California Motor Vehicle Exemption & Other Personal Property Exemptions

 

How much equity in your car or truck can you protect if you file for bankruptcy in California?

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California Personal Property Exemptions — State System

Personal Property Exemptions Under California Law

CAR:

Motor vehicles to $7,500, or $7,500 in auto insurance for loss or damages for 90 days (husband and wife may not double)

California Exemption System 1

California Exemption System 2

Federal Non-Bankruptcy Personal Property Exemptions
(available only if using State System)

Personal Property Exemptions — Federal System § 522(d)

Can California debtors use the Federal Bankruptcy exemptions instead of California exemptions?

No. Federal exemptions not available. Instead, California has two systems of exemptions, one of which ("C2") closely mirrors the federal scheme. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code § 703.130 

The Federal Bankruptcy Exemptions under 11 U.S.C. § 522(d) are available to you if

  • you haven't lived in any state longer than 180 days for a while,
  • or
  • if your state allows the Federal exemptions as a choice.

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Jurisdictional relevance: ST

There are versions of this article for each State.