A recent change in California’s minimum car insurance coverage law should offer more protection for victims who are struck by careless drivers.
There’s the potential for more support for those injured in accidents. The amendment to the California Vehicle Code also provides the potential for more wrongful death support for families who have a loved one taken from them.
(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), for any policy or bond issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2025, if the accident has resulted in bodily injury or death, to a limit, exclusive of interest and costs, of not less than thirty thousand dollars ($30,000) because of bodily injury to or death of one person in any one accident and, subject to that limit for one person, to a limit of not less than sixty thousand dollars ($60,000) because of bodily injury to or death of two or more persons in any one accident, and, if the accident has resulted in injury to, or destruction of property, to a limit of not less than fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) because of injury to or destruction of property of others in any one accident.
The New California Car Insurance Minimums
In 2025, California’s vehicle code mandating a certain level of car insurance protection for all drivers was changed. It raised the minimum policy drivers could hold to be allowed to drive on California roads.
Before the change, drivers were required to carry 15/30/5 coverage. It’s shorthand for $15,000 in coverage for the injury or death of one person, at least $30,000 for the injury or death of multiple victims, and $5,000 for property damage.
In 2025, the Protect California Drivers Act changed the vehicle code. The requirement became 30/60/15.
- $30,000 covering one person’s injury or death
- $60,000 covering an accident that hurts multiple people
- $15,000 covering the other driver’s vehicle damage
The requirements are also explained on the California DMV website.
See: What happens if I’m struck by an uninsured driver in California?
Some Other Important Changes to the Auto Insurance Requirement
Some people would rather cover their own accidents without getting an insurance policy. To do this, drivers could deposit at least $35,000 with the DMV to prove they had enough money to cover any accidents they caused. As of 2025, that deposit must be $75,000.
2035: CVC 16056 already has another minimum car insurance policy hike built in. In 2035, the requirement will become 50/100/25.
The Punishment: The penalty for being in an accident and caught without car insurance remains stiff. Drivers caught without insurance in collisions, whether they caused the crash or not, could lose their license for up to four years.
When You Might Need a Lawyer for Your Car Accident Case
If your accident involves a serious injury and another driver caused your accident, it’s a good signal that you could earn more with a lawyer’s help. A list of serious injuries would include a broken bone, a neck or back injury, or a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).
Maison Law of California offers a free, no-obligation case consultation for all injured California accident victims. If you do need our help, there are no upfront charges. In fact, we aren’t paid unless we win your case for you. Then our fee comes out of the check the insurance company must write for you.
