On January 1, 2025, California implemented new minimum auto insurance liability limits to better protect drivers and accident victims. This change, enacted through Senate Bill 1107, marks the first adjustment to the state’s minimum liability requirements in over 56 years.
The new insurance limits increased to $30,000 per person (previously $15,000) and $60,000 per accident for all persons injured or deceased (previously $30,000). This increase in limits is designed to provide more financial support for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages that arise when you are injured in an accident.
The updated minimum auto insurance requirements in California aim to provide drivers with greater financial protection in the event of an accident. It’s essential to review your current policy, understand the new limits, and consult with your attorney or insurance provider to ensure compliance and adequate coverage.
As of 2024, roughly 17% of all California drivers were uninsured, but that number is expected to rise as the increase in limits will also come with an increase in insurance premiums. This makes the need for Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage more important than ever.
Without UM coverage, you are relying on other drivers to have adequate insurance coverage for both your vehicle repairs and injuries. If the other driver does not have insurance, your UM coverage would cover you for any medical bills, expenses and injuries you sustain. Furthermore, it protects you from hit-and-run accidents as UM coverage typically covers hit-and-run accidents (there can be other requirements including filing a police report, so check your auto policy language to make sure all requirements are met).
UM coverage also typically comes with underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage. You can benefit from UIM coverage when the at fault driver has minimal insurance limits and you prefer sufficient coverage beyond what the other driver may have.
If you are interested in either obtaining UM / UIM coverage, or interested in raising your insurance limits for further protection, please call Moore Law Group. Our office will gladly provide a free consultation to look at your insurance policy, explain what each coverage means, and provide recommendations.
