Minimum car insurance in California.
What California requires, in plain words, and why the minimum may not be enough.
The minimum limits
In California, the minimum liability limits are written 30/60/15 (in thousands): $30,000 for injury to one person, $60,000 for injury to everyone in one accident, and $15,000 for property damage.
How the system works
California is generally an at-fault (tort) state, so the driver who causes a crash is responsible for the other party’s losses. That is why liability limits matter so much.
Tort (at-fault) state. Limits rose from 15/30/5 on Jan 1, 2025 (SB 1107). UM/UIM not required.
What the minimum means in practice
Say a crash you cause injures three people. The California minimum pays at most $30,000 to any one of them and $60,000 in total, shared between all three. Any medical bills above that could become your responsibility. Property damage stops at $15,000.
If you drive without insurance in California
The California DMV says a driver in a collision without proper coverage can have driving privileges suspended for up to four years, and a vehicle with suspended registration may be cited or impounded. The DMV pages read do not state a fine amount.
Proof of insurance
Insurers must electronically report private-use liability policies to the DMV, law enforcement and courts can see insurance status on DMV records, and drivers must carry proof of insurance.
SR-22 and similar filings
California can require a California Insurance Proof Certificate (SR 22/SR 1P), and a suspended driver can regain a license during the last three years of a suspension by providing and keeping one for those three years.
Also worth knowing in California
A collision causing more than $1,000 in property damage or any injury or death must be reported to the DMV on form SR 1 within 10 days, and failing to file can lead to suspension.
Your state regulator
California Department of Insurance is the official place for consumer questions and complaints about insurers.
Sources we checked (October 2026)
Requirements change. We checked the pages below. Confirm with your state insurance department or an agent.
Questions
Is California a no-fault state?
California is generally an at-fault state.