California Car Insurance Requirements

Minimum Coverage Requirements

California requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance of 30/60/15 — meaning $30,000 per person for bodily injury, $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $15,000 for property damage. These limits took effect effective January 1, 2025; older guides that list 15/30/5 are out of date.

Average Car Insurance Costs in California

Drivers in California typically pay approximately $1,810 per year ($151/month) for car insurance, based on 2026 industry average data.

Car Insurance Rates by City in California

State Regulations and Key Rules

California has some of the lowest minimum liability limits in the country. As of 2025, new minimums are phased in at 30/60/15. It is an at-fault state. Insurers cannot use credit scores to set rates in California.

What Makes California Unique

California prohibits the use of credit history in determining car insurance premiums, which is unique among most U.S. states. Rates are instead based on driving record, miles driven, and years of experience.

Uninsured Drivers in California

Approximately 16.6% of drivers in California are estimated to be uninsured.

Risk Factors Specific to California

Wildfire smoke and evacuation routes can affect driving conditions significantly in fire-prone areas. Earthquake damage to roads increases accident risk. Los Angeles and Bay Area traffic congestion drives higher-than-average accident frequency and repair costs.

What California’s Minimum Actually Covers

California’s minimum is 30/60/15: $30,000 per injured person, $60,000 total per accident for injuries, and $15,000 for property damage. These limits took effect January 1, 2025 (from 15/30/5). With new vehicles averaging roughly $50,000, the $15,000 property damage limit would leave about $35,000 unpaid if you totaled an average new car — and that gap becomes your personal debt. On the injury side, a single hospital admission after a serious crash can exceed $30,000 quickly; anything above the limit can be pursued from your assets and future wages.

No-Fault, PIP, and Required Add-Ons in California

Uninsured motorist coverage isn’t mandatory in California, though insurers generally must offer it and you may have to reject it in writing.

How California Compares: Uninsured Drivers and Price

An estimated 16.6% of California drivers are uninsured — roughly 1 in 6 — one of the highest uninsured rates in the country. At that rate, uninsured motorist coverage is one of the most valuable add-ons you can buy.

Our average premium estimate of $1,810 a year puts California above the national middle in our 50-state estimates (median $1,395).

How to Save on Car Insurance in California

Because California bans credit-based pricing, your driving record has an outsized impact on your rate — keeping a clean record is the single most effective way to lower premiums. Mileage-based insurance programs are popular and cost-effective for low-mileage urban drivers. Good driver discounts (no violations in 3 years) are substantial in California.

• California's minimum liability requirement of 30/60/15 is the legal floor, not a safe target — since PIP isn't required in California, a separate medical payments (MedPay) add-on is worth pricing out.
• With an estimated 16.6% of California drivers uninsured, carrying uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage above the state minimum is one of the highest-value add-ons you can buy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum car insurance in California?

30/60/15: $30,000 of bodily injury liability per person, $60,000 per accident, and $15,000 of property damage liability. These limits took effect January 1, 2025 (from 15/30/5).

Is California a no-fault state?

No. California is an at-fault state, so the driver who causes an accident is responsible for the resulting injuries and damage, usually through their liability insurance.

How many drivers are uninsured in California?

An estimated 16.6% of California drivers are uninsured, roughly 1 in 6.

The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and reflects estimated industry averages and state requirements as of 2026. Insurance regulations and rates change periodically; always verify current requirements with your state's department of insurance or a licensed insurance professional before making coverage decisions. City-level and statewide premiums shown are approximations — individual rates will vary based on personal factors.