What Are the Car Insurance Requirements in California?
David J. Muñoz | September 21, 2026 | Car Accidents
Every driver in California is legally required to carry auto insurance. If you have never looked into the specifics, though, you might not know exactly how much coverage you need or what the consequences are for going without it. The state recently raised its minimum coverage requirements for the first time in decades, so even long-time drivers may not be up to speed on the current numbers.
Whether you are buying your first policy or reviewing an existing one, it pays to understand what California law demands. A personal injury attorney can help if you have questions about how insurance applies to a specific accident; read on for helpful information in the meantime.
What Coverage Does California Require?
California is what is known as an at-fault state. That means the driver who causes a crash is financially responsible for the other party’s losses. To make sure drivers can actually cover those costs, the state requires everyone behind the wheel to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance.
As of January 1, 2025, those minimums are:
- $30,000 for bodily injury per person
- $60,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $15,000 for property damage per accident
This is often referred to as “30/60/15” coverage. Before this change took effect, California’s minimums had been set at 15/30/5 since 1967. Senate Bill 1107, also called the Protect California Drivers Act, doubled the bodily injury limits and tripled the property damage requirement. Another increase is already scheduled for 2035, when the minimums will rise to 50/100/25.
Keep in mind that these are floors, not ceilings. They represent the bare minimum required by law. Many drivers choose to carry higher limits to better protect themselves financially in the event of a serious accident.
There are a few alternatives to purchasing a standard insurance policy. You can post a $75,000 cash deposit with the DMV, obtain a surety bond for the same amount, or apply for a certificate of self-insurance. For most people, however, buying a policy is the simplest route.
What Happens if I Drive Without Coverage?
Driving uninsured in California is a gamble with serious consequences. A first offense can result in fines of $100 to $200 plus penalty assessments that push the total closer to $500. Your vehicle could also be impounded.
The real trouble starts if you get into an accident while uninsured. Your license can be suspended for up to four years, and you will likely need to file an SR-22 certificate with the DMV for at least three years afterward. On top of that, California law restricts uninsured drivers from collecting non-economic damages like pain and suffering, even if the other driver caused the crash. That limitation alone can dramatically reduce the value of a personal injury claim.
How Minimum Coverage Affects Personal Injury Claims
The state’s minimum requirements protect other drivers, but they do not always go far enough. A bad crash can easily produce medical bills and lost wages that exceed the at-fault driver’s policy limits. When that happens, the injured party may have to look beyond the other driver’s insurance to recover what they are due.
This is one reason many drivers add uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage to their own policies. California does not require it, but it can fill the gap when another driver lacks enough coverage to pay for your losses.
Contact a San Diego Car Accident Lawyer at Mission Personal Injury Lawyers to Arrange a Free Consultation
Understanding your insurance coverage is important, but knowing how to use it after an accident is just as critical. If you were injured in a car accident in California, reaching out to an experienced personal injury attorney is a smart first step.
If you’ve been injured in San Diego or Chula Vista, please call Mission Personal Injury Lawyers for a free case evaluation with a personal injury lawyer or contact us online.
We proudly serve San Diego County and throughout California.
Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – San Diego Office
3666 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 777-5555
Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – Chula Vista Office
690 Otay Lakes Rd #130, Chula Vista, CA 91910
(619) 722-3032
We also serve the state of Texas. For legal assistance, contact our personal injury law office in El Paso today.
Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – El Paso Office
201 E Main Suite 106, El Paso, Texas 79901
(915) 591-1000
