California Auto Insurance: Minimum Coverage & Rates
California requires 30/60/15 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.
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California at a Glance
30/60/15
Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)
At-fault
The at-fault driver's insurance pays for the damage they cause
Optional
PIP and uninsured motorist coverage are not required by law
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
State Requirements
California operates under a tort-based liability system, meaning the at-fault driver is financially responsible for damages. The state requires all drivers to carry proof of financial responsibility — typically auto insurance — and uses electronic verification to flag uninsured vehicles at registration. California's Department of Insurance mandates that insurers offer uninsured motorist coverage at the same limits as your liability policy, though you can reject it in writing.
Bodily Injury Liability
Property Damage Liability
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Cost Overview
$50–$96/mo
Typical monthly rate in California, minimum-coverage policies
Rate data: NerdWallet, ValuePenguin and Insurify, 2026
Find the Lowest Rate That Still Protects You
Find Your Lowest RateCoverage Types
Liability Insurance
The only coverage California law requires. Pays for injuries and property damage you cause to others, but provides zero coverage for your own vehicle or medical bills. The 15/30/5 minimum leaves you personally liable for any costs beyond those limits.
Full Coverage
Bundles liability, uninsured motorist, collision, and comprehensive into one policy. Repairs or replaces your vehicle after accidents, theft, vandalism, or weather damage regardless of fault. Only financially rational if your car is worth more than $5,000–$8,000.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Covers your medical bills and vehicle damage when hit by a driver with no insurance or insufficient liability limits. California insurers must offer this at your liability limits, but you can reject it in writing to save $8–$20/month.
Collision Coverage
Pays to repair your vehicle after an accident regardless of who was at fault, minus your deductible. Lenders require this on financed vehicles, but it's optional once the loan is paid off.
Comprehensive Coverage
Covers non-collision damage to your vehicle: theft, vandalism, fire, hail, flood, falling objects, and animal strikes. You pay your deductible; insurance pays the rest up to your car's actual cash value.
SR-22 Insurance
Not a separate coverage type, but a certificate your insurer files with the California DMV proving you carry at least minimum liability coverage. Required after DUI convictions, multiple at-fault accidents, driving without insurance, or license suspension. You must maintain it for three years without lapses.