State guide
Insurance in California
Required coverage, penalties, official contacts and sources for California, reviewed 2026-10.
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Car insurance
What California requires.
Liability minimum 30/60/15. Claims system: fault-based claims.
| Coverage | Requirement in California |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | $30,000 per person / $60,000 per accident |
| Property damage liability | $15,000 per accident |
| Injury protection | Not listed as required |
| Uninsured / underinsured motorist | Not listed as required |
Required coverage
- Injury or death to one person: at least $30,000
- Injury or death to more than one person: at least $60,000
- Property damage: at least $15,000
Other coverage commonly available
- Collision
- Comprehensive
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist
- Medical payments
If you drive without required coverage
The DMV requires evidence of insurance at registration renewal, when law enforcement asks, and after a collision. If the DMV does not receive proof of insurance for a vehicle, its registration will be suspended.
Notices
What to know in California.
- The California DMV states that collision or comprehensive insurance alone does not meet the financial responsibility requirement. Liability coverage is required.
- Minimum limits increased on January 1, 2025. Older materials showing 15/30/5 are out of date.
- If you cannot afford liability insurance, you may be eligible for the California Low Cost Automobile Insurance Program: mylowcostauto.com or 1-866-602-8861 (listed by the DMV).
- Notify the DMV before you cancel your insurance to avoid a registration suspension.
General information only. It is not legal advice. Rules change, so confirm with the official sources listed below.
Home insurance
Fire, earthquake and last-resort coverage work differently
- The California FAIR Plan was established so property owners have access to basic fire insurance when the traditional market does not offer it. It is an insurer of last resort.
- Earthquake coverage is a separate policy. The FAIR Plan offers earthquake coverage through the California Earthquake Authority (CEA) only for customers who have a FAIR Plan Dwelling Fire policy.
- Standard homeowners policies typically do not cover earthquake or flood damage, so ask your agent about both.
Health insurance
Covered California
Covered California (state-based marketplace)
- California runs its own marketplace, Covered California. State marketplaces can set their own enrollment dates, so confirm them on the marketplace site.
Contacts
Who to contact.
- California Department of Insurance
- Website: insurance.ca.gov
- Phone: 1-800-927-4357 (Department of Insurance consumer line listed by the DMV)
- NAIC directory of state insurance departments
Sources
Where this summary comes from.
Reviewed 2026-10. Check each source for the current rule.
Keep going.
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