California minimum car insurance requirements
The liability limits every California driver must carry - and why the minimum is rarely enough.
The current minimum limits
California raised its minimum auto liability limits under Senate Bill 1107, the Protect California Drivers Act, effective January 1, 2025. The required minimums are:
- 30,000 dollars for bodily injury or death to one person
- 60,000 dollars for bodily injury or death to more than one person per accident
- 15,000 dollars for property damage
The previous minimums were 15/30/5. The new limits generally take effect when your policy renews, so an older policy may still show the old limits until its next renewal - worth confirming with your broker. Under the law, the minimums are scheduled to rise again to 50/100/25 in 2035.
Why the minimum is rarely enough
Minimum liability only protects the other party, and modern medical and repair costs can blow past 30,000 dollars quickly. If you cause a serious accident, you are personally on the hook for anything above your limits. Higher liability, plus uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, is inexpensive protection for your finances.
Coverage the minimum does not include
- Your own injuries and vehicle damage (collision and comprehensive)
- Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage - important given the number of uninsured drivers in California
- Medical payments coverage
Frequently asked questions
What are California's minimum car insurance limits?
Currently 30,000 dollars per person and 60,000 dollars per accident for bodily injury, plus 15,000 dollars for property damage (30/60/15), following an increase under state law.
Is liability-only insurance legal in California?
Yes. Liability-only meets the legal minimum, but it does not cover your own vehicle or injuries. Many drivers add collision, comprehensive, and uninsured motorist coverage.
Do I need uninsured motorist coverage?
It is not part of the legal minimum, but given how many California drivers are uninsured, it is strongly recommended and often inexpensive.
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