State coverage guide
California Auto Insurance Requirements
California is an at-fault (tort) state with some of the country’s most closely regulated auto insurance rules. Drivers must carry liability coverage, and Proposition 103 limits how insurers can rate you.
Written by
Marcus Reyes
Coverage Analyst · CPCU
Reviewed by
Priya Nadkarni
Managing Editor · Licensed P&C Agent
What California requires
California law requires every driver to carry at least 15/30/5 liability coverage — $15,000 for injury to one person, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage. These are the legal minimum; they are frequently too low to cover a serious accident.
How Proposition 103 shapes your rate
California prohibits insurers from using your credit score to set auto rates, and prioritizes driving record, annual mileage, and years of experience instead. Rate changes require regulatory approval, which is why California pricing can move differently from the rest of the country.
What we suggest carrying
Given repair and medical costs in the state, most California drivers benefit from liability well above the minimum plus uninsured motorist coverage, which insurers must offer you.
Sources
California rates
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