The minimum car insurance coverage required by law in California is often called 15/30/5. This means $15,000 for injury/death to one person, $30,000 for injury/death to more than one person, and $5,000 for property damage in a single accident. This is the absolute baseline financial responsibility law, but it's widely considered insufficient to protect your assets in a serious accident.
This mandatory coverage is known as liability insurance. It doesn't cover your own vehicle repairs or medical bills; it only pays for the costs of others if you are at fault in a collision. The "15/30" figures represent bodily injury liability (BI) per person and per accident, while the "5" is for property damage liability (PD).
| Coverage Type | Minimum Required Amount in California | What It Typically Covers |
|---|
| Bodily Injury Liability (per person) | $15,000 | Another person's medical expenses, lost wages, or legal fees if you're at fault. |
| Bodily Injury Liability (per accident) | $30,000 | Total for all people injured in an accident you cause. |
| Property Damage Liability (per accident) | $5,000 | Damage you cause to someone else's property (e.g., their car, fence, building). |
While meeting the legal minimum keeps you compliant, it leaves you financially vulnerable. Repairing a modern car can easily exceed $5,000, and medical bills from a single injury can surpass $15,000 instantly. Most financial advisors and insurance agents strongly recommend carrying higher limits, such as 100/300/100, and adding optional coverages like uninsured/underinsured motorist and collision to protect yourself.
