California Minimum Car Insurance Requirements (30/60/15)
A-MAX Editorial Team
Reviewed by Jayson Cheves, Licensed Insurance Agent
Short answer
California minimum car insurance is 30/60/15 liability: $30,000 for injuries per person, $60,000 per accident and $15,000 for property damage. The limits went up on January 1, 2025, from 15/30/5. Minimum coverage pays for damage you cause to others, not your own car.
California law requires every driver to carry minimum liability car insurance of 30/60/15. These limits doubled or more on January 1, 2025. Minimum coverage protects other people when an accident is your fault. It does not pay to fix your own car.
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What is the minimum car insurance in California?
California requires liability coverage with these minimum limits, written as 30/60/15:
| Coverage | California minimum | What it pays for |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability, per person | $30,000 | Medical bills and losses for one person you injure |
| Bodily injury liability, per accident | $60,000 | The most paid for everyone you injure in one accident |
| Property damage liability | $15,000 | Damage you cause to another car or property |
What changed in 2025?
Before January 1, 2025, the California minimum was 15/30/5. A state law, SB 1107, raised it to 30/60/15. If your policy renewed after that date, it should already meet the new limits. If you are not sure, check your declarations page or ask your agent.
What does minimum liability insurance not cover?
A 30/60/15 policy only pays other people. It does not pay for:
- Repairs to your own car after an accident you cause
- Your own medical bills
- Theft, fire, flooding or vandalism to your car
- Costs above your limits. If damages go past $30,000, $60,000 or $15,000, you may have to pay the rest yourself
Your agent will also offer uninsured motorist coverage, which helps if a driver with no insurance hits you. To protect your own car, compare full coverage vs. liability only.
Are there other ways to meet the California requirement?
Most drivers meet the rule with an insurance policy. The DMV also accepts a $75,000 cash deposit with the DMV, a $75,000 surety bond or a DMV self-insurance certificate.
If money is tight, the state's California Low Cost Auto Insurance Program offers basic liability coverage to drivers who qualify by income.
What happens if you drive without insurance in California?
You must show proof of insurance if you are stopped, in an accident or registering your car. Driving without coverage can lead to:
- Fines and court costs
- Your car being impounded
- Your driver license being suspended after an accident
- Being required to file an SR-22 to drive again
Read more about the risks of driving without insurance, or how to get covered after a gap in insurance.
How to get California minimum car insurance with A-MAX
A-MAX works with drivers other companies turn away. We shop for you and show you more price options, so you choose what fits. You can get a quote in about 2 minutes and get a policy the same day, often within the hour.
- Start online: get a quote
- Visit one of our 40+ California offices: find an office
- Need an SR-22? See California SR-22 insurance
- See California auto insurance for all your coverage options
Written by the A-MAX Editorial Team. This article is general information, not legal advice. Coverage and prices depend on the company and your situation.
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About this page
Written by the A-MAX Editorial Team. Reviewed by Jayson Cheves, Licensed Insurance Agent. We review and update it as state rules and carrier availability change.
Last updated November 3, 2026
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
California requires 30/60/15 liability coverage: $30,000 for injuries per person, $60,000 for injuries per accident and $15,000 for property damage.
On January 1, 2025. The minimum went from 15/30/5 to 30/60/15 under SB 1107.
No. Minimum liability only pays for injuries and damage you cause to others. To cover your own car you need collision and comprehensive coverage.
Yes. The California Low Cost Auto Insurance Program offers basic liability coverage to drivers who qualify by income.
Yes. A-MAX specializes in high-risk drivers, including tickets, accidents, SR-22s and a gap in insurance. We shop for you so you can choose.
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