Every vehicle driven on California roads must be covered by at least the state’s minimum liability insurance. On January 1, 2025, those minimums went up for the first time in decades.
The current minimums: 30/60/15
- $30,000 for injury or death of one person
- $60,000 for injury or death of more than one person
- $15,000 for damage to property
The old limits were 15/30/5. If your policy renewed after January 1, 2025, it should already show the new limits.
What liability insurance does and doesn’t cover
Liability pays for injuries and property damage you cause to other people. It does not pay to repair your own car. For that you need collision (crashes) and comprehensive (theft, fire, flood, vandalism, glass). Lenders require both if your car is financed or leased.
Is the minimum enough?
For most drivers, no. A single hospital stay or a crash with a newer car can blow past $15,000 in property damage or $30,000 in medical bills, and you’re personally responsible for the rest. Many drivers choose 100/300/100 or higher, and the extra cost is often modest. The easiest way to see the difference is to get both quotes side by side.
Uninsured motorist coverage
California insurers must offer uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, and you can only turn it down in writing. It protects you and your passengers if you’re hit by a driver with no insurance or too little.
Alternatives to an insurance policy
California technically allows a few other forms of financial responsibility, such as a cash deposit with the DMV or a DMV-issued self-insurance certificate, but for nearly every driver a standard policy is the practical choice.