In This Article
California raised its auto insurance minimums for the first time since 1967
Under SB 1107, the new minimums are $30,000 / $60,000 / $15,000 (30/60/15). This affects your premium at renewal. Read our full breakdown →
California's New 2025 Minimum Coverage Requirements
Effective January 1, 2025, California updated its mandatory liability minimums under Senate Bill 1107 — the first change in over 57 years. All standard auto policies must now carry at least:
| Coverage | Before 2025 | From 2025 Onward |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily Injury — per person | $15,000 | $30,000 |
| Bodily Injury — per accident | $30,000 | $60,000 |
| Property Damage — per accident | $5,000 | $15,000 |
These new 30/60/15 minimums are the legal floor — not a recommendation. A serious accident involving hospitalization can easily generate bills exceeding $200,000. Carrying only minimum coverage leaves your personal assets exposed to anything above the limit. We recommend 100/300/100 or higher for most California drivers. Read our full 2025 changes guide →
Note: A second increase is already scheduled for January 1, 2035, when minimums will rise again to 50/100/25. Carrying those limits today future-proofs your policy for a decade.
Types of California Auto Coverage Explained
Liability
Pays for injury and property damage you cause to others. The 30/60/15 limits are the legal minimum. Required for every registered vehicle in CA.
Collision
Pays to repair or replace your car after an accident regardless of fault. Required by lenders if you finance or lease your vehicle.
Comprehensive
Covers theft, fire, vandalism, weather events, and hitting an animal. Often paired with collision — sometimes called "full coverage."
Uninsured Motorist
Protects you if you're hit by a driver with no insurance. About 1 in 6 California drivers is uninsured. This coverage is more important than most people realize.
Medical Payments (MedPay)
Covers your own and your passengers' medical bills after an accident, regardless of who was at fault. Useful if your health insurance has a high deductible.
Rental Reimbursement
Pays for a rental car while yours is being repaired after a covered claim. A small add-on that prevents big inconvenience. Usually $10–20/year.
What Is SR-22 — And Do You Need One?
An SR-22 is not an insurance policy — it's a certificate of financial responsibility that your insurance company files with the California DMV on your behalf. It proves that you carry the state-required minimum liability coverage.
You may be required to get an SR-22 filing if you:
- Were convicted of DUI or DWI
- Accumulated too many points on your license
- Were caught driving without insurance
- Had your license suspended or revoked
- Were involved in an at-fault accident without insurance
Not all insurance carriers handle SR-22 filings, and having one typically increases your premium. CoverGuard works with carriers that specialize in SR-22 situations and can help you find the best available rate. The SR-22 requirement typically lasts 3 years in California.
5 Proven Ways to Lower Your Auto Premium
- Bundle your policies. Combining auto with homeowners or renters insurance typically saves 10–25% on both. We'll always check whether bundling gives you a better combined rate.
- Increase your deductible. Moving from a $250 to $1,000 deductible can reduce collision and comprehensive premiums significantly — but only make this switch if you can comfortably pay the deductible out of pocket.
- Ask about low-mileage discounts. If you drive under 7,500 miles per year (or work from home), many carriers offer significant discounts. Usage-based programs like Progressive Snapshot can also save money for safe, low-mileage drivers.
- Take a defensive driving course. A state-approved course can earn you a discount from most carriers. Often $25–50 for the course, saving $50–150/year.
- Shop with an independent broker. This is consistently the biggest lever. Rates for identical coverage can vary by hundreds of dollars per year across carriers. CoverGuard compares 20+ in minutes.
See how much you could save
Free quote, no obligation. A licensed local agent compares 20+ carriers for you.
Why Use an Independent Broker Instead of Going Direct?
When you go directly to a carrier like Progressive or State Farm, you're only seeing one company's pricing. An independent broker like CoverGuard works with 20+ top-rated carriers and compares them all — so you get the best rate for your specific situation, not the best rate one company happens to offer.
Here's the difference in practice:
- One call or form gets you 20+ quotes instantly
- You get unbiased advice — we only make money if you're happy and stay
- At claims time, we advocate for you — not the carrier
- We review your policy every renewal to make sure you're still getting the best rate
- Your info is never sold to other agents (unlike online comparison sites)
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