Personal Auto Insurance in California

Driving in California can be enjoyable and picturesque, but the state’s geography may be difficult to navigate. Whether you're using the freeways of Los Angeles or cruising down the Pacific Coast Highway, accidents can easily occur. Having personal auto insurance may be essential for these incidents because it can help you cover certain damages depending on your policy.  

Here, we’ll break down what you should know about car insurance in California, the state’s minimum coverage requirements, and how Infinity Insurance Agency, Inc. (IIA) can help you find an auto insurance policy that aligns with your needs.  

With IIA, we can help you compare car insurance rates so you can find cheap car insurance in California that works for your budget. Here’s what IIA can offer you:

• Guidance on California minimum insurance requirements 
• Same-day digital ID cards, once payment is issued
• Help with SR-22 filing
• Access to 20+ reputable carriers
• Bilingual support
• Auto insurance discounts if eligible

Auto insurance requirements in California  

In California, having car insurance is not just helpful, but important to stay compliant with state laws. California requires drivers to carry a minimum level of liability insurance. This type of insurance can help cover costs if you injure someone or damage their vehicle during an accident.  

As of 2025, California has new minimum insurance requirements. These are:  

• $30,000 for injury to one person in an accident  
• $60,000 for injury to multiple people in an accident  
• $15,000 for damage to a third party’s property  

When minimum coverage is not enough  

So, what would a scenario be where California’s minimal liability coverage may fall short? Imagine you collide with another car, and you’re deemed at fault. If you get into a severe accident or hit an expensive car, the minimum liability coverage you’ve purchased might not cover the total damage costs. This is where opting for higher liability limits may help you avoid paying large out-of-pocket costs.  

Full coverage vs. minimum coverage  

Though minimum liability can be essential, purchasing full coverage auto insurance may help drivers navigate a wider array of situations. The term full coverage can be deceptive, though, because it does not cover every accident, but may help you cover damage to your vehicle in certain circumstances. Alongside liability, full coverage typically includes: 

• Collision coverage: This can help pay for damage to your own vehicle if you're in a covered accident, regardless of fault.  
• Comprehensive coverage: This can help cover damage to your car caused by certain non-collision incidents, like vandalism, theft, or natural disasters.  

For auto insurance quotes in California, our team can help you compare higher liability limits and minimum coverage policies so you can find an affordable rate for your budget.

Penalties for driving without insurance  

California takes driving without insurance seriously. If you're caught driving without proof of insurance, you may face a fine of up to $200 and additional assessment fees. If you have subsequent offenses, you could face up to $1,800 fines.  

If you're in a collision and don’t have proper insurance coverage, your driving privileges could be suspended for a year, or for up to four years for a second offense. If you’re a repeat offender, your vehicle may also be impounded, regardless of who caused the accident. To get your license back, you’ll need to obtain an SR-22 certificate (proof of minimum liability insurance). You may only be able to get your license back in the last three years of suspension, but you must maintain your SR-22 insurance in California until the suspension period ends.   

Is California considered a no-fault state?  

California is not a no-fault state. This means that if you're involved in an accident, the driver who is at fault is typically responsible for paying for the damage. If you're the at-fault driver, your liability coverage can help cover the other driver’s costs. If you don’t have sufficient coverage or the damage exceeds your liability limits, you could be personally responsible for paying the remaining expenses.   

How much does auto insurance cost in California?  

You may be wondering if California has low-cost auto insurance available in the state. There are many factors that can affect how pricey or inexpensive your coverage is. Insurance companies consider a combination of things when determining your rates, which can include:  

• Your driving history: If you have a history of accidents or traffic violations, your rates may be higher.  
• Your car's make and model: Luxury or electric vehicles may cost more to insure because of how expensive repairing their parts might be.  
• Your location: Insurance rates may vary based on where you live in the state. For example, those living in urban areas like Los Angeles or San Francisco may experience higher rates due to a larger occurrence of accidents.   
• Your age: Younger drivers under 25 may face higher premiums due to statistical risk factors.  
• Coverage options: The more coverage you add (like collision or comprehensive), the higher your premium may be.   

If you’re looking for affordable coverage, some ways you can find California low-cost auto insurance for you may include comparing carriers, choosing higher deductibles, and checking eligibility for discounts. Our team can help you compare rates to locate a policy that aligns with your budget.

How it works

So, how do I get personal or commercial auto insurance in California? Following these steps may help you tailor a policy with a rate that works for you:

• Give personal details: You may need to provide your ZIP and other details like vehicle information or driving history.
• Compare rates: IIA works with 20+ carriers so you can compare quotes to find the best rate for you.
• Begin coverage: Once you select a policy, you can often get same-day ID cards, once payment is issued.