This article provides general legal information for educational purposes. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Consult a licensed attorney in your state for guidance specific to your situation.
California's minimum automobile liability insurance requirements increased significantly on January 1, 2025 under Senate Bill 1107. Understanding these requirements helps you evaluate whether the at-fault driver's coverage is adequate for your damages.
New 2025 Minimums
Effective January 1, 2025, California Vehicle Code § 16056 (as amended by SB 1107) requires all California-registered vehicles to carry minimum liability coverage of:
- $30,000 per person for bodily injury
- $60,000 per occurrence for bodily injury (multiple people)
- $15,000 for property damage
The prior minimums ($15,000/$30,000/$5,000) applied to policies in force before January 1, 2025. Policies renewing after that date must meet the new minimums. Both old and new minimum amounts are frequently insufficient to cover the full damages from serious accidents.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
California Insurance Code § 11580.2 requires every automobile liability insurer to offer uninsured motorist (UM) coverage and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage to policyholders. Policyholders may decline this coverage in writing. UM coverage applies when the at-fault driver is uninsured; UIM coverage applies when their liability limits are insufficient to cover your damages.
California's uninsured driver rate is approximately 16.5% (Insurance Research Council, 2022). UM/UIM coverage is practically important given this rate.
When Minimums Are Insufficient
A single serious injury — involving emergency surgery, hospitalization, and rehabilitation — can easily exceed $100,000 in medical expenses alone. The new $30,000 per-person minimum is inadequate for serious injuries. When the at-fault driver's policy limits are exhausted, your options include: your own UIM coverage, a direct judgment against the defendant, or both.
The following amounts are the amounts applicable under this code as the minimum requirements of a motor vehicle liability policy for bodily injury or death: (a) Fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) for the death of or injury to one person in any one accident. [Note: increased to $30,000 effective January 1, 2025]
General legal information only. Not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney about your coverage.
Under SB 1107 (effective January 1, 2025), California requires minimum liability coverage of $30,000 per person / $60,000 per occurrence / $15,000 property damage. Prior minimums of $15,000/$30,000/$5,000 applied to policies before 2025.
Generally no. A single serious injury with surgery and rehabilitation can exceed $100,000 in medical expenses — far above the $30,000 per-person minimum. Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage from your own policy may provide additional recovery when the at-fault driver's limits are exhausted.