The state of California is known as a tort state.  A tort operated state requires drivers to be financially responsible for property and medical damage when accidents happen.  Therefore, minimum insurance needs to be liability to cover these costs in case of an accident.  However, in California, it is always advisable to purchase more than the minimum in order to protect your assets in case of a serious accident, since in California the financial responsibility does not end at liability.  In California, you can also opt to buy a $35,000 certificate in lieu of auto insurance.  This certificate or bond will cover any financial responsibility in case of an accident.  This is not very popular idea, due to the expensive financial burden of a bond.

Q: “What is the minimum amount of auto insurance coverage that I need in California?”

Minimum liability coverage for auto insurance in California is 15/30/5.  This means that minimum coverage for personal injury is $15,000 (per each person), $30,000 for all injured persons, and $5,000 for property damages.  California does not require uninsured motorist injury coverage which protects you in the event of a hit-and-run or if you are injured by a driver with no insurance.    Even though this type of coverage is not required, it is highly advisable to get this type of insurance since these types of accidents can be very costly.

Compare California Car Insurance Rates Online

California has one of the largest auto insurance markets, so its never been easier to compare auto insurance quotes online.  At autoinsurancebystate.com you can get multiple quotes from the top auto insurance companies just by putting your zip code in.  You can also apply online and get instant quotes.  Just point and click!

Current Providers in California

For More Information

For more information on California auto insurance rates, feel free to contact:

California Department of Insurance
Consumer Services Division
300 South Spring Street, South Tower
Los Angeles, CA 90013
Phone: (800) 927-HELP (4357) (Calling from within Ca.)
Phone: (213) 897-8921 (Outside California)
Phone: (800) 482-4833 (TDD – Telecommunication Devices for the Deaf)