Statutory Minimum Liability Coverage
California law requires drivers to carry at least $15,000 for injury or death to one person, $30,000 for injury or death to more than one person, and $5,000 for property damage (15/30/5). These are the baseline limits; many drivers choose higher limits to reduce out‑of‑pocket exposure.
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Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Protection
All policies must include uninsured motorist (UM) coverage equal to the liability limits, and optional underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage can be added. If the at‑fault driver lacks sufficient coverage, your UM/UIM protection can cover the shortfall.
Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay)
MedPay is optional in California but often bundled with liability. It pays for medical expenses regardless of fault, up to the policy's limit, and can be useful for minor injuries where health‑insurance deductibles are high.
Collision and Comprehensive Options
These are optional add‑ons that cover damage to your own vehicle. Collision pays for accidents with other cars or objects, while comprehensive covers theft, fire, vandalism, and natural disasters. Premiums vary based on vehicle value, driver history, and deductible chosen.
California's "No-Fault" Elements
California is not a pure no‑fault state, but it does require drivers to maintain proof of insurance and imposes penalties for driving without coverage, including vehicle registration suspension and fines.
Key Comparative Table
| Coverage Type | Legal Requirement | Typical Optional Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Liability (Bodily Injury) | 15/30 | 25/50 or higher |
| Liability (Property Damage) | 5 | 10–25 |
| Uninsured Motorist | Required, equal to liability | Same as liability limits |
| Medical Payments | Optional | 1,000–5,000 |
| Collision | Optional | Deductible 250–1,000 |
| Comprehensive | Optional | Deductible 250–1,000 |