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California: rules and deadlines at a glance
Every 9 topic we track for California on one page. Open a topic for the details, the law it comes from and how California compares.
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Small claims limits · Claim deadlines · Car insurance by state · Final paycheck rules · Debt time limits · Shared fault rules · Lemon law rules · Corporate tax rates
General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Not affiliated with any government agency. Exceptions can apply; open a topic for the details.
| Product liability | 2 years |
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| Property damage | 3 years |
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| Dollar limit | $12,500 (individuals); $6,250 (businesses) |
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| Filing fee | $30, $50 or $75 |
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| Lawyers | Not at the hearing |
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| Acknowledge | 15 days |
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| Accept or deny | 40 days after proof of claim |
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| Pay | 30 days for undisputed amounts |
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| Minimum liability | $30,000 / $60,000 / $15,000 |
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| Fault system | At-fault (the driver who caused it pays) |
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| Shared-fault rule | Pure comparative: recovery reduced by your share of fault |
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| If you are fired | Same day |
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| If you quit | Within 72 hours (immediately with 72 hours' notice) |
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| Credit cards / open accounts | 4 years |
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| Written contracts | 4 years |
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| Promissory notes | 6 years |
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| Rule | Pure comparative negligence |
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| When you are barred | Up to 99% at fault: damages reduced by your share |
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| Repair attempts or days | 2 for a serious safety defect; 4 attempts; or 30 calendar days |
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| Coverage period | 18 months or 18,000 miles (presumption period) |
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| Top rate | 8.84% |
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| Structure | Flat |
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