask to see the license and registration so you can verify them)
- Names and contact details of passengers and witnesses
- Photos of the damage and of the scene, including traffic signals, signs and anything that blocked visibility
If you hit a parked car and cannot find the owner, CDI says to leave a note with the names and addresses of the driver and owner.
What not to say or sign
CDI’s “things to avoid” list is short. Do not argue with the other driver. Save your account for the police and your insurer. Do not sign any statement about fault or promise to pay for the other party’s damage. And if the other driver offers to pay your deductible in exchange for a signature, do not sign anything, because that can undermine your insurer’s right to recover its payment later.
Watch for staged-accident red flags
CDI warns that organized accident rings stage crashes. Warning signs it lists include a car that stops suddenly for no reason, passengers or witnesses who were not really there, injuries that seem out of proportion to the damage, and unsolicited referrals to a body shop, law office or medical clinic. If a stranger at the scene hands you a business card for a “great lawyer,” treat that as a red flag rather than a favor.
Getting the Police Report in San Diego
Which agency responds depends on where the crash happened. On City of San Diego streets, the San Diego Police Department (SDPD) usually takes the report. Freeway and state highway crashes are generally handled by the California Highway Patrol (CHP). Cities such as Chula Vista, Oceanside and El Cajon have their own police departments, so check which agency gave you a report number.
SDPD reports for city streets
According to SDPD’s “Get a Police Report” page, you should allow three to 10 business days after the crash before requesting a traffic collision report so it can be submitted and approved for release. You can request it online through LexisNexis eCrash, where a small fee may apply, or by mail or in person at the SDPD Records Division at 1401 Broadway downtown. The in-person and mail fee is $12 per report, paid by check or money order to the City Treasurer.
SDPD notes that under Vehicle Code section 20012, people who may face civil liability are entitled to a copy. That includes drivers, injured passengers, insurance companies and employers of drivers who were working.
CHP reports for freeways
CHP lets a “party of interest,” such as a driver, passenger or vehicle owner, request a crash report online through its Crash Portal. You can also submit form CHP 190 by mail or in person at any CHP Area office. CHP asks you to attach a copy of your driver’s license or ID, or have your signature notarized.
Hit-and-run with no leads
SDPD offers online reporting for hit-and-run collisions where no one was injured, there is no suspect information and the report is only needed for insurance. That report number is often what your insurer asks for when you file an uninsured motorist claim.
Deadlines That Matter for a Car Accident Claim in San Diego
Missed deadlines cause more lost money than almost anything else in this process. Some apply to you, some to the insurer and some to the court system.
| Deadline | What it covers | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Right away | Notify your agent or insurer; most policies require prompt notice | CDI accident guide |
| 10 days | File DMV form SR-1 if anyone was injured or killed, or property damage is over $1,000 | California DMV |
| 15 days | Insurer must acknowledge your claim, provide forms and begin investigating | CDI; 10 CCR 2695.5 |
| 40 days | Insurer must accept or deny the claim after receiving proof of claim, or explain in writing why it needs more time (then update you every 30 days) | 10 CCR 2695.7 |
| 30 days | Insurer must pay once a claim is accepted and any release is signed | 10 CCR 2695.7 |
| 35 days | Window to tell your insurer you cannot buy a comparable car for its total-loss payment | 10 CCR 2695.8 |
| 6 months | Claims against the City of San Diego for death, injury or personal property damage | City of San Diego RM-9 form |
| 2 years | Lawsuit for personal injury (Code of Civil Procedure 335.1) | California Courts Self-Help |
| 3 years | Lawsuit for property damage, such as your car (Code of Civil Procedure 338) | California Courts Self-Help |
The SR-1 report: where sources disagree
The DMV’s own SR-1 page says you, your insurance agent, broker or legal representative must send the report within 10 days if anyone is injured, no matter how minor, or killed, or if property damage is over $1,000. It also says the SR-1 is required in addition to any report to police, CHP or your insurer. Many drivers miss this because they assume the police report covers it.
CDI’s accident guide, marked as revised December 2024, still gives a $750 threshold and still lists the old 15/30/5 liability minimums. CDI’s own January 2025 consumer alert confirms the new 30/60/15 minimums, so the guide appears not to have been fully updated. Because the DMV administers the SR-1, its current page is the more reliable instruction. With repair costs where they are, even a minor bumper and sensor job can pass $1,000. CDI notes that failing to notify the DMV can lead to a license suspension.
Deadlines the insurer must warn you about
Under 10 CCR 2695.7(f), an insurer generally must give you written notice of any statute of limitations it may rely on to deny your claim at least 60 days before it expires, or 30 days for an uninsured motorist claim under your own policy. That rule does not apply if you have a lawyer on the claim. Do not rely on the reminder as your only safeguard.
Choosing Which Claim to File
After a two-car crash, you usually have more than one route to payment. The right mix depends on fault, your coverage and how quickly you need the car back.
| Claim route | When it is used | Your deductible | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Third-party claim with the other driver’s insurer | The other driver was at fault and is insured | None | You depend on another company’s investigation and timing |
| First-party collision claim with your own insurer | Any fault situation, if you carry collision | Yes, often recovered later through subrogation | Usually faster, and you are the customer |
| Uninsured motorist bodily injury (UM/UIM) | At-fault driver has no insurance, too little, or fled | Per your policy | You must show the other driver was at fault |
| Uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) | At-fault uninsured driver, and you have no collision coverage | Per your policy | Capped at the car’s value or $3,500, whichever is less |
| Medical payments coverage | Medical bills for you and passengers, regardless of fault | Usually none | Limits are often modest |
Third-party claims
When the other driver is clearly at fault, many people start with that driver’s insurer so they pay no deductible. California regulation 10 CCR 2695.8(d) says an insurer may not tell a third-party claimant to go through their own policy just to avoid paying, where liability and damages are reasonably clear. The catch is speed. You are not that company’s customer, and it may take time to investigate fault.
First-party claims and getting your deductible back
Going through your own collision coverage is often quicker. You pay your deductible up front, and your insurer then pursues the other driver’s company, a process called subrogation. Under 10 CCR 2695.7(p) and (q), your insurer must tell you in writing whether it will pursue subrogation, must include your deductible in its demand, and must share recoveries with you proportionally. CDI’s example: if the insurer recovers 65% of what it paid, you get 65% of your deductible.
Rentals and car loans
CDI says your own policy pays for a rental while your car is repaired only if you bought rental coverage, and only up to the daily and total limits in your policy. If your car is financed and totaled, you still owe the lender the full balance. CDI notes that “gap” coverage exists for exactly that shortfall.
How California Decides Fault
Fault drives three things: who pays, how much you recover, and whether your premium rises.
Pure comparative fault
California splits responsibility by percentage. The state’s civil jury instruction CACI No. 405 tells jurors that if a defendant proves the injured person was also negligent, that person’s damages are reduced by their percentage of responsibility. Adjusters apply the same logic in negotiation. If your damages are $20,000 and you are found 20% at fault, you would typically recover $16,000 from the other side.
Proposition 213 and uninsured drivers
Driving uninsured costs more than a ticket. Proposition 213, passed in 1996 and now Civil Code section 3333.4, bars an injured person from recovering non-economic losses such as pain and suffering if they owned an uninsured vehicle involved in the crash or were driving without proof of financial responsibility. It also applies to drivers convicted of DUI for that crash. There is an exception: an uninsured owner hit by a driver later convicted of DUI can still recover those damages. Economic losses such as medical bills and repairs are not barred.
“Principally at fault” for premium purposes
For rating purposes, California regulation 10 CCR 2632.13 says an insurer may not treat you as principally at fault unless your actions were at least 51% of the legal cause of the accident. The crash must also have caused injury or death, or property damage over $1,000. The regulation creates presumptions in your favor in certain situations, such as when your car was lawfully parked.
Getting Your Car Repaired or Valued as a Total Loss
This is where most day-to-day friction with adjusters happens. California’s Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations are unusually detailed on auto claims, and knowing them changes the conversation.
Your right to choose the repair shop
CDI explains that under Insurance Code section 758.5, an insurer cannot require you to use a particular shop. It can recommend one only if you ask, and it must tell you in writing that you have the right to choose. Regulation 10 CCR 2695.8(e) adds that once you pick a shop, the insurer may not steer you elsewhere except as that statute allows, may not make false or misleading statements about your shop, and may not require an inspection at one of its direct-repair shops.
The same regulation limits how far you can be asked to travel. In cities of 100,000 people or more, which includes San Diego, requiring you to go more than 15 miles for an inspection or estimate is considered unreasonable. If the insurer wants to inspect your car on a first-party claim, it generally must request and complete the inspection within six business days of receiving the claim, provided you make the car reasonably available.
When the estimates do not match
Under 10 CCR 2695.8(f), the insurer must give you a copy of any estimate it uses to settle. If your shop’s written estimate is higher, the insurer must do one of three things. It can pay the difference, give you the name of a shop that will do the work for its figure, or reasonably adjust your shop’s estimate and show each change item by item.
Aftermarket parts, towing and depreciation
An insurer can specify non-original (aftermarket) crash parts only if they are at least equal to the originals in kind, quality, safety, fit and performance, and it must warrant that in writing (10 CCR 2695.8(g)). CDI adds that repair invoices must identify each part as new OEM, aftermarket, used, rebuilt or reconditioned.
Insurers must pay reasonable towing and storage when they are needed to protect the car, and must give reasonable notice before they stop paying storage (10 CCR 2695.8(k)). On a partial-loss claim under your own policy, labor cannot be depreciated unless the policy clearly allows it (10 CCR 2695.8(j)).
Total loss settlements
If the car is not worth repairing, CDI says the insurer generally pays the lower of the repair cost or the actual cash value, which in California means fair market value unless the policy defines it differently. Under 10 CCR 2695.8(b), the cash settlement must be based on the cost of a comparable vehicle, same make and model type, similar options and mileage, plus applicable taxes and one-time transfer fees. Comparables must have been available in the local market within 90 days, and any adjustments must be itemized.
If you cannot find a comparable car for the amount paid, tell the insurer within 35 days. It must then reopen the file and either locate a comparable vehicle, pay the difference for one you found, or invoke the policy’s appraisal provision. CDI describes appraisal this way: each side hires an appraiser, the two pick a neutral umpire, and any two of the three who agree set a binding figure.
Injuries, Medical Bills and Uninsured Drivers
Injury claims move more slowly than property damage claims because the full cost is often not known for months.
What the insurer can ask for
CDI says an insurer may take a written or recorded statement and can sometimes request an examination under oath. For medical payments or uninsured motorist claims, you must document injuries, medical expenses and lost wages. Regulation 10 CCR 2695.7(n) allows an insurer to request a medical exam only when it has a good-faith belief that one is reasonably necessary.
Why minimum limits run out fast
Since January 1, 2025, CDI confirms California’s minimum liability limits are $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $15,000 for property damage. A few days in hospital plus lost work can exceed $30,000. When that happens, the gap falls to your own underinsured motorist coverage, your health insurance or the at-fault driver personally.
Uninsured motorist coverage
Uninsured drivers are common. MoneyGeek, citing the Insurance Research Council, reports that about 20.4% of California drivers were uninsured in 2023. California requires insurers to provide uninsured motorist coverage in every bodily injury liability policy, though a policyholder can agree in writing to reject it or lower the limits, as the standard California selection form explains. Check your declarations page before you need it.
Uninsured motorist property damage coverage is narrower. Under Insurance Code section 11580.26, it pays for collision damage to your car caused by an uninsured driver, capped at the car’s actual cash value or $3,500, whichever is less, and it does not cover loss of use.
Will Your Premium Go Up? What California Allows
This question keeps many people from filing at all. A LendingTree survey found roughly 4 in 10 insured drivers who had an accident paid for repairs without using insurance, and 42% of those said it was to avoid a rate increase.
Not-at-fault accidents
California’s rating rules focus on accidents where you were principally at fault. MoneyGeek’s 2026 California data shows no premium change for a not-at-fault accident in its sample profile. If your insurer labels you at fault and you disagree, ask for the basis in writing and provide your evidence.
The Good Driver Discount
California’s Good Driver Discount must be at least 20% below the rate a comparable non-good driver would pay, according to the regulation text published by Consumer Watchdog. Under 10 CCR 2632.13.1, a principally at-fault accident involving only property damage adds one violation point, while a principally at-fault accident causing injury or death makes you ineligible for three years. Because good-driver status allows no more than one point in three years, one property-only accident on an otherwise clean record may not remove the discount by itself. A licensed agent can tell you how your insurer’s approved rating plan treats it.
How much at-fault accidents cost: two studies
| Study | Driver profile and coverage priced | CA premium before | CA premium after | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LendingTree (Quadrant data, January 2026) | 30-year-old man, good credit, 2018 Honda CR-V EX; 50/100/50 liability, $500 deductibles; at-fault accident with $2,000+ property damage | $2,382.91/yr | $4,066.73/yr | 70.7% |
| MoneyGeek (updated June 2026) | 40-year-old, clean record, 2012 Toyota Camry LE; 100/300/100 liability, $1,000 deductibles | $1,595/yr | $2,516/yr | 58% |
The two studies disagree by about 13 percentage points, and the methods explain why. They priced different ages, vehicles, deductibles and liability limits, and LendingTree specified an accident with at least $2,000 in damage. A lower base premium or a different mix of insurers in the sample changes both the dollar and percentage result. Neither is your quote. Both suggest that in California an at-fault accident can add several hundred to well over a thousand dollars a year, and LendingTree notes the effect typically lasts three to five years.
Worked Examples: Two San Diego Households
These examples use round, realistic numbers to show how the rules above play out. Your own figures will differ.
Example 1: Rear-ended in Mira Mesa (not at fault)
Ana drives a 2019 Honda Civic and is rear-ended at a red light on Mira Mesa Boulevard. The other driver admits fault and has insurance. Nobody is hurt, but Ana’s shop in Kearny Mesa estimates $6,850. Because damage is over $1,000, Ana files an SR-1 with the DMV within 10 days.
The other driver’s insurer writes its own estimate for $5,900. Under 10 CCR 2695.8(f), Ana’s shop estimate triggers a choice: the insurer must pay the difference, name a shop that will do the work for $5,900, or itemize its adjustments to her shop’s estimate. The investigation drags, so Ana switches to her own collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible. Her insurer pays $5,850 and pursues the other company.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Repair cost at Ana’s chosen shop | $6,850 |
| Paid by Ana’s insurer | $5,850 |
| Ana’s deductible paid up front | $1,000 |
| Deductible returned if subrogation recovers 100% | $1,000 |
| Deductible returned if subrogation recovers 80% | $800 |
Because Ana was not principally at fault, California’s rating rules should not count this accident against her. Her main out-of-pocket risk is rental costs, since she did not carry rental coverage.
Example 2: At-fault bump in Chula Vista
Marcus rolls into the car ahead of him on Third Avenue in Chula Vista. Nobody is injured. The other car needs $4,800 in repairs and his own needs $3,200. He carries a $1,000 collision deductible. Since damage is over $1,000, he must file an SR-1 either way.
If he pays everything himself, his cost is $8,000. If he claims, he pays his $1,000 deductible, and his insurer covers the rest. The unknown is the surcharge. Using the two studies above as rough bookends over three years:
| Scenario | Three-year cost to Marcus |
|---|---|
| Pay both repairs out of pocket | $8,000 |
| Claim, with MoneyGeek-sized increase ($921/yr × 3 = $2,763) plus deductible | $3,763 |
| Claim, with LendingTree-sized increase ($1,683.82/yr × 3 = $5,051) plus deductible | $6,051 |
In this example, claiming comes out cheaper under both studies. With smaller damage, say a $900 scrape, paying privately might win. There is also a risk in paying privately that the table does not show: if the other driver later reports an injury, Marcus’s policy requires prompt notice. Many people in his position report the accident to their insurer and ask their agent how a report without a payout is treated.
San Diego Situations That Need Extra Care
Crashes with city vehicles or road hazards
If a City of San Diego vehicle hit you, or a pothole on a city street damaged your car, the claim goes to the city’s Risk Management Department, not an insurer. The city’s RM-9 form says claims for death, injury or personal property must be filed within six months under Government Code section 911.2, and other claims within one year. The Risk Management page says claims can be filed through the Public Liability Claims Portal or on paper, and it stopped accepting first-notice claims by email on December 11, 2023.
The city asks property damage claimants to attach an estimate and photos, and injury claimants to include unaltered medical bills. If the road or vehicle belongs to another public agency, such as the county or a state agency, that agency has its own claim process, so confirm who owns it before the six months pass.
Visitors, military families and out-of-state plates
San Diego has a large number of visitors and military families with out-of-state registrations. CDI says most policies cover driving in other states, U.S. territories and Canada, and that if the local financial responsibility requirement is higher than your limits, your insurer will meet the higher requirement. For rental cars, CDI says coverage for rental damage under your own policy depends on its wording, so check it before declining the counter’s damage waiver.
Crossing into Mexico
CDI states that most U.S. auto policies do not cover driving in Mexico and suggests buying that coverage separately. A crash in Tijuana, Rosarito or Ensenada is generally handled under a Mexican policy, not your California one. If you drive across the border, keep the Mexican policy documents and claim number in the car and follow that policy’s reporting instructions.
Common Mistakes That Cost San Diego Drivers Money
Most of these are easy to avoid once you know them:
- Skipping the SR-1. The police report does not satisfy the DMV requirement.
- Signing something for the other driver. A release in exchange for your deductible can compromise your insurer’s recovery, as CDI warns.
- Guessing about fault on a recorded call. Stick to facts you know. Speculation can be quoted back to you.
- Accepting the first total-loss number unexamined. Ask for the comparable vehicles used and check their mileage, trim and options.
- Letting a short deadline pass. The six-month government claim window is easy to miss while you wait on an insurer.
- Relying on phone calls. Follow up important conversations by email or letter. CDI’s guide recommends written requests and keeping copies.
- Using a stranger’s referral. CDI links unsolicited body shop, clinic or lawyer referrals to fraud rings.
If Your Claim Stalls or You Disagree
You have more leverage than many people assume, and most of it costs nothing.
Put it in writing and cite the timeline
If the insurer misses the 15-day or 40-day marks, or stops sending 30-day updates, a short letter noting the dates often restarts the file. Regulation 10 CCR 2695.7(g) also bars insurers from making unreasonably low settlement offers.
Ask CDI for help
Any written denial must tell you that you can have the matter reviewed by CDI and give contact details for the unit that reviews claims practices (10 CCR 2695.7(b)(3)). CDI’s consumer hotline is 800-927-4357. For physical damage disputes with your own insurer, CDI also runs an automobile claims mediation program. An insurer cannot require you to withdraw a CDI complaint as a condition of settling (10 CCR 2695.7(o)).
When a professional helps
For serious injuries, disputed fault or claims near policy limits, many people consult a personal injury attorney, and CDI’s guide suggests considering one when injuries, significant damage or fault disputes are involved. For coverage questions, a licensed agent or broker can explain what your policy includes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in California?
Notify your insurer right away, since policies require prompt notice. The DMV’s SR-1 is due within 10 days when there is injury, death or over $1,000 in damage. For lawsuits, California Courts list two years for personal injury and three years for property damage. Claims against a public entity such as the City of San Diego generally must be filed within six months.
Do I have to report a minor car accident to the DMV in California?
Only if it meets the threshold. The DMV requires an SR-1 within 10 days if anyone was injured, however slightly, or killed, or if property damage exceeds $1,000. That applies even if police wrote a report and your insurer knows about it. Because repair costs are high, many minor-looking crashes cross the $1,000 line.
Will my insurance go up if the accident was not my fault in California?
California’s rating rules let insurers count an accident against you only when you were principally at fault, meaning at least 51% responsible, and the crash caused injury or over $1,000 in damage. MoneyGeek’s 2026 data showed no increase for a not-at-fault accident in its sample profile. If your insurer assigns fault you dispute, ask for its reasoning in writing.
Can I choose my own body shop in California?
Yes. CDI explains that Insurance Code section 758.5 bars insurers from requiring a specific shop. Once you choose one, the insurer cannot steer you elsewhere except as that law allows, and it must pay reasonable repair costs at your shop consistent with good trade standards. If estimates differ, it must pay the difference, name a shop, or itemize its adjustments.
How do I get a police report for a car accident in San Diego?
For SDPD reports, wait three to 10 business days, then request it online through LexisNexis eCrash or by mail or in person at 1401 Broadway with a $12 fee payable to the City Treasurer. For freeway crashes handled by CHP, use CHP’s online Crash Portal or submit form CHP 190 to any CHP Area office.
What happens if the other driver has no insurance in San Diego?
You may be able to use your own uninsured motorist coverage, which California insurers must include in bodily injury liability policies unless you rejected or lowered it in writing. Uninsured motorist property damage covers your car up to its value or $3,500, whichever is less. Report hit-and-runs to police promptly, since policies often require it.
How long does an insurance company have to settle a claim in California?
Under California’s Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations, an insurer must acknowledge a claim within 15 days, then accept or deny it within 40 days after receiving proof of claim. If it needs more time, it must explain why in writing and update you every 30 days. Once a claim is accepted, payment is generally due within 30 days.
Does my California car insurance cover me in Tijuana?
Usually not. CDI states that most policies do not provide coverage in Mexico and suggests buying that coverage separately before driving across the border. If you are in a crash in Baja California, follow the reporting instructions on your Mexican policy. Your California insurer may still want to know, so check your policy’s notice requirements.
What if a city vehicle or pothole damaged my car in San Diego?
File a claim with the City of San Diego’s Risk Management Department through its Public Liability Claims Portal or on the RM-9 paper form. Claims for injury or personal property generally must be filed within six months. The city asks for an estimate and photos for property damage, and unaltered bills for injuries.
Next Step After a San Diego Crash
A car accident claim in San Diego follows a predictable path once you know the checkpoints: document the scene, notify your insurer, file the SR-1 if the thresholds are met, get the report from SDPD or CHP, and track the insurer’s 15-, 40- and 30-day obligations. The most useful thing you can do today, before anything happens, is pull out your declarations page and check your liability limits, uninsured motorist coverage, collision deductible and rental coverage. If anything there is unclear, a licensed agent can walk you through what applies to you.
Sources
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- Judicial Branch of California. “Statute of Limitations” (California Courts Self-Help Guide). https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/civil-lawsuit/statute-limitations (accessed September 21, 2026)
- City of San Diego Risk Management. “Public Liability.” https://www.sandiego.gov/riskmanagement/services/liability (accessed September 21, 2026)
- City of San Diego. “Claim Against the City of San Diego (RM-9).” https://sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/rm-9-claim-form.pdf (accessed September 21, 2026)
- San Diego Police Department. “Get a Police Report.” https://www.sandiego.gov/police/services/get-police-report (accessed September 21, 2026)
- San Diego Police Department. “Traffic Accidents, Reports, Tickets and Concerns.” https://www.sandiego.gov/police/services/traffic-accidents-reports-tickets-concerns (accessed September 21, 2026)
- California Highway Patrol. “Request a Crash Report.” https://chp.ca.gov/traffic/request-a-crash-report/ (accessed September 21, 2026)
- LendingTree. “One At-Fault Accident Can Add Thousands to Drivers’ Insurance Costs — Here’s Where It Hurts Most” (February 2026). https://www.lendingtree.com/insurance/at-fault-accidents-study/ (accessed September 21, 2026)
- MoneyGeek. “Average Cost of Car Insurance in California for 2026” (updated June 3, 2026). https://www.moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/average-cost-car-insurance-california/ (accessed September 21, 2026)
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: This article is for general information and educational purposes only. It is based on publicly available information believed to be accurate at the time of writing, and rates, rules, products and eligibility requirements change frequently. It is not financial, insurance, tax or legal advice, and no advisor-client relationship is created by reading it. We are not licensed financial advisors, insurance agents, tax preparers or attorneys, and nothing here is a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any product, policy or security. Your own situation is different from the examples used here, so please consult a licensed financial advisor, insurance agent, tax professional or attorney before making any decision. We make no warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of the information and accept no liability for any loss arising from its use. Some links may be to third-party sites we do not control.
Internal Link Ideas
- California Minimum Car Insurance Requirements Explained, and Why They’re Not Enough (link from “Why minimum limits run out fast”)
- Car Insurance in San Diego (2026): Average Rates by ZIP Code and How to Pay Less (link from “Will Your Premium Go Up?”)
- Driving to Mexico from San Diego: Mexican Auto Insurance Guide for Tijuana and Baja Trips (link from “Crossing into Mexico”)
- Renting a Car in San Diego: Do You Need the Rental Company’s Insurance? (link from “Visitors, military families and out-of-state plates”)
- Car Insurance for Military Members in San Diego: USAA, GEICO and Other Options Compared (link from the same subsection)
External Authoritative Links
- California DMV, SR-1 accident reporting: https://dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv-virtual-office/accident-reporting/
- California Department of Insurance, “So You’ve Had an Accident, What’s Next?”: https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/105-type/95-guides/01-auto/hadaccident.cfm
- City of San Diego Risk Management, Public Liability claims: https://www.sandiego.gov/riskmanagement/services/liability