Insurance
Car Insurance in California
Published September 24, 2026 · Last updated October 1, 2026
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The short answer
Since January 1, 2025, California requires at least 30/60/15 in liability coverage. That was the first increase since 1967. The minimum is set to rise again to 50/100/25 in 2035.
California also sets prices differently than most states. Your driving record, how much you drive, and how long you've been driving matter most.
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California car insurance requirements
Liability coverage pays for injuries and damage you cause to other people. It doesn't pay for your own car. The California minimum is 30/60/15. That means your policy pays up to:
- $30,000 for each person you injure
- $60,000 total for everyone you injure in one crash
- $15,000 for damage to other people's property
Policies with the old, lower limits switched to the new limits when they renewed on or after January 1, 2025.
Coming in 2035. The minimum rises to 50/100/25. That's $50,000 per person, $100,000 per crash, and $25,000 for property damage.
One in five California drivers is uninsured
The Insurance Research Council estimates that 20.4% of California drivers had no insurance in 2023. That's the 8th highest share in the country. If one of them hits you, their missing liability coverage can't pay your medical bills or fix your car.
That's what uninsured motorist coverage is for. It pays for your injuries when the at-fault driver has no insurance, or not enough. California's new 30/60/15 minimum helps a little, but a driver carrying only the minimum may still leave you short after a serious crash. When you compare quotes, check whether uninsured motorist coverage is included and at what limits.
How California sets car insurance prices
California is different from most states. Under Proposition 103, a law voters passed in 1988, insurers must base your price mainly on three things, in this order:
- Your driving safety record
- How many miles you drive each year
- How many years of driving experience you have
Other factors are allowed only if the state approves them and they're truly tied to risk. That means a clean record and fewer miles go a long way in California.
The good driver discount
California insurers must give qualifying good drivers a discount of at least 20%. In general, you may qualify if you:
- Have been licensed for at least 3 years
- Have no more than 1 violation point on your record in the past 3 years
- Weren't mainly at fault in a crash that caused injury or death in that time
Ask any insurer you compare whether you get this discount. If you think you qualify and it's missing, ask why.
Cheap car insurance in California: what's worth knowing
The Low Cost Auto Insurance program. California runs a program for drivers with lower incomes. It offers basic liability coverage that meets state rules. To qualify, you must meet income limits, and your car must be worth $25,000 or less. You can learn more at mylowcostauto.com or by calling 1-866-602-8861.
Report your miles honestly and accurately. Mileage is the second-biggest factor in your price. If you drive less than you used to, tell your insurer.
Compare the same coverage. A cheap quote is often just the minimum. Line up limits and deductibles before you choose. See what affects your auto insurance price and how to lower car insurance.
Not a quote or an offer. Your price comes from the insurance company.
What to ask before you choose
- "What's my good driver discount?" California requires insurers to offer one to drivers who qualify.
- "How are you estimating my yearly miles?" Make sure it's accurate.
- "How much would higher liability limits cost?" $15,000 in property damage won't go far if you hit a newer car.
- "Do I have uninsured motorist coverage?" It pays for your injuries if the other driver has no insurance.
- "Do I have comprehensive coverage?" It pays for wildfire, theft, and falling-object damage to your own car. Learn what comprehensive covers.
The catch: the new minimum is better than before, but it's still low. A single crash with a luxury car, or an injury that needs surgery, can go far past 30/60/15. You could be on the hook for the rest.
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Related services
Own a home in California? See California homeowners insurance. Renting? See renters insurance. Want more protection than your car policy gives? See umbrella insurance.
More car insurance guides: Car insurance cost · SR-22 insurance · High-risk car insurance · Liability-only car insurance · Car insurance for teens · How to lower car insurance · What affects your auto insurance price · What comprehensive covers · Car insurance without a car · Umbrella insurance · All car insurance
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More California guides: California homeowners insurance · California roofing · San Diego car insurance
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Sources
- California Insurance Code §1861.02 (Prop 103 rating factors and good driver discount)
- California Insurance Code §1861.025 (who qualifies as a good driver)
- California Legislature, SB 1107 bill text (2025 and 2035 minimum limits)
- State Farm Newsroom, Understanding California's new auto liability coverage law
- California Department of Insurance, Low Cost Auto Insurance program
- Insurance Research Council estimates of uninsured motorists (2023), via Insurance Information Institute