California car insurance: requirements & free quotes
California raised its minimum liability limits to 30/60/15 for policies issued or renewed starting January 1, 2025, the first increase in decades. It is an at-fault state, and dense freeway traffic in Los Angeles and the Bay Area makes higher liability limits worth considering.
Minimum coverage in California
$30,000
Bodily injury per person
$60,000
Bodily injury per accident
$15,000
Property damage
Bodily injury liability $30,000 per person / $60,000 per accident
Property damage liability $15,000 per accident
Shown as 30/60/15. State minimums only cover others when you're at fault — they don't pay to repair your own car. Read how much car insurance you really need.
Ways to save on car insurance in California
- California's Low Cost Auto program offers income-qualified drivers a basic policy at reduced cost.
- Insurers in California must offer a Good Driver Discount to qualifying drivers, so ask if you qualify.
- Uninsured motorist coverage is optional but protects you if the at-fault driver has no insurance.
- Low annual mileage can lower your premium, so report it accurately if you work from home.
We connect drivers across California
Including Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco and Sacramento — and smaller towns in between. Availability depends on agencies serving your ZIP code.
California car insurance FAQ
No. California is an at-fault (tort) state, which means the driver who causes an accident — through their liability insurance — is responsible for the other people's injuries and property damage.
Compare quotes from several insurers, ask about discounts (bundling, safe driver, paperless, good student), raise your deductible if you have savings to cover it, and keep a clean driving record. A local agent can shop multiple insurance companies for you at once.