Minimum Coverage Requirements in California
California requires minimum liability coverage of 15/30/5: $15,000 per person for bodily injury, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) mandates SR-22 filing for drivers with DUI convictions, license suspensions for points or negligent operator status, at-fault accidents without insurance, or repeat violations. SR-22 filing adds $15–$25 to your policy and remains active for 3 years—any lapse triggers an immediate license suspension and restarts the requirement period.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in California?
California high-risk insurance premiums vary widely based on violation type, driving history, location, and carrier. Drivers with a single speeding ticket or at-fault accident typically see rate increases of 20–40%, while DUI convictions or SR-22 requirements can double or triple base premiums. Urban areas like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Oakland charge significantly higher rates due to claim frequency, and premiums drop as violations age—most carriers reduce surcharges after 3 years and return to standard rates after 5 years if no new incidents occur.
What Affects Your Rate
- Violation type: DUI convictions increase premiums 80–150%, while a single speeding ticket adds 20–30%
- SR-22 filing requirement: adds $15–$25 to file and typically raises premiums 50–100% due to high-risk classification
- Point accumulation: 4 points in 12 months triggers negligent operator status and potential SR-22 requirement; points remain for 3 years
- Urban location: Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Oakland rates are 30–60% higher than rural California due to claim frequency and theft rates
- Claim history: a second at-fault accident or violation within 3 years can trigger non-renewal or force placement with a non-standard carrier
- Time since violation: most carriers reduce surcharges after 3 years and return to standard rates after 5 years with no new incidents
Compare rates from carriers that work with drivers who have points
Standard carriers surcharge heavily after violations. These specialists price your specific record differently.
Get Your Free QuoteCoverage Types
Liability Insurance
Covers injuries and property damage you cause to others in an at-fault accident. California's 15/30/5 minimums are often insufficient—medical bills and property damage in urban areas frequently exceed these limits.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Protects you if an at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient coverage. Covers medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle damage when the other driver cannot pay.
Full Coverage
Combines liability, collision, and comprehensive to cover damages to your vehicle and others'. Required by lenders if you finance or lease, and provides maximum protection after an accident or theft.
SR-22 Insurance
A certificate filed by your insurer proving continuous coverage to the California DMV. Required for DUI, suspended license, or at-fault accidents without insurance—not a separate policy but proof of an active policy.
Non-Standard Auto Insurance
Coverage designed for drivers with violations, suspensions, SR-22 requirements, or poor driving history. Non-standard carriers specialize in high-risk profiles that standard carriers decline or price prohibitively.
Collision Coverage
Pays for damage to your vehicle after a collision, regardless of fault. Required by lenders for financed vehicles and recommended if your vehicle is valued above $4,000–$5,000.
