For more than 50 years, California's minimum car insurance stayed at 15/30/5, among the lowest limits in the country. That changed on January 1, 2025, when Senate Bill 1107 raised the floor to 30/60/15. The same law schedules a second increase to 50/100/25 on January 1, 2035. If you are shopping for auto insurance in 2026, or you received a renewal with a higher price and new limits, this guide explains what changed and what to consider.
What 30/60/15 means
California's minimum requirement is liability coverage, which pays for injuries and damage you cause to other people. It does not pay to repair your own car. The three numbers mean:
$30,000 for bodily injury to one person in an accident
$60,000 total for bodily injury to all people in one accident
$15,000 for damage to other people's property, such as their car or a fence
Our vehicle liability guide explains each part in more detail, and our article on what liability really covers walks through a few accident scenarios.
Why the law changed
The old limits were set in 1967. Medical costs and car repair prices have risen many times over since then. A minor crash involving a newer vehicle can easily cost more than $5,000 to repair, and a hospital stay can exceed $15,000 in a day or two. When damages exceed the at-fault driver's limits, injured people may go uncompensated or turn to their own coverage, and the at-fault driver can be personally responsible for the rest. Lawmakers raised the minimums to close part of that gap.
What happens in 2035
SB 1107 sets a second step: on January 1, 2035, the minimum becomes $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. That is still nine years away, so nothing changes for 2026 renewals because of the 2035 step. But it signals the direction of state policy, and many drivers already choose 50/100/25 or higher today.
How the change affected premiums
Drivers who carried only the old minimum saw their limits raised at their first renewal on or after January 1, 2025, and premiums generally rose to match the higher coverage. Drivers who already carried higher limits saw little or no change from SB 1107 itself. Other forces, such as repair costs, medical inflation and claims frequency, also affect rates, which we explain in why car insurance went up in California. Any rate change still requires approval from the California Department of Insurance under Proposition 103.
Is the minimum enough?
For many drivers, no. The minimum is a legal floor, not a recommendation. Consider a crash in which two people in the other car are hurt and their newer SUV is badly damaged. Medical bills of $45,000 per person would exceed the $30,000 per-person limit, and repairs of $25,000 would exceed the $15,000 property limit. You could be personally responsible for the difference. Higher limits often cost less than people expect relative to the protection they add.
Consider higher limits if you:
own a home or have savings that could be targeted in a lawsuit
drive a lot, commute in heavy traffic, or drive for work
have teen or new drivers on your policy
want an umbrella policy, which usually requires higher underlying auto limits
Three drivers, three choices
Maria, 24, commutes from Long Beach to Torrance. She drives an older paid-off sedan and rents an apartment. She chooses 50/100/25 liability with uninsured motorist coverage and skips collision because her car's value is low. She adds renters insurance through the same carrier to qualify for a multi-policy discount.
James, 45, owns a home and two cars. With equity and retirement savings to protect, he carries 250/500/100 limits, full coverage on both cars, and a $1 million umbrella. The higher auto limits are what make the umbrella possible.
Ana, 31, has a recent DUI. The DMV requires an SR-22 for three years. She buys a policy with at least the 30/60/15 minimum and an SR-22 filing, sets up automatic payments so the coverage never lapses, and plans to review her options once the requirement ends. Our license reinstatement guide explains the steps.
Each driver meets the law. The difference is how much financial risk each one keeps.
Ready to compare prices? Get a free Auto quote from Barua Insurance, or request a Umbrella quote in a few minutes.
Coverages beyond liability
Liability is only one piece. A complete policy often includes uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, medical payments, comprehensive and collision. Uninsured motorist coverage is especially important in California, where a significant share of drivers are uninsured. If you lease or finance your car, your lender will require comprehensive and collision; our leased car guide covers typical requirements. And if you are weighing liability-only versus full coverage, compare the cost against your car's value and your savings.
Special situations
SR-22 drivers
If the DMV requires proof of financial responsibility after a DUI, a lapse or certain violations, your insurer files an SR-22 showing you carry at least the state minimum. Since 2025, that minimum is 30/60/15. If you do not own a car, a non-owner policy can satisfy the requirement.
The Low Cost Auto program
California's Low Cost Auto Insurance Program for income-eligible drivers kept its own lower limits when private-market minimums rose. If you qualify, it can be an affordable way to stay legal.
Rideshare and delivery drivers
Personal policies may exclude driving for apps. Ask about rideshare coverage if you drive for Uber, Lyft or delivery services.
Motorcycles
Motorcycle riders must meet the same financial responsibility rules. See our motorcycle insurance guide or get a motorcycle quote.
Proof of insurance and the DMV
California requires drivers to carry proof of insurance in the vehicle and to show it after an accident or traffic stop. Insurers report coverage electronically to the DMV, and a lapse can lead to registration suspension. If you have unpaid registration fees or a suspension notice, deal with it quickly; our DMV services team can help with registration renewals and paperwork.
How to shop smart in 2026
Decide your limits first, then compare prices with the same limits and deductibles on every quote.
Ask about discounts for good driving, low mileage, multiple cars and bundling.
Remember that California does not allow credit scores to be used in personal auto rating, so your driving record matters most.
Use our quote comparison method to read offers line by line.
Get a free quote from an independent agent who can check several carriers.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum car insurance in California in 2026?
30/60/15: $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $15,000 for property damage.
When do limits rise to 50/100/25?
January 1, 2035, under SB 1107.
Do I need to do anything to comply?
If you renewed after January 1, 2025, your insurer should already have raised your limits to at least 30/60/15. Check your declarations page to confirm.
Does the minimum cover my own car?
No. Liability covers others. Collision and comprehensive cover your vehicle.
What happens if I drive without insurance?
You can face fines, registration suspension, vehicle impoundment and personal liability for damages. You may also need an SR-22 later.
This is general information. Your policy and the DMV's rules control your obligations.
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