What is the minimum car insurance coverage in California 2025?

Asked by: Delpha Hill  |  Last update: August 3, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (53 votes)

Effective January 1, 2025, the minimum required limits will be raised to $30K/$60k/$15K. You must buy liability coverage. Driving without insurance is illegal.

What is the minimum car insurance requirement in California?

Understanding California's New Auto Insurance Requirements

These numbers represent: $30,000 for bodily injury liability per person. $60,000 for bodily injury liability per accident. $15,000 for property damage liability per accident.

What is the new law for car insurance in California?

The new minimum liability requirements will be adjusted to the following: $30,000 for bodily injury or death per person. $60,000 for bodily injury or death per accident. $15,000 for property damage per accident.

What is the 15/30/5 rule?

A car insurance policy with 15/30/5 means it covers up to $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident for bodily injury liability and up to $5,000 per accident for property damage liability.

Does insurance go down after 5 years?

Car insurance typically drops as you grow older, when you drive safely for three to five years following an accident or citation, and when you switch to a cheaper company.

Understanding California's New Auto Insurance Laws for 2025 | The Shirvanian Law Firm

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Will auto insurance go down in 2025?

Will Everyone's Insurance Rates Go Up in 2025? All California drivers will likely see an increase in their rates now that new minimum levels have gone into effect. Drivers who already have an existing policy will be grandfathered into the old rates and limits until their next renewal.

What is the cheapest car insurance for seniors over 60?

Nationwide — the most affordable company for seniors

At $77 a month, Nationwide is the cheapest car insurance company for drivers in their 60s and can cover all of your bases when it comes to coverage.

What is the minimum insurance requirement in California in 2025?

Effective January 1, 2025, the minimum required limits will be raised to $30K/$60k/$15K. You must buy liability coverage. Driving without insurance is illegal.

What is the cheapest car insurance in California?

At a glance: The cheapest car insurance in California

Geico offers the cheapest minimum coverage in California, with an average rate of $243 per year according to NerdWallet's January 2025 analysis.

What is the protect California drivers act?

California's 2025 auto insurance laws raise minimum liability coverage for drivers under the Protect California Drivers Act. The new minimums include $30,000 for bodily injury or death of one person, $60,000 for all persons, and $15,000 for property damage.

What is the new car rule in California?

California's rules require 35% of vehicles in the 2026 model year to be a zero-emission model, rising to 68% by 2030. The state says the rule is crucial to meeting greenhouse gas emission reduction targets and cutting smog-forming pollutants.

How long can you drive without insurance after buying a car California?

You must have proof of insurance when driving your vehicle in the Golden State. But you have 30 days from the purchase of the vehicle to obtain a new insurance policy for a new (or new-to-you) car. A major caveat for this grace period is that you must already have automobile coverage for your previous vehicle.

What is the average cost of auto insurance in California?

Auto insurance rates vary based on several factors, like whether you live in a metropolitan area, the type of vehicle you drive, the policy you choose, and your driving record. On average, car insurance in California costs around $148 per month or about $1,780 per year.

What happens if you drive without minimum insurance in California?

California drivers must at least meet the liability auto insurance coverage requirements of 15/30/5 to drive legally. You can be fined up to $500 out of pocket if you are convicted of driving without insurance in California, depending on whether it's your first or subsequent offense.

What is SR22 insurance in California?

In California, an SR-22 is a “Certificate of Financial Responsibility” required for certain drivers to prove they carry the state's minimum required auto insurance coverage. The state's minimum insurance requirements are: Bodily Injury Liability: $15,000 per person. Bodily Injury Liability: $30,000 per accident.

Can I self-insure my car in California?

Section 16053 - Certificate of self-insurance (a) The department may in its discretion, upon application, issue a certificate of self-insurance when it is satisfied that the applicant in whose name more than 25 motor vehicles are registered is possessed and will continue to be possessed of ability to pay judgments ...

What is the number 1 car insurance in California?

Here are the best car insurance companies in California:

Geico: Best for affordability. Mapfre: Best for having few customer complaints. State Farm: Best for ease of use.

What is the minimum full coverage auto insurance in California?

Here are the minimum liability insurance requirements (per California Insurance Code §11580.1b): $30,000 for injury/death to one person. $60,000 for injury/death to more than one person. $15,000 for damage to property.

Is GEICO leaving California?

Over the last year, several large insurance companies, such as GEICO, Allstate, and most surprisingly, Liberty Mutual have pulled out of California's auto insurance market. The conditions in the state have led the insurers to believe that California drivers are too expensive to insure.

Is car insurance going up in California in 2025?

There are plenty of reasons why this happens – more claims, inflation, higher repair costs – but in 2025, Californians saw an even larger increase than normal. That's because the state legislature raised the required minimum liability limits, and these new limits took effect Jan. 1.

Is uninsured motorist coverage required in California?

California law does require insurance companies to offer uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage; if you don't want it, you must reject the coverage in writing.

What age is insurance high?

But did you know that auto insurance rates tend to increase again later on in life? Aside from a handful of states, age is a significant rating factor that impacts drivers under the age of 25 and over the age of 70 the most. These higher rates reflect the increased risk of accidents among these age groups.

What is the best car insurance for senior citizens?

The Best Auto and Home Insurance Companies for Seniors
  • State Farm - Most affordable.
  • Allstate - Best bundling.
  • USAA - Best for military personnel and veterans.
  • AARP from The Hartford - Best membership benefits.
  • Travelers - Best customizable packages.

Is AARP car insurance cheaper than Allstate?

Is AARP car insurance cheap? AARP insurance from The Hartford is cheaper than average. Quotes from AARP are cheaper than Allstate and State Farm but not Progressive for sample drivers.

Does car insurance go up at age 70 in California?

“By contemplating these factors, senior drivers can secure insurance coverage that aligns precisely with their needs while enjoying peace of mind on the road.” Car insurance for seniors tends to increase with age. Between 65 and 75 years old, they spike 15%, or $267 annually.