California’s minimum car insurance requirement in 2026 is 30/60/15: $30,000 for injuries to one person, $60,000 for injuries per accident and $15,000 for property damage. Those limits took effect January 1, 2025, under SB 1107, and they’re scheduled to rise again to 50/100/25 on January 1, 2035.
That’s the legal floor. Whether it’s enough for you depends on what you’d have to lose in a serious accident. Here’s how it works.
⚠️ Scope note: This guide covers the minimum liability requirements for private passenger vehicles in California. Commercial vehicles, rideshare driving and SR-22 filings have additional rules. A licensed agent can help you choose limits for your situation.
What are California’s minimum car insurance requirements?
Every California driver must carry at least these liability limits, under Vehicle Code §16056:
| Coverage | Old minimum (before 2025) | Current minimum (Jan. 1, 2025) | Scheduled minimum (Jan. 1, 2035) |
| Bodily injury, one person | $15,000 | $30,000 | $50,000 |
| Bodily injury, all people in one accident | $30,000 | $60,000 | $100,000 |
| Property damage, one accident | $5,000 | $15,000 | $25,000 |
The 2025 change was the first increase since 1967. If you carried the old 15/30/5 minimum, your insurer had to raise it when your policy renewed after January 1, 2025.
What does 30/60/15 actually cover?
It covers damage you cause to other people, up to those limits. That’s it.
- $30,000 pays for injuries to one person you hurt in an accident.
- $60,000 is the most it pays for all injuries in one accident, no matter how many people are hurt.
- $15,000 pays for damage to other people’s cars, fences, buildings or other property.
What the minimum doesn’t cover: your own car, your own injuries, a rental while your car is in the shop, or injuries caused by an uninsured driver. Those take additional coverages.
Is California’s minimum car insurance enough?
For many drivers, probably not. California is an at-fault state, which means the driver who causes a crash is responsible for the damage. If the damage is more than your limits, the injured person can come after you personally for the rest.
Think about a simple example. You rear-end a newer pickup at a Sacramento intersection. Repairs come to $22,000. Your $15,000 property damage limit pays $15,000. The other $7,000 could be yours.
Injuries add up even faster. One hospital visit with imaging and follow-up care can eat through $30,000.
Here’s a rough way to think about it:
| Your situation | What to consider |
| You rent, have little savings, drive an older car | Minimum meets the law, but uninsured motorist coverage is still worth pricing |
| You own a home or have savings | Higher liability limits protect those assets; ask for quotes above the minimum |
| You drive a newer or financed car | Your lender likely requires collision and comprehensive |
| You have a teen driver | Higher limits help because new drivers have more crashes |
| You have significant assets | Ask about an umbrella policy on top of higher auto limits |
What other coverages should I consider beyond the minimum?
The minimum is liability only. These coverages protect you and your car:
1. Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM). Pays your injuries when the other driver has no or too little insurance. Insurers must offer it under Insurance Code §11580.2, and you must reject it in writing. About 20.4% of California drivers were uninsured in 2023, according to the Insurance Research Council via the Insurance Information Institute.
2. Collision. Pays to repair your car after a crash, regardless of fault.
3. Comprehensive. Pays for theft, vandalism, glass, fire and catalytic converter theft.
4. Medical payments. Helps with medical bills for you and your passengers.
5. Rental reimbursement and roadside assistance. Optional add-ons that keep you moving after a claim.
What happens if you drive without insurance in California?
Driving without insurance breaks California’s financial responsibility law (Vehicle Code §16020). Consequences can include fines, having your vehicle impounded, a suspended license and being required to file an SR-22 for future coverage. If you cause an accident while uninsured, you’re personally responsible for all the damage.
You must also carry proof of insurance in your car (a digital ID card on your phone is accepted) and file an SR-1 report with the DMV within 10 days of an accident involving injury or more than $1,000 in damage.
What if I can’t afford more than the minimum?
California’s Low Cost Automobile Insurance Program (CLCA) helps income-eligible good drivers whose household income is at or under 250% of the federal poverty level. CLCA policies satisfy California’s financial responsibility law. Also check that you’re getting the Good Driver Discount, at least 20% for drivers licensed three years with no more than one point, before cutting coverage.
Frequently asked questions
Question: What is the minimum car insurance required in California in 2026?
Answer: California requires at least 30/60/15 liability coverage: $30,000 per injured person, $60,000 per accident for injuries and $15,000 for property damage. These limits took effect January 1, 2025, under SB 1107.
Question: When will California’s minimum car insurance go up again?
Answer: SB 1107 schedules the next increase for January 1, 2035, when the minimums rise to 50/100/25: $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident and $25,000 for property damage.
Question: Does the California minimum cover my own car?
Answer: No. The minimum is liability coverage only, which pays for damage you cause to others. Collision and comprehensive coverage pay for your own car.
Question: Is uninsured motorist coverage required in California?
Answer: Insurers must offer it, but you can reject it in writing. With about 20.4% of California drivers uninsured in 2023, many drivers choose to keep it.
Question: What happens if damages are more than my policy limits?
Answer: You may be personally responsible for the amount above your limits. That’s why drivers with homes or savings often choose higher liability limits.
The bottom line
30/60/15 keeps you legal, but it’s a floor, not a recommendation. If you own a home, have savings or drive a newer car, compare the price of higher limits and uninsured motorist coverage. The difference is often smaller than people expect, and a licensed agent can show you the numbers.
About the Author
Brandon Erickson | IVMG LLC
With 7 years of experience writing insurance content, I specialize in creating clear, informative, and engaging articles that help consumers better understand auto, home, and other types of insurance. My writing focuses on answering real customer questions, simplifying complex insurance topics, and creating useful content that performs well in search engines while providing genuine value to readers.
Last updated: November 2026 | Next review: Quarterly
Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and is not insurance, legal, or financial advice. Brandon Erickson is not a licensed insurance agent. Please speak with a licensed insurance agent about any questions regarding your coverage.