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Field report · CA

Car insurance in California

California is a at-fault state with a minimum liability requirement of30/60/15. Here's what that means, what it costs, and what to check before you buy.

Minimum coverage30/60/15
Fault systemAt-fault
Uninsured motoristNot required
RegulatorCalifornia Department of Motor Vehicles (California DMV)

What the minimums actually mean

$30,000 per injured person, $60,000 total per accident for injuries, and $15,000 for property damage. Effective January 1, 2025 - California's first minimum increase since 1967 (previously 15/30/5); existing policies transition at their next renewal after that date, so by mid-2026 nearly all policies should reflect the new limits. Scheduled to rise again to 50/100/25 in 2035.

Not required by law; insurers must offer UM/UIM matching your liability limits, and you can decline via a signed rejection form. California is frequently cited as having one of the nation's highest uninsured-driver rates (commonly reported around 15-17%).

Estimated cost

Illustrative estimate: roughly $750-$1,000/year for minimum coverage; a clean single post-2025-increase figure was not confidently isolated, so treat as directional.

Why this is a range, not a quote

Rates depend heavily on your driving record, exact ZIP code, vehicle, and the insurer's own pricing model — two neighbors can legally pay very different amounts for the same coverage. Use ourcost calculator for a figure based on your own details, orget matched with carriers directly.

SR-22 & high-risk filings

Typically required after a DUI/DWI conviction, driving without insurance, an at-fault accident while uninsured, reckless driving, or to reinstate a suspended/revoked license; usually held about 3 years.

Local conditions worth knowing

California is repeatedly cited among the states with the highest uninsured-motorist rates in the country, alongside dense urban traffic and wildfire-adjacent claims exposure in many regions.

Frequently asked

What is the minimum car insurance requirement in California?
California requires liability limits of at least 30/60/15. $30,000 per injured person, $60,000 total per accident for injuries, and $15,000 for property damage. Effective January 1, 2025 - California's first minimum increase since 1967 (previously 15/30/5); existing policies transition at their next renewal after that date, so by mid-2026 nearly all policies should reflect the new limits. Scheduled to rise again to 50/100/25 in 2035.
Is California an at-fault or no-fault state?
California is an at-fault at-fault state for car insurance claims.
Do I need an SR-22 in California?
Typically required after a DUI/DWI conviction, driving without insurance, an at-fault accident while uninsured, reckless driving, or to reinstate a suspended/revoked license; usually held about 3 years.
Is uninsured motorist coverage required in California?
Not required by law; insurers must offer UM/UIM matching your liability limits, and you can decline via a signed rejection form. California is frequently cited as having one of the nation's highest uninsured-driver rates (commonly reported around 15-17%).

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