JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers | August 1, 2025 | California Law
If you drive in California, it’s important to know that the state’s minimum car insurance requirements have changed. As of 2025, California has updated the minimum amount of insurance drivers must carry. These changes could affect your insurance costs, how much protection you have after a crash, and what happens if you’re involved in an accident.
In this article, we’ll explain what the new law says, why it was changed, and what it means for you as a California driver.
What Were the Old Minimum Insurance Limits?
Prior to January 1, 2025, California required drivers to carry 15/30/5 coverage. This means your auto liability insurance needed to cover:
- $15,000 for injury or death to one person
- $30,000 total for injury or death to more than one person
- $5,000 for property damage
These amounts were the lowest limits drivers could legally have. While this helped many people get basic insurance at a lower cost, the coverage often wasn’t enough to pay for damages after serious accidents. Many drivers were left paying out-of-pocket for injuries or repairs that weren’t covered. This led to financial hardship for both victims and at-fault drivers.
What Are the New Minimum Insurance Limits?
Since January 1, 2025, California drivers have been required to carry higher minimum liability coverage limits:
- $30,000 for injury or death to one person
- $60,000 total for injury or death to more than one person
- $15,000 for property damage
These changes were passed under Senate Bill 1107, signed into law in 2022, with the goal of providing better protection to drivers and accident victims.
How Does This Affect Insurance Costs?
Higher insurance limits usually mean higher premiums. So yes, drivers may be seeing their monthly or yearly insurance bills go up. However, the increase might not be as large as you think.
In some cases, drivers already carry more than the minimum, so their premiums may not change much. It’s also worth noting that the new limits offer more protection. If you’re in an accident, having higher coverage could keep you from being sued or having to pay thousands out of pocket. It’s a good idea to talk to your insurance agent and compare prices to find the best deal. Paying a little more now can save you a lot more later.
What Should Drivers Do Now?
Review your current auto insurance policy and check your coverage limits. If you are already above the new minimums, you don’t need to make any changes. But if your policy is still at 15/30/5, increase your coverage now to avoid last-minute changes or issues with your insurance provider.
Also, consider uninsured motorist coverage and underinsured motorist coverage, which protect you if you are hit by someone who doesn’t have enough insurance. These types of coverage aren’t required in California, but they are highly recommended.
Protecting Yourself and Your Future
California’s new minimum insurance limits are an important change that impacts nearly every driver. While they may increase costs slightly, they also provide much better protection after an accident. Understanding your policy, knowing your coverage, and preparing for the 2025 change help you avoid legal trouble and protect your finances.
Speak with an insurance agent if you have questions about your coverage or what these new laws mean for you.
Contact a Sherman Oaks Car Accident Lawyer at JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, California’s updated insurance requirements could impact your recovery. Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers for a free initial consultation today at (833) 852-3600.
Our main office is in Encino, CA, but we serve all through Los Angeles County.
JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers
16633 Ventura Blvd suite 1011,
Encino, CA 91436
