California Car Insurance Requirements: The New 30/60/15 Minimums
California's minimum car insurance rose to 30/60/15 in 2025 and is set to rise again in 2035. What's required, what uninsured driving costs and how to save.
Updated October 7, 2026 · 6 min read
Key takeaways
- California's minimum liability limits are $30,000 per person, $60,000 per accident and $15,000 for property damage (30/60/15), up from 15/30/5 on January 1, 2025.
- The law schedules another increase, to 50/100/25, on January 1, 2035.
- Uninsured motorist coverage comes with every policy unless you delete it in writing.
- Insurers report coverage to the DMV electronically, and driving uninsured can mean fines, a suspended registration and an impounded car.
California's minimum car insurance
California raised its minimum liability limits for the first time in decades under Senate Bill 1107. Since January 1, 2025, the minimums are:
| Coverage | Required minimum |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability, per person | $30,000 |
| Bodily injury liability, per accident | $60,000 |
| Property damage liability | $15,000 |
Under the same law, the minimums are scheduled to rise to 50/100/25 on January 1, 2035. California is an at-fault state.
Instead of an insurance policy, the law also accepts a $75,000 cash deposit with the DMV, a $75,000 surety bond or a DMV self-insurance certificate, though nearly all drivers use insurance.
Uninsured motorist coverage
California insurers must include uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage in every policy unless you delete it with a signed, written agreement. It's offered at limits matching your bodily injury coverage. It pays for your injuries when an uninsured or hit-and-run driver is at fault, so think carefully before signing it away.
Free, no obligation, about two minutes. Or call: Insured 1-888-773-7558 · Uninsured 1-844-900-2302
How California checks insurance
Insurers report insured private passenger vehicles to the DMV electronically. If the DMV doesn't have proof of insurance on file, it can suspend the registration, and a vehicle with a suspended registration can't be driven or parked on public roads.
Penalties for driving uninsured
- A first violation carries a base fine of $100 to $200, and a later violation within three years carries $200 to $500. Court penalty assessments add considerably to the base fine.
- The court may order the vehicle impounded.
- The DMV can suspend the vehicle's registration until you show proof of insurance.
Help for low-income drivers
California's Low Cost Automobile Insurance Program offers basic liability coverage to income-eligible drivers with good driving records. Eligibility rules, including income limits and a vehicle value cap, are set by the program. Check mylowcostauto.com or call 1-866-602-8861 to see if you qualify.
Credit doesn't set your rate in California
California is one of the few states where auto insurers can't use your credit history to set your premium. Your driving record, annual miles and years of driving experience carry the most weight. See how credit affects car insurance in other states.
Is the state minimum enough?
The minimum is what the law requires, not what protects you. Liability limits cap what your insurer pays when you injure someone or damage their property. A serious crash can easily cost more than a minimum policy pays, and you can be personally responsible for the rest. Many drivers choose higher limits, such as 100/300/100, and add collision and comprehensive if their car would be expensive to replace. If you finance or lease, your lender will almost always require collision and comprehensive.
Quotes for higher limits often cost less than people expect, and the price difference between insurers can be larger than the difference between coverage levels. Comparing the same limits across several insurers is the clearest way to see your options.
Frequently asked questions
When did California's minimum car insurance go up?
On January 1, 2025, from 15/30/5 to 30/60/15. Policies issued or renewed since then must meet the new minimums.
Will California's minimums go up again?
Yes. The law schedules an increase to 50/100/25 on January 1, 2035.
How soon do new residents need to register a car in California?
The DMV requires registration within 20 days of becoming a resident or taking a job in California.
Sources
- California DMV: Insurance requirements
- California Department of Insurance: Bulletin 2023-1 on SB 1107
- California Vehicle Code §16056 (minimums and 2035 schedule)
- California Insurance Code §11580.2 (uninsured motorist)
- California Vehicle Code §16029 (penalties)
- California Department of Insurance: Low Cost Auto Insurance Program
How this guide was made: researched and drafted with AI assistance (Wren AI), and checked against the government and industry sources listed above. Wren AI is an AI tool, not a person or a licensed insurance agent.
This guide is general information, not insurance, legal or tax advice. Coverage, rules and prices vary by state, insurer and policy. Confirm details with a licensed agent before you buy. Read our editorial policy.